How many calories are in 1 slice of baked cheesecake?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 100-gram slice of plain baked cheesecake contains approximately 321 calories, but this can vary dramatically. The exact number of calories depends heavily on the specific ingredients, toppings, and portion size, making it a surprisingly complex question with no single definitive answer.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a slice of baked cheesecake is not fixed; it is influenced by the type of cheese, sugar, crust, and toppings. Different cheesecake styles, from classic New York to flavored versions, contain varying calorie totals. Understanding these factors helps estimate the dessert's nutritional impact.

Key Points

Standard Baked Cheesecake Calories: A typical 100-gram slice of plain baked cheesecake contains around 321 calories, but this can change significantly based on the recipe and serving size.
Key Calorie Contributors: High-fat ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and butter used in the crust are the main sources of calories in cheesecake.
Serving Size Matters: A slice from a large, dense cheesecake can have a much higher calorie count than a standard portion, with restaurant sizes sometimes exceeding 500 calories per slice.
Toppings Increase Calories: Rich toppings such as chocolate, caramel, and nuts can substantially raise the dessert's caloric value.
Reduce Calories with Ingredient Swaps: To make a lighter cheesecake, use reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, less sugar, and lighter toppings.
Control Your Portions: The most effective way to manage calorie intake from cheesecake is to be mindful of serving sizes and consider sharing a slice.

Understanding Cheesecake Calories: The Core Ingredients

To determine how many calories are in 1 slice of baked cheesecake, it is essential to first break down its key components. Cheesecake is a rich, dense dessert built from high-fat ingredients, which are the primary source of its caloric density. The filling typically consists of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and cream or sour cream, while the crust is often made from crushed cookies (like graham crackers) mixed with butter.

The Impact of Ingredients on Caloric Content

Cream Cheese: A primary source of fat and calories. Full-fat cream cheese will contribute significantly more calories than a reduced-fat or non-fat version. For example, some lighter recipes replace part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to cut calories.
Sugar: An obvious calorie contributor. The amount of sugar used varies widely by recipe. Specialty cheesecakes may use higher concentrations of sugar, while lighter versions or keto-friendly recipes might use non-caloric sweeteners.
Sour Cream or Cream: Adds richness and calories. Recipes may use full-fat sour cream or heavy cream, which are high in calories, or opt for lower-fat alternatives.
Crust: Typically made with butter and crushed cookies (graham cracker, chocolate wafer). The crust's thickness and ingredients can add 50 to 100+ calories per slice.
Toppings and Flavorings: Ingredients like chocolate, caramel sauce, fruit compotes, and nuts can drastically increase the total calorie count. A restaurant slice with a rich caramel and pecan topping, for instance, can be extremely high in calories.

Calorie Comparison Table: Different Baked Cheesecakes

To illustrate the calorie variation, here is a comparison of different cheesecake types, based on approximate 100-gram serving sizes, as seen in nutritional databases:


Cheesecake Type	Approx. Calories (per 100g)	Primary Calorie Influencers
Plain/Regular Baked	~321 kcal	Classic cream cheese, sugar, and butter crust.
New York Style	~360-470 kcal	Extra cream cheese and sometimes sour cream make it denser and higher in calories.
Chocolate	~388 kcal	Cocoa powder or melted chocolate adds significant calories and sugar.
Caramel Pecan	~400+ kcal	Toppings like caramel sauce, chocolate, and nuts boost the calorie count significantly.
Low-Fat / Healthy	~185-210 kcal	Often uses cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or reduced-fat cream cheese.

How Serving Size Influences Calorie Count

A standard portion size for homemade cheesecake might be 100-125 grams. However, portion sizes can be misleading. A slice from a restaurant or a larger, richer homemade cake can easily exceed this weight, sometimes reaching 170-200 grams or more.

Example:

A 100g slice of plain baked cheesecake = 321 calories.
A 170g slice of the same cheesecake = approximately 546 calories.

