As an avid baker and dessert-lover, it may come as a surprise that the greatest indulgence I can think of is eating something sweet that I didn’t make myself. While I enjoy the process and crave the creative control that starting from scratch always brings, a truly decadent experience is one that doesn’t require any work. Although I always get exactly what I want when I make my own birthday cake, I must admit that there are times when I wish I could just sit back and relax, leaving the heavy whisking to someone else. That’s precisely where Earth Cafe comes in, online purveyors of fully prepared, ready-to-eat, raw, vegan cheesecakes. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of, especially for a vegan eater who grew up in the days of cardboard bran muffins being peddled as “dessert,” for lack of better options. Balancing out wholesome ingredients with decadent flavors, the result promises to impress all palates. There truly is a taste for everyone, and I was lucky enough to snag a bite of four popular flavors.
Impeccable, perfectly applied ultramarine stripes adorn the top of the Find Your Thrill on Blueberry Hill Cheesecake. Whole berries rest near the bottom, adding a punch of fresh, full-bodied berry flavor while the cheesecake base remains fairly plain. Lacking in typical cheesecake tang, I might describe it more as a somewhat firmer cream pie instead. It may be the most visually striking of the bunch, but I felt it left the most to be desired in tasting.
Pale, dusty pink and redolent of vanilla and berries, Strawberry Fields Forever Cheesecake bears a strikingly bright, fresh flavor, just as promised. More of a custard consistency than traditional cheesecake, the soft bite was perfectly silky-smooth and creamy. Incredibly rich, even I could only manage half a slice at most before reaching my limit, and I don’t mess around when it comes to the last course of a meal. Most regrettably though, it was stunningly, almost stupefyingly sweet. It comes as an initial shock to the system, tasting almost like a wedge of berry frosting at first taste, especially after a savory supper. For those who would rather a candy than a cake, this might just deliver exactly that sensation.
Things got much better from here on out. Adorned with graceful decorative swirls, Rockin’ Raspberry Cheesecake definitely had a rhythm and jive all its own. Super sweet raspberry flavor infused this slice, much like homemade jam. The intact raspberry seeds are actually a nice touch here, adding some textural interest and reinforcing the fresh, raw concept, all while managing to make themselves sparse enough to resist sticking in your teeth.
For me, the sleeper hit of the batch was the unassuming Who’s Your Daddy? Carob Mousse Pie. Slightly firmer in texture than the other slices, it isn’t some sad attempt at replacing chocolate, but a whole new world of flavor, complex and delicious in its own right. Tasting primarily of dates and caramel, with warm, woodsy notes reminiscent of chicory to round the whole slice out, it could convert a carob-hater with ease. All it needs is a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to really take this treat over the top.
Since I do work with dessert so often and have developed some strong opinions on the matter, I would definitely suggest that these assessments be taken with a pinch of salt (perhaps literally, too.) Your mileage may vary, especially when it comes to your level of preferred sweetness. The only way to find out for sure is to give Earth Cafe a taste for yourself! Enter the coupon code “SAVE15” at checkout to snag- You guessed it- a 15% discount off your order.
From one baker to many others, there is no shame in indulging in a prepared dessert, especially when it’s as good as any one of these luxurious slices.
These product were provided by the manufacturer free of charge for the sake of this review, but I was not paid for my time or opinions.
Oh, but I just love those names! I too love making dessert, but I really love it when someone else does. I wish this spot were near me. I’d drop in often for a treat. I’ll take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Thinking about it, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which is we will never go hungry. I mean that not in a joking way, but quite seriously. Just think of the plenty that is in our pantries. We are truly fortunate.
These sound divine, Hannah. In case I don’t talk to you again this week, have a blessed Thanksgiving!
janet
Yummo! I initially thought that they were glorious blocks of halva. I found 2 recipes for halva accidentally yesterday on Pinterest and am SO going to make some as soon as I can fit back into my pants from the last time I found something delicious accidentally on Pinterest…
Oh man, now you’ve got me craving halva, too! I’d love to have a huge wedge of it as big as a slice of cheesecake… Perhaps I’ll have to experiment with that idea next.
Try this recipe and sub maple syrup?
http://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/israeli-halva/
What a find! You are right on the money here, and I even have a ton of tahini to use up thanks to my hoarding/money saving tenancies. This looks like a project for the weekend!
I can’t wait to read about it. I must admit, I started drooling like crazy when I found that recipe on Pinterest. Apparently, Rickie Heller made a “sort of” halva…
http://www.rickiheller.com/2010/10/sos-sesame-seeds-grown-up-halvah/
but it isn’t what I know as halva. I need a fix! :) (emmm pistachio halva…chocolate halva…EMMM!) ;)
Wow! Stunning!
Looks great!
Every time I see this post it makes me crazy hungry for Cheesecake. This is such a fabulous display!
wow these are absolutely gorgeous!! and they sound super delicious!
Looks beautiful! Love the cute names. It’s good to have some ready to go dessert alternatives on lazy days. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones, Hannah!
I don’t suppose the deliver across the Atlantic do they? I would say no to a slice or several right now…
I think my comment got deleted on accident. I was just commenting on the importance of disclosing when a company sends free items for review. I believe it’s actually law according to the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/business/media/06adco.html?_r=0
I love the blog Hannah, I just think you need to be more transparent about issues like this.
You’re completely right, and I’m sorry that wasn’t clearer in the first place. I usually try to weave that into the story itself, but failed to do so here. I’ve since added a disclosure at the bottom of the post.
I could use a slice or two of cheesecake right about now. I’ve made raw cheesecakes before but they never look like that. :-)
I want a bite from each one… soooo delicious!
These are BEAUTIFUL. Who doesn’t love ready made desserts that are compassionate too?