Tofu is great substitution for cream cheese. It gives me the pleasure of stuffing more than a slice without feeling guilty.
We all need more tofu in our lives.
And yes, everyone deserves to stuff themselves silly, every once in a while.
Also, I was in a complete mess. Like, totally “ran-out-of-blood-oranges” type of mess. I had enough to use in this recipe, but no leftovers for food styling or garnish.
So, I did what any next person would have done — I drove to the nearest store in my pajama’s, and quickly grabbed a few (or so I thought) blood oranges.
Got a couple of stinky eyes in the store, and I blame it on my pajamas. But I don’t care any less. I live for pajamas too you know. It’s super comfortable and I can’t part with comfort.
Nor am I wiling to part with this gorgeous cheesecake — I could eat a million slices.
Drove back home as fast as I could without getting a speeding ticket, sliced through the oranges and squealed out loud.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
‘Twas Florida oranges, not blood oranges.
This time, I blamed it on my “nit-picky” attitude, thrown in the towel and called it quits. Quitting against oranges are ego bruising, I tell ya.
So, I present to you — navel oranges in all of my food styling. Pinky swear I used blood oranges for this recipe.
Go make some now and prove me otherwise.
I was hoping the color of this cheesecake to turn slightly pink at least, with the use of blood oranges. But I guess everything happens for a reason.
Epic fail — I think the blood orange gods are mad at me, or what?!?
Promise you, there’s no epic fail in taste or texture. This cheesecake would blow your mind. On Valentines’ Day.
Just be prepared. And have blood oranges on hand. Heck, have every ingredients ready. Otherwise, we might be able to recognize each other at the produce aisle of Publix — in our pajamas. Duh!
And oh, did I mention about my springform pan, giving up on me at the last minute? It’s one disaster after another. Thank goodness the pie pan came to rescue.
Slightly adapted from Philadelphia cream cheese packaging.
Ingredients:
Crust–
- 1/3 cup almonds
- 12 marigold (any brand) cookies
- 4 tbsp butter
Filing–
- 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 blocks of soft silken tofu, pressed
- zest from 2 blood oranges
- 3 blood oranges, juiced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 tbsp Grand Marnier (orange liquer) or orange extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- In a food processor, pulse almonds and cookies to form crumbs.
- Add crumbs in a bowl and stir in melted butter.
- Press crumbs to form a crust in a springform pan or a lightly greased pie pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Allow to cool once done.
- In a food processor, blend cream cheese with silken tofu until silky smooth.
- Add sugar and eggs (one at a time), and pulse just untill combined.
- Stream in blood orange juice, zest & grand marnier or extract. Pulse until thoroughly combined.
- Place cool pie pan/crust on a cookie sheet. Scrape filing onto cool crust.
- Gently transfer cheesecake into oven to bake at 325F for 1 hour.
- Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in the oven for 20 minutes more, with the oven door slightly ajar.
- Remove cheesecake to completely cool on a cooling rack before refrigerating for a few hours or overnight.
- Best served chilled (not room temperature), with orange slices and/or drizzled with any citrus coulis.
Notes: Ensure tofu is pressed to remove access moisture. The cheesecake batter would appear too much, so be careful when transferring it into the oven. Placing it over a cookie sheet definitely helps. Cheesecake would puff a lot while baking. Fear not, it won’t overflow.
If you can’t find blood oranges, use any citrus you have — just don’t tell me about it. I might cry.
So, looks like we’ve spent Valentine’s day prematurely by toasting this celebration with a Citrusy Champagne Sangria, Roasted Beet Salad, Pomegranate infused spaghetti and ending it on a sweet note with this delectable cheesecake. Like you need another reason to douse more redness onto your tongue.
Phew!!!
Have a happy weekend & Valentines. I sure am, in my pajamas. Recuperating.
So tell me, what’s on your menu/plan for Valentines?
Comments on this entry are closed.
You are too funny! I will tell you a secret, I can be spotted frequently in my pajamas searching for just what I need, and many times just picking up coffee 😉
This is the most delightful cheese cake and a must try…blood oranges or not, it’s stunning!
Magic of Spice recently posted..Sneakpeeq a New Way to Shop ~ and a Giveaway
Magic of Spice,
Ha! I love it that I am not alone in this 😉
I’m so intrigued, I’ve never had a tofu cake before but this looks lovely
Feast on the Cheap recently posted..Curried Chicken Salad with Crisp Green Apples and Soft Raisins
Feast on the Cheap,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
Try this recipe, you’ll love it!
Hahaah..the stink eyes! You’re too funny! I want to try this one out – I’m intrigued by the use of tofu. I’m not a huge tofu fan, but trying to have more of it.