Reducing Calories in Baked Cheesecake

For those who enjoy cheesecake but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are several ways to reduce the dessert's energy content:

Use Reduced-Fat Ingredients: Opt for reduced-fat or non-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of full-fat versions. This can significantly lower the fat and calorie count without compromising the creamy texture.
Lower Sugar Content: Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a low-calorie or non-caloric sweetener. Some baked cheesecakes can have a subtle sweetness that is more than enough.
Modify the Crust: Create a thinner crust or use a crustless cheesecake recipe. The butter and crushed cookies are often a high-calorie component. Alternatives like a crust made from dates and nuts can also be used, though they are still calorie-dense.
Go Light on Toppings: Choose lighter toppings such as fresh berries or a thin fruit compote instead of heavy chocolate, caramel, or nut toppings.
Practice Portion Control: Serving a smaller, carefully measured slice is the most straightforward way to manage calorie intake. Sharing a slice with someone is a great way to enjoy the treat without overindulging.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 1 slice of baked cheesecake is not a fixed figure but rather a range that depends on its ingredients, preparation, and serving size. While a plain, 100-gram slice typically contains around 321 calories, additions like toppings, a thicker crust, or using full-fat ingredients can increase this to well over 400 calories per slice. For those monitoring their intake, paying attention to ingredient choices and practicing portion control are the most effective strategies. For a more detailed look into commercial options and their nutritional content, websites like Cheesecake.com provide specific product nutrition facts.

Baking Lighter Cheesecake: A Simple Guide

Here is a simple, straightforward recipe guide for baking a lighter, homemade cheesecake:

Prepare a Lighter Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers with a minimal amount of melted light butter or coconut oil. Press a thin layer into your pan. You can also omit the crust entirely.
Mix the Filling: In a blender or food processor, combine reduced-fat cream cheese with an equal amount of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt. Add a reduced measure of sugar or your preferred sugar substitute, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Bake Carefully: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake at a lower temperature in a water bath to prevent cracks. This allows for a gentle, even bake. The water bath technique is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture in baked cheesecakes.
Top with Freshness: Once cooled, top with a vibrant array of fresh berries, a thin layer of sugar-free jam, or a sprinkle of lemon zest. These toppings add flavor and visual appeal with minimal extra calories.
Chill and Enjoy: Ensure the cheesecake is properly chilled for several hours before serving. This allows it to set completely, making for a perfectly smooth and delicious slice.

Following these steps allows you to enjoy the classic, creamy taste of baked cheesecake with fewer calories, without sacrificing the flavor that makes this dessert so beloved.

Final Thoughts on Mindful Indulgence

Ultimately, cheesecake is an indulgence. The key to enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is moderation. By being aware of what you are consuming and understanding the variables that affect its nutritional profile, you can make informed choices. Whether you opt for a decadent New York style from a restaurant or a lighter version made at home, savoring every bite is what truly matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked cheesecake typically has more calories per serving than a no-bake version. This is because baked cheesecakes often use more high-fat ingredients like eggs and full-fat cream cheese, while no-bake recipes can rely on lighter ingredients and gelatin for setting.

A slice of New York style cheesecake tends to be denser and richer than a standard baked cheesecake, leading to a higher calorie count. Depending on the portion size, it can range from approximately 360 to over 470 calories per slice.

Yes, you can. The key is moderation and being mindful of portion sizes. Enjoying a small slice on occasion is unlikely to derail a diet. Choosing a lighter, homemade version or sharing a slice can also help manage calorie intake.

Toppings can significantly increase the calorie count. Additions like caramel sauce, rich chocolate ganache, nuts, or extra whipped cream will add many more calories compared to fresh fruit or a simple compote.

No, the calorie content varies widely. The type of cheese, the amount of sugar, the kind of crust, and any additional ingredients or toppings all affect the final calorie count. A keto-friendly version with alternative sweeteners will have fewer calories than a traditional recipe.

Yes, many healthier alternatives exist. Recipes that use reduced-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or alternative sweeteners can create a creamy dessert with fewer calories. Some recipes also replace the high-calorie crust with a healthier option or omit it entirely.

Restaurant cheesecakes are often larger and more decadent, and therefore higher in calories. The best way to estimate is to look for nutritional information on the restaurant's website. If unavailable, assume a restaurant slice is a large portion and higher in calories than a standard 100-gram slice.