Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Prick sweet potato all over with a small knife. Spray with oil and place on a tray. Bake for about an hour or until tender. Cool before removing skin

Combine almonds and dates in a food processor. Process until fine and sticky. Using damp hands, press mixture into a lined 20cm spring form pan. Chill until needed

Drain cashews and place in a food processor with oil, dates, syrup, juice, paste and spices. Process until completely smooth (this may take a few minutes). Add sweet potato and process until combined. Pour over almond base in pan

Level top and freeze, covered for 4 hours or overnight until firm. Once firm, transfer to fridge

Scatter almonds over a baking paper-lined tray. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to high. Bring to the boil. Boil, without stirring, for about 5-8 minutes until mixture turns golden

Remove from heat and let bubbles subside. Pour over almonds. Allow to cool. Break into shards

Serve cheesecake topped with praline shards