No plans for Valentines..what about you?
Divya Yadava recently posted..Quinoa Pudding with strawberries, pomegranate and pistachios
Divya,
Thanks sweetie 😀 Do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes. Tofu has no flavor and people are often put off with it’s texture. But it works perfectly for this recipe.
Our Valentine’s day was very low-key. Everyday is special 🙂
you know what .. i saw the tittle and I was like ‘ you got to be kiddin me’ and then I see the first statement and I go LOL LOL!
Seriously girl .. this is one awsm cake but hubby will still ask for cheese. The photos are just amazing . great job! 🙂
kankana recently posted..Spinach Pesto with Roasted Garlic
Kankana,
Hahaha!! Thanks sweetie. Perhaps you can try this version and not tell the husband about tofu? He might like it more than 2 additional blocks of cream cheese 😀
I hate it when that happens – you have that moment when you think the lighting is perfect I need to shoot it now, but I really need X for the stupid picture to come out the way you want! Good for you for going in your pj’s to at least try – we’ll give you an A for effort!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..It’s the Little Things in Life
Jen,
Thanks for the A — I just have so little patience to change, when the sun is going down and I need to finish shooting this plate ASAP. Gosh, the lengths we go to get things done 😀
Looks like a really festive recipe to devour on Feb 14…Great that this is healthy too! Great combination!
myfudo recently posted..kitchen myths & fads: msg and a tofu kombu white miso soup recipe
MyFudo,
Thanks sweetie 🙂
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve found myself in my pyjama bottoms and macintosh while grocery shopping, either early in the morning for eggs and bread or late at night for chocolate ice-cream and fruit, so I completely understand the “stick-eye” experience!
And your cheesecake looks absolutely gorgeous! This is going on my guilt-free list along with a tofu chocolate mousse.
Amrita,
So glad I am not the only one, running around in a grocery store in my pajamas 😉
What a coincidence?! I am making chocolate tofu mousse as my next assignment.
This looks so glorious! And the Florida oranges on top look gorgeous. But I do love blood oranges!! And I love tofu in desserts. Oddly enough I haven’t been able to find soft tofu in Israel (granted I haven’t looked *that* hard…).
Katherine,
Thanks sweetie — Bet you would love this recipe, and crossing my fingers that you’d fine some tofu in Israel soon 🙂
What a delicious looking cheesecake! I love blood oranges…I must keep my eyes open next time I am at the grocery store. p.s. my dtr. would live in her pj’s if she could!
Ina gawne recently posted..FRESH AND WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO
Ina,
Thanks sweetie — go get some blood oranges, and make sure you get the right one 😉
I would live in my pj’s if I could. Like, seriously.
Mmmmmm….delicious! And such gorgeous photos!
Liz recently posted..Balsamic Strawberries with Whipped Mascarpone Cream…Holiday Recipe Club
Liz,
Thanks a lot sweetie 🙂
awesome shots Kiran! I know these days.. I went to buy quickly carrots that day with oily hair ( just had a oil hair massage) for my abc juice and he didnt have the juicy red ones. I was forced to use the simple ones…
Your cheesecake looks so tempting, I d love a piece with my tea right now. I am melting…
thanks for sharing Kiran! =)
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..The Coconut effect
Helene,
Thanks sweetie — lol, your oily hair incident reminds me of my childhood where my mom used to massage coconut oil onto my scalp. Love it 🙂
Lovely cheesecake! I have never attempted to make it and I am craving for one now!
mycookinghut recently posted..slow-cooked pork shoulder with white wine, bay, thyme, tarragon and vegetables
Leemei,
Thanks sweetie — it’s not as difficult as what everyone would have thought to be 🙂
Tofu cheesecake?? No way! Brilliant! I adore cheesecake, but let’s be honest…it’s rather,um, calorie filled. This seems like the perfect fix! I love!
Katie {Epicurean Mom Blog} recently posted..Maple Glazed Brussel Sprout Bruschetta Topped with Candied Pecans
Katie,
Thanks sweetie — yes, way 😀 You could eat a few slices, guilt-free!
I’ve been curious to try tofu in desserts but have never done it before. This dish looks like a great one to try! Such beautiful photos with lovely colors. I’ve got a whole Valentine’s Day menu planned but I’m going with a chocolate dessert- chocolate espresso pots de crème. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sonali-The Foodie Physician recently posted..Dining with the Doc: Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner
Sonali,
Thanks sweetie — Chocolate pots de creme sounds delish — bet you had a great Valentines’ Day 🙂
A few day ago, I made a tofu & coconut baked vegan cheesecake but didn’t use any creamcheese! Your cheesecka looks divine & I love that tasty blood orange topping! Very creative, Kiran! 🙂
Sophie recently posted..Vegan baked banana & coconut cheesecake
Sophie,
Thanks sweetie — off to check your tofu coconut vegan cheesecake. Sounds delish!
wow! what a clever way to use tofu! I definitely want to try this!
