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Keto Cheesecake

Keto Cheesecake

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This keto cheesecake recipe is sure to melt in your mouth. Rich cheesecake flavor that is velvety smooth and creamy. Top with fresh strawberries, slice, and serve up a dessert that is sure to impress. Keto Cheesecake That Actually Tastes Like Real Cheesecake Alright, let’s be honest for a second: I know some of you out there are probably skeptical about keto desserts. I’ve been there. Sometimes, they look good on paper, but the taste? Meh. It’s either too artificially sweet, or just…not it. But guess what? This keto cheesecake is the real deal. Like, legit, you’d serve it to anyone — keto or not — and they’d devour it.

slice of cheesecake on a plate with a fork and some cheesecake on the fork

I’m telling you, this one is a game-changer. It’s smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet without any weird aftertaste. If you’ve been on the hunt for a keto dessert that makes you feel like you’re indulging without completely derailing your day, this is the one. Let’s break it down, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

slice of keto cheesecake on a plate topped with strawberries and fork on the side of plate

The best part of all is that the almond flour-based crust makes this a keto-friendly dessert. Simple ingredients, easy prep, big flavor payout, that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

slice of keto cheesecake on a plate topped with strawberries and fork on the side of plate

What Is A Keto Cheesecake

If you are following the ketogenic diet, you will know that having sugars and carbs is a no-go when it comes to the keto diet. We’ve gotten creative and brought you a cheesecake that’s low in carbs and sugar. Reach for sugar-free ingredients and almond flour for a lower-carb crust. All the flavors you love, but in a healthier version.

Keto Cheesecake on a platter with slice of cheesecake on the table around it

The Filling: Creamy, Dreamy, and Full of Flavor

Now, the filling is where the magic happens. First thing’s first: you’ll want your cream cheese nice and soft. None of that “microwave-it-for-10-seconds” nonsense. Let it sit out at room temp until it’s smooth and ready to blend. Once you have that, you’re mixing in powdered sweetener, a little vanilla extract, and some sour cream for a touch of tang. I love using sour cream in my keto cheesecakes because it adds that richness without any carbs — and it gives the cheesecake that classic, slightly tart flavor. After that, in go the eggs. Just add them one at a time, mix them in, and you’re done. Seriously, this is so simple, you’ll be wondering why you’ve never made a cheesecake before.

Keto cheesecake on a white plate with strawberries on top

Reasons To Try Out This Keto Cheesecake Recipe

  • All you need are eight ingredients total to make this dessert. Minimal ingredients are required.
  • Keto friendly, sugar free, gluten free, and a low-carb dessert.
  • This cheesecake has a velvety smooth texture that is thick and perfectly sliceable.
  • Top with fresh fruit, your favorite pie topping, or any other toppers of choice. Endless flavor opportunities.
  • You can prepare this ahead of time, so it’s in the fridge and ready to be sliced and served when the time comes.
Keto Cheesecake on a cake platter on table

Ingredients You Will Need

  • Almond Flour: For the base of the crust, you will use almond flour. I recommend using a high-quality flour for the best flavor.
  • Powdered Sweetener: This will be used to sweeten the crust and filling. I used Swerve, but any type works.
  • Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon helps balance the nutty flavor of the almond flour.
  • Butter: Real butter is needed for mixing up the crust.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature. That way it creams together properly.
  • Eggs: The eggs help create a dense and smooth texture in the cheesecake batter.
  • Sour Cream: I love sour cream with cheesecake, as it adds a nice tangy flavor.
  • Vanilla: A little splash of vanilla will help sweeten and deepen the flavors of the cheesecake batter.
slice of keto cheesecake on plate with a bite of it on the side with a fork

Variations To the Recipe

Here are a few ways you can transform this sugar-free cheesecake recipe, from changing up the crust to making it without a crust altogether, and more.

Crustless: Skip the crust and make the filling; then pour it into a pie plate just as you would with a crust, and bake as directed in the recipe. I find that making crustless, I cook just a few minutes less.

Coconut Flour: As an alternative to almond flour, you can use a 1:1 replacement and opt for coconut flour instead.

Mix-Ins: You can add sugar-free chocolate chips, crushed candy, or your preferred nut butter, among other options. Even adding a swirl of a sugar-free jam would be a delicious mix-in. There are endless opportunities.

Toppings: Decorate the top of your cheesecake with a sugar-free whipped topping, lemon slices, fresh fruit, sugar-free pie filling, or other desired toppings.

Lemon Juice: For a more citrusy flavor, add some lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. It will significantly enhance the cheesecake flavor.

