2ouncessemisweet chocolatebroken into pieces, or chocolate chips
1cupalmondsraw
1cupoatsnot instant
pinch of salt
3tablespoonscoconut oilmelted
Filling
6ouncessemisweet chocolatebroken into small pieces, or chocolate chips
16ouncescream cheesereduced-fat, room temperature
1cupricotta cheeselow-fat
3/4cupcoconut palm sugar
4eggslarge
1/2cupGreek yogurtplain, fat-free
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Chocolate Sauce
1/2cupsemisweet chocolatebroken into pieces, or chocolate chips
1/4cuplite coconut milkcanned
1tablespooncoconut palm sugar
1/2teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Berries
1cupraspberriesfresh or berries of choice (if using strawberries, cut into halves or quarters)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For the Crust
*Use a double boiler to melt chocolate or melt in a saucepan or low heat.
Add almonds, oats, and salt to a food processor and pulse until a fine crumb consistency. Stir almond-oat mixture, melted chocolate, and coconut oil in a small bowl until well-combined.
Add crumbs to a 9-inch springform pan and press crumbs evenly on bottom and 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan.
Tip - Place plastic wrap over the fingers of one hand to press crumbs in place. Refrigerate crust to set while preparing the filling.
For the Filling
*Use the same double boiler or saucepan to melt chocolate, and turn off heat when done. Cover and leave pan on burner while preparing the filling. Chocolate should still be warm when adding to the filling.
Add cream cheese and ricotta cheese to a large mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat cheeses until light and fluffy and there are no longer visible lumps.
Add coconut palm sugar and continue beating until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat just until incorporated. Add yogurt and vanilla and beat until combined.
Pour warm chocolate into mixture and mix until chocolate is well combined.
To Bake and Chill
Pour filling into prepared crust, place on a baking sheet, and bake on center oven rack 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until top is set and some jiggle is still visible in the center.
Place cheesecake on a cooling rack and cool to room temperature, about 3 to 4 hours.
If any cracks appear in the cheesecake, don't worry as they will be filled in with the topping and no longer visible.
Place plastic wrap over the pan and refrigerate overnight or until completely chilled. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to set at room temperature about 5 minutes. Run a warm knife around the outside of the cheesecake before releasing sides of springform pan. It is recommended to leave the cheesecake on the bottom part of the springform pan for serving.
To Serve - Topped with Chocolate Sauce and Berries
Whisk together all ingredients for chocolate sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, until chocolate has melted. Allow to cool slightly then pour over cheesecake.