Simply Life recently posted..Vegetarian Tikki Masala
Gina,
Thanks sweetie — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I consider this a healthful cheesecake because of the tofu. As a result, I will attempt to devour half of it now. Hey, it’s good for me, right? 😉
Carolyn Jung recently posted..Two Cool Culinary Stores to Check Out in San Francisco
Carolyn,
Thanks sweetie — of course its good for anyone to devour the whole cake. It’s guilt-free for sure 😉
Ok before I talk about food, lemme tell you your photography needs to be Published…
Really nice captures Kiran, Beautiful…
About the cake, God the Tofu is what making me try this…
This cheesecake looks so perfect, I can well imagine how delicious this must be.
Reem,
Thank you so much sweetie — you made my day! 🙂
I have a few pieces left (shocking!) and I wish I was able to teleport dishes to everyone, wanting to try a piece.
You know I’ve never come across tofu in a dessert before, but it sounds like it would be perfect for a cheesecake.
Your food styling is beautiful 🙂
Tenille @ My Family Table recently posted..Halfmeal Bread
Tenille,
Thanks a lot sweetie — tofu’s texture is so similar to cream cheese. There’s no flavor in tofu, so it’s perfect in desserts like mousse or cheesecake!
I can totally believe that about tofu in desserts! I’ve had lots of really nice desserts with it in it and it is delicious. And hehe you’re so funny about going to the store in your PJs! 😛
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Iron Chef, Cabramatta
Lorraine,
Thanks sweetie — I often seek solace in humor 😉
Really stunning recipe and images.
You going to the shops in your PJS reminded me of uni so much, I used to do that, usually around swotvac week 😀
Emma,
Thanks sweetie — I had a lot of luck with natural light that day. I am always not that lucky 😉
Tp be frank I have never really done anything special for valentines day. I think the last time i did anything special on that day was when I was 16 and obviously not for my husband! lol… But I don’t’ really mind making this cheesecake on Valentines day! Any excuse to eat this really 😉
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Homemade Spicy Tahini
Chinmayie,
Thanks sweetie — lol, the memories of our teenage years 😀
Springform pan? I barely have a pie pan. And I mean barely! This looks really tasty – although I do have cream cheese and not tofu in my kitchen right now. 🙂
Your pictures are beautiful!
Ameena recently posted..my eating habits
Ameena,
Thanks sweetie — and i am jealous of your cream cheese supply 😉
Thanks for sharing this Kiran. I can try anytime as this has almond crust. All the images are amazing.
balvinder ( Neetu) recently posted..Sesame and Tofu patties
Thanks Balvinder — the crust has almonds and cookies. You can definitely sub the cookies for a gf flour 🙂
Hooray for tofu! I love it any which way you can dream of preparing it, and you’ve certainly put it to excellent use here. 🙂
Hannah recently posted..Heart Beets
Thanks Hannah — so glad you love tofu as much as I do (perhaps more?) 😀
This sounds really good, and I can absolutely see tofu being really good as a “cheese” cake! I have been unable to find any blood oranges at grocery stores in my area.
Jill | Dulce Dough recently posted..Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Thanks Jill — I hope you get to enjoy blood oranges soon 🙂
Gorgeous tart, love that you have used tofu. This is what I call guilt free eating. The photographs are beautiful.
Asmita recently posted..Puffed Chickpea In Yogurt “Boondi Raita”
Dear Asmita — thanks a lot!
I love the idea of using some silken tofu in the cheesecake, and blood oranges sound delicious. I need to start thinking about Valentines’ Day–I’m running out of time!
lisaiscooking recently posted..Mustard Tart with Carrots and Leeks
Dear Lisa — Thanks, and I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day 🙂
I didn’t have a menu plan, but now I feel guilty! I have been meaning to make Turkish Delight for a few weeks now. . . so maybe that? 😛 Love your PJ’s run. I don’t think I’ve taken mine further than the communal clothesline!