Keto Cheesecake on a plate topped with fresh strawberries

The Crust: No Crazy Substitutes, Just Simple Goodness

Let’s start with the crust because, let’s face it, the crust is half the fun of any cheesecake. We’re not trying to make some wild, overcomplicated version of a graham cracker crust here — we’re sticking with almond flour. It’s low-carb, doesn’t require any weird ingredients, and brings a nice nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. You’re mixing almond flour with a little powdered sweetener, cinnamon, and melted butter — and boom, you’re halfway there.

No fancy techniques needed — just mix and press it into the bottom of a springform pan. Then pop it in the fridge while you work on the filling. It’s that easy.

up close shot of the Keto Cheesecake on a plate topped with fresh strawberries with a bite missing

Storing and Freezing Cheesecake

Store the keto cheesecake in the fridge in a sealed container for 3-5 days. You will find it is best eaten within the first few days of making, as the cheesecake can dry out the longer it sits.

You can also freeze leftovers for 2-3 months. Just place in a freezer bag or freezer-friendly container. Then thaw on the counter for an hour or in the fridge overnight for a slow thaw.

Keto Cheesecake on a pie platter and slices of cheesecake on small plates with berries on top

Tips For Success

Gently tapping the pan on the counter will help release any trapped air bubbles in the cheesecake batter. This will help prevent your cheesecake from cracking and create a denser texture.

As the cheesecake cools, it will set up even more. Remove the cheesecake from the oven once it has a slight jiggle in the center of the pan, similar to the size of a quarter.

You need to allow the cheesecake to cool before refrigerating it, which will enable it to set completely. Once it is fully set, top with fruit, slice, and serve.

Using a superfine powdered sugar sweetener will help add sweetness without giving your cheesecake a gritty texture. Using the wrong sugar substitute can cause a gritty texture.

Keto Cheesecake on small plate with a bite taken out of the cheesecake slice

FAQs

Can I eat Philadelphia cream cheese on a keto diet?

If you’re on a keto diet, opt for the full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese. The high fat content and protein are what make this cream cheese keto-friendly. Avoid buying reduced-fat or fat-free products, as they can become non-keto-friendly ingredients.

What is the best keto cream cheese?

Philadelphia cream cheese is the best keto cheesecake. It only has 102 calories and 10 grams of fat, which makes this a perfect choice for keto dieters to enjoy.

Can I make this cheesecake into mini cheesecakes?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make this into single-serve cheesecakes. Use a cupcake liner and add your crust, followed by the cheesecake filling. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecakes are fully baked through. Let cool and refrigerate the same.

Patience is Key

I know it’s tempting, but you really do need to give this cheesecake some time to set. After you let it cool to room temp, pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours — overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the better the texture, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Slice of Keto Cheesecake on a plate with a bite being placed on fork to show the dense texture of cheesecake

Why This Recipe Works for Keto

So, why is this cheesecake perfect for keto? Well, first off, it’s low-carb, so it fits easily into your macros. Plus, it’s sweetened with a powdered sweetener that doesn’t mess with your blood sugar, so you get all the indulgence without the carb crash.

But the best part is that it’s not just a “good keto dessert.” It’s a good dessert, period. Whether you’re deep into keto or just need a dessert that won’t derail your goals, this cheesecake delivers. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Trust me, this one’s going to be your new go-to when the cravings hit.

Keto Cheesecake with a slice being lifted off plate with a spatula

I think I’ve covered everything, but just in case: yes, this is totally worth the time and effort. It’s a cheesecake that’ll make you feel like you’re treating yourself without straying from your keto lifestyle. And if you’ve got non-keto folks around? They won’t even know the difference.

Happy baking, friends. You’re gonna love this one.

More Keto Recipes

The recipe

Keto Cheesecake

  • Prep20 minutes
  • Cook5 minutes
  • Total25 minutes
  • Servings12

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ¼ cup powdered sweetener I used swerve
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons butter melted

Filling

  • 32 oz. cream cheese room temperature
  • 2 cup powdered sweetener
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and prepare an 8-inch springform by spraying generously with non-stick spray and set aside.
  2. In a large food processor, add the almond flour, powdered sweetener, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pulse until well combined and smooth.
  3. Pack into the bottom of the springform pan by using your hand or a spoon to form the crust.
  4. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
  5. In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese on high speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and there are no lumps remaining. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
  6. Add the sweetener about ½ cup at a time and mix until well combined.
  7. Add in the sour cream and vanilla and mix well. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix additionally if needed.
  8. Add the eggs one at a time, and mix until just combined.
  9. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and smooth.
  10. Bake on 350 for 15 minutes, then without opening the door, reduce the heat to 200 degrees and bake for an additional 50-55 minutes or until the sides of the cheesecake are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
  11. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door to allow the cheesecake to cool for 15-20 minutes.
  12. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature.
  13. After the cheesecake is cool, refrigerate for at least 8 hours but overnight is best.
  14. Top with your favorite toppings and serve!
  15. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.