Layered Chocolate Banana Coconut Cheesecake

I am a huge advocate for the ‘food is medicine’ philosophy! Recipes like this not only taste amazing, they tick quite a few boxes when it comes to supporting your microbiome, the production of neurotransmitters and nervous system. Ummm, yes please!!!

So what does this recipe contain that makes it so amazing??

🍫 Raw cacao

• Cacao naturally assists the body in producing serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins - all the ‘feel good’, ‘love’, ‘pleasure’ and ‘joy’ type hormones.
• Cacao contains tryptophan, which is essential for the production of serotonin.
• Cacao contains tyrosine, which stimulates the release of dopamine.

🍌 Fermented Bananas

• Fermented bananas have the added probiotic benefits of the Coconut Kefir while reducing the carb content of the banana.
• Bananas contain tryptophan, which is used to produce the serotonin - isn’t it funny how a banana looks like a smile!
• Bananas contain nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B9, magnesium and potassium, which are also known to reduce anxiety and depression.

🥥 Coconut Yoghurt with Bifidobacterium

• Certain strains of bifidobacterium produce GABA, which is connected with mood, sleep, anxiety, ADHD and relaxation.
• Microbiomes with a good concentration of bifido are more abundant with neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
• Bifido strains make many B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, folate and biotin), which are wonderful for reducing anxiety and depression.

 Before you create this cake you will need to ferment the following: 

Add 3 cups chopped bananas to a glass jar and add just enough Kultured Wellness Coconut Water Kefir to cover the bananas and ferment for 24-48 hours.

Add the 3 cups of cashews to a glass jar and add Kultured Wellness Coconut Water Kefir to cover it completely (you may need to add a little more as the cashews can absorb the liquid). Ferment for 24 hours.

Base Ingredients 

• 1½ cups macadamia nuts
• 1-2 Tbsp MCT Oil
• A pinch salt
• Stevia to taste

Banana Layer 

• 2 cups fermented bananas
• ½ cup banana coconut water kefir
• 2 cups Kultured Wellness Coconut Yoghurt
• 2 Tbsp MCT Oil
• Stevia to taste

Chocolate Layer 

• 3 cups cultured cashews
• ½ cup Kultured Wellness Coconut Yoghurt
• ½ cup cultured bananas
• ½ cup banana coconut water kefir
• ½-¾ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• Stevia to taste
• 2-3 Tbsp cacao powder

Method 

1. Add all the base ingredients to a food processor and blitz together until it’s completely combined.
2. Line a container or cake tin with baking paper and press the base ingredients into it evenly and set it aside.
3. Strain the cultured bananas from the liquid (banana coconut water kefir) and strain the fermented cashews from the liquid. Set the liquids aside as you will need them later on.
4. Add all the banana layer ingredients to a high powered blender or thermomix and blitz together until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and re-blend.
5. Pour half of the banana filling mix on top of the base and place it in the freezer to set.
6. Pour the rest of the banana filling mix into a bowl and set it aside, you will need it later on.
7. Now add all the chocolate layer ingredients (starting with 2 Tbsp of cacao powder) to a high powered blender or thermomix and blitz together until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and re-blend.
8. Taste the mix and adjust the sweetness or cacao if desired.
9. Pour the chocolate filling over the set banana layer and place it in the freezer to set.
10. Once the chocolate layer has set pour the rest of the banana filling on top of it and place it back in the freezer to set.
11. Once it’s ready you can decorate it with shredded coconut, cultured berries or edible flowers.
12. Slice it up and enjoy every bite!

Check out these 'How To' Videos:

How to Make Coconut Yoghurt

How to Make Coconut Kefir