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Super Salted Pretzels
Dear Cass — thanks sweetie. It’s ok not to have a menu planned. Sometimes, having a low-key celebration is great! Hope you had a great time making Turkish Delight 🙂
I live for pj myself, lol this is the sweetest way for me to try tofu (smile) !!
vianney recently posted..Chocolate Margarita
Dear Vianney — if you do try this recipe, do let me know how it tastes 🙂
Going to the supermarket in my pyjamas- oh I am oh so familiar with that ;)! This looks yum- I have never baked with tofu myself but I have heard it’s great…apparently it’s also fab stirred into oatmeal or blended into a smoothie!
Khushboo recently posted..Not your typical Egg McMuffins
Dear Khushboo — thanks sweetie! Apparently tofu is great in mousse as well. Gotta try making that soonish 🙂
I’ll be honest, I’ve never cooked with tofu. Maybe I should start with this sinful organge cheesecake. Looks heavenly and I love citrus flavors!
Nash at Plateful recently posted..Nutella Lava Mug Cake
Dear Nash — if you love desserts, you could try tofu by making this recipe. Do let me know how it tastes.
But if you like savory recipes, there’s a ton of tofu recipes out there to try 🙂
I would never have thought of using tofu like this. Makes it almost guilt free! I love the idea of shopping in my PJs. Lovely photos. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..Chocolate Valentine Hearts
Dear GG — thanks sweetie. Gotta love guilt-free desserts 😉
this looks gorgeous, totally worth the last-min mad dash in ur pajama’s & the stinky eyes! though i dont believe in confining love to one day in a year (yeah, im one of those!), wouldn mind making this to celebrate the day 🙂
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Aloo Methi – Potato & Fenugreek leaves stir fry
Dear Deeps — thanks a lot! I share the same sentiments about Valentine’s Day. It’s special every single day. Except, I did not laze around in my pajamas the whole day, yesterday 😀
You are so funny Kiran! I enjoy reading your post – you make me laugh… =) I can totally imagine your face when you found out it wasn’t a blood orange! This was the funniest post I read today, not to mention most beautiful. 🙂
Dear Nami — thanks a lot. My husband thinks it’s irritating that I have a little more sense of humor that him. I am more spontaneous and that ticks him off more than anything else 😉
Oh my, I’m laughing because I could see that happening to me too! lol The lengths we go to for our blogs.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Chocolate Blackberry Mille-Feuille | For the Love of Chocolate
Dear Sylvie — Ditto 😀
I have never ever considered using tofu instead of cream cheese…now you have opened my eyes to something great! I love tofu and it’s so much healthier. 😀 I can also serve it to cheese intolerant people…dang this cake looks fantastic…
Love your PJ story too…I’ve seen plenty of people doing it in China, but I’ve always been too embarrassed to do it myself…:P
Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake recently posted..Shibu Onsen & Kokuya, Japan (Part 1) – in-room hot springs are the best!
Dear Jenny — thanks dear. When in emergency, one has to take a drastic decision. I definitely didn’t had the luxury of time to decide, so I went ahead and shopped in my PJs.
A tofu cheesecake? So love the idea of it. Yes gorging can be guilt free 🙂 Loved your pj episode 🙂
Suchi recently posted..Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Dear Suchi — thanks! Seems like every one is enjoying the idea of me making a fool of myself 😉
Hehehehe…jokes apart, Kiran I think very few people owe up to faux pas, when someone does, others can instantly connect to that and hence the overwhelming response to that…you are showing the way to go girl and entertaining us in the process 🙂
Suchi recently posted..Walk Down The Memory Lane with A Traditional Bengali Snack Chirer (Flaked Rice) Polao
I adore cheesecake and sometimes make them to sell. But I’ve never made any with Tofu, or even tasted one. I might have to give this a try!!
Dear Gretchen — bravo to your business skills. I could never do that.
Honestly Kiran I read the entire post word by word, just to be sure that you have really used tofu in the cheesecake…huh..now keep this secret and dont share it with Cheesecake factory ! 🙂 this is sure gonna hit, am too going to post a cheesecake soon…
thanks a lot for such guilt free Valentine’s ideas..lets see if it works for me as well 😉
Happy valentines to you and yours
Sukanya recently posted..Strawberry mousse
Dear Sukanya — thanks dear, I am keeping this recipe a, “hush hush” 😉 Hope you had a great Valentines’ Day too!
LOVE the first photo of washing the oranges. Too cool–great idea. I’ve never thought of using tofu in cheesecake either, but this looks seriously fantastic. As always!!!
Caroline recently posted..not quite kid-friendly. [spiked cereal-milk shake]
Dear Caroline — thanks a lot! Tofu is actually eaten a lot as dessert in Malaysia 🙂
We probably won’t do anything to fancy for Valentines day. I could get used to having that cheesecake in my house though; with or without the blood oranges. Your pictures are gorgeous!
