These vegan saffron cheesecake bars have a whole-wheat crust, are specked with walnuts and are tender and shortbread-like. They are also perfectly sweet without being cloying. The cheesecake layer is soft and gooey with the warmth of saffron adding more flavor.
I have for you today a recipe that's going to make the child in you beam for joy: Saffron Cheesecake Bars. What's more, they're wholegrain.
I was thinking of making a perfect snacktime recipe for Jay that would also put a gleam into sweet-seeking Desi's eyes. These bars, with the elegance of saffron and healthfulness of whole wheat, have just the right appeal for a discerning adult. But they also have the sweetness and vibrance to make a little boy's heart -- and tummy -- perfectly happy.
The whole-wheat crust, specked with walnuts, is tender and shortbready, and perfectly sweet without being cloying. The cheesecake layer is soft and gooey. The warmth of saffron, so delicious in baked goods like these vegan whole wheat saffron buns, infuses these cheesecake bars with a sublime je ne sais quoi.
I baked my bars in a 9 X 9 inch baking pan, which made them a little slim, but I like them that way. For thicker bars, use an 8 X 8 inch baking dish. On to the recipe now.
More vegan cookie recipes
- Vegan pecan pie bars
- Vegan pink lemonade bars
- Vegan chocolate coconut cookie bars
- Vegan shortbread
- Vegan keto cheesecake bites
Recipe card
Vegan Saffron Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For crust
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup walnuts (lightly toasted and finely chopped)
- A pinch of saffron
- â…“ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoon vegan butter (at room temperature)
For the cheesecake topping
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese
- â…“ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon egg replacer
- 2 pinches saffron
- 2 teaspoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- orange food coloring (you could skip this entirely-- I just wanted a lovely color on my bars)
Instructions
- Mix the saffron with milk and set aside.
- Make the crust by mixing together the flour, sugar, walnuts, saffron and butter. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Grease the bottom of an 8 X 8 inch baking pan. Pat in the crust with your fingers, making it an even layer.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove.
- While the crust is baking, make the cheesecake topping.
- Mix together the cream cheese, sugar, saffron with almond milk, and vanilla extract until you have a very smooth, creamy mixture.
- Spread it on top of the walnut-flour crust in an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake 25 minutes.
- Cool on a rack and then cut into 16 squares.
Nutrition Information
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vernah says
Thank you for your insights! So eloquent! I can't wait to try your recipe for 'paneer' as that is something I really miss, as I miss all cheeses. Meat is not too difficult, but cheese is tough. I just found your site,thank you for all of your excellent recipes!
Sheela says
Hello Vaishali, Thanks for the thought provoking article. I love animals, they are just beautiful, intelligent creatures.
I completely agree to the cow treatment ranging from praying to beating according to one's own comfort. Very sad!
I am from India and the vision is still crisp.
On another note; Can't wait to try your saffron bar recipe. Looks yummy:)
Will keep you posted on my kitchen experiment.
Must say, I don't leave message often but remember you each time I cook some of my all time favourite recipes from your virtual kitchen library. Thanks for sharing!
A big hug!
Sheela
Vaishali Honawar says
Thanks, Sheela, so lovely to hear from you again. Cows are my favorite animals, and it is hard to imagine anyone treating them so badly, but unfortunately the reality is all around us. I would love to hear about your kitchen experiments. Hugs back to you. 🙂
NancyK says
Thank you for speaking up for the cows. I love them (and all animals) and it hurts badly to see them suffer because of us.
I look forward to making these! Today I am making 3 of your other dishes (for about the 10th time, I love them so!). Thank you so much for keeping your loyal fans well fed.
Vaishali Honawar says
Thanks, Nancy, for your kind words. 🙂 So glad you're trying these!
Priya says
Hi Vaishali,
Exactly my views too on the ban, though I wouldn't have put it so clear. The best part is, the court has advised the minorities not to make this is a religious or prestige issue. 🙂
The bars look beautiful!!
Vaishali Honawar says
Thanks for the kind words, Priya. And that's really sad, when the courts start getting prejudicial.
Padma says
I really enjoyed reading your "rant". One of the first things we notice as indians when we come to the U.S is how well fed the American cattle is. They have a good life until....
Vaishali Honawar says
Hi Padma, this is not a defense of killing cattle anywhere-- here or in India. As a vegan, I would rather not see animals killed anywhere, for any reason. It's about the hypocrisy of those of us who want to believe that somehow animals do not have to suffer to produce milk because they do suffer -- a lot.