Julie M. recently posted..Andes Mint Cake
Dear Julie — thanks a lot. Our V-day is usually spent, not too fancy either 🙂
Haha! Enjoyed reading your pajama/orange antics, but the cake seems to have breezed through all of that. It looks totally spectacular! Lovely pictures!
Tadka Pasta recently posted..The Brownie Point Bonanza
Dear Tadka Pasta — thanks a lot! I am happy to amuse any one else, apart from the Husband. He is sorta annoyed by my antics these days 😉
You made this cheesecake in your pie pan…and I thought I am the only baker who miss a springform pan..I bake mine in pie pan too. Lovely clicks, Kiran.
Sanjeeta kk recently posted..Dessert| No Bake Mini Nutty Carrot Pudding Pies – A Fusion Festive Dessert
Dear Sanjeeta — I have a springform pan, but let’s just say it’s not fitting properly now 😀 One just has to find alternatives and cross fingers that it would work!
happy valentine’s day!
i laugh my self reading your story, haha..
* to be honest i never had a cake with fresh slices of orange as i always imagine that would be bitter cake and could possibly putting me off 🙁
well i might give it try one day to just exploring
Dear Ira — Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones 🙂 The fresh orange slices are just for styling. It wasn’t as bitter. There’s a wide selection of oranges, so work with what you are comfortable, tasting.
Another Great Recipe! USe of Tofu in a cheesecake ..aha..interesting!!
Gursahiba @ Exquisite Niche recently posted..Beer Battered Fish
Dear Gursahiba — thanks a lot!
Thank you so much for the info on tofu for cheesecake because I never knew this until your post came about. Surely a wonderful dessert for Valentine and looks so perfect.
I am going on live as usual for my other half is travelling for work but the three words “Happy Valentine’s Day” I heard while my eyes were half open in bed today blow so much of happiness into me. What a perfect Valentine’s Day it was for me.
Dear Nava — so glad you had a “perfect” Valentine’s Day 🙂
A wonderful idea! That cheesecake looks divine. Mmmhhh, blood oranges taste so good.
Lovely clicks.
Cheers,
Rosa
Dear Rosa — thanks a lot 🙂
special cakes for special days, I like it, happy Valentine’s Day
Refa recently posted..Chocolate Cake Recipe
Dear Refa — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 Hope you had a very Happy Valentines Day!
Wow Kiran, this cheesecake with tofu and cream cheese sure sounds and looks delicious. Love the orange flavor in it…beautifully done.
Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂
Juliana recently posted..SOFT COTTON CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE
Dear Juliana — thanks a lot. Hope you had a very Happy Valentines Day 🙂
Kiran, wow, this looks SO fabulous!!!! I adore those photos…both the cheesecake and the not blood oranges 😉 I had to laugh when I read you went to the shops in your pyjamas! You’re one brave woman!
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Lime Olive Oil Cupcakes
Dear Jennifer — It takes very less for me to make a fool out of myself 😉
Nice cheesecake. I like the addition of Tofu. I never believed tofu tastes so good in dessert until i experimented with it.
Yummy Morsel recently posted..Gobi Manchurian
Yummy Morsel — thanks!!
I think despite a few hiccups, the final product looks gorgeous!! Love the thinly sliced oranges.
Olga — thanks so much 🙂
I am a total believer…I recently made a cheesecake that used greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and it was fabulous! This looks stunning – I’ll have to try it!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe recently posted..From My Heart To Yours | Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Amanda — greek yogurt?! I want to try, thanks for suggesting 🙂
Wow! What a great recipe. Now, if only it could be dairy free…
Do you think there is a way?
Still the idea of orange and tofu is definitely food for thought (no pun intended!)
Berlin Lunchbox recently posted..Sweet potato & tofu patties with avocado sprout salad and basil salsa
Berlin Lunchbox — Sure! You can make this recipe completely dairy free using thick coconut cream instead.
This cheesecake is divine – what wonderful flavours 😀
And tofu??? Healthy and so tasty is not allowed/possible 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Two Twix Fudgy ‘Whities’
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Twix-ting The Foodie World
Choc Chip Uru — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂 There’s always a possibility to enjoy healthy & tasty desserts!
Wow tofu?? I never would have thought it could be used in a cheesecake, that’s amazing! And this is positively beautiful 🙂
Amanda recently posted..Easy Cheddar Topped Potato Soup
Amanda — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments, sweetie 🙂
Hi there. Yum this cake looks goooood, and I am in the mood for experimenting with tofu at the moment. But I was just wondering how much tofu you used exactly (grams or oz). Looking forward to trying the recipe.
All the best from Josephine