How many calories are in a piece of ricotta cheesecake?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A slice of ricotta cheesecake can range widely in calories, from approximately 300 to over 700 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size. The seemingly simple nature of this dessert hides a significant variability in its nutritional content, which can be influenced by the type of cheese, amount of sugar, and crust ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a piece of ricotta cheesecake is not fixed and varies based on ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. Commercial and homemade versions differ significantly due to ingredient choices. Understand the key factors influencing the calorie count to make more informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a piece of ricotta cheesecake is not fixed and typically ranges from 300 to over 700, influenced by portion size and recipe.
Ingredient Impact: The type of ricotta (whole-milk vs. part-skim), amount of sugar, and crust ingredients are key factors determining the final caloric value.
Serving Size Matters: The most significant factor is the serving size; a small slice will have far fewer calories than a larger one.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade versions offer more control over ingredients and can be made lower in calories, whereas store-bought cheesecakes can be denser and higher in calories.
Ricotta vs. New York Cheesecake: Ricotta cheesecake is generally lower in calories than New York cheesecake due to the difference in the fat content of the primary cheese used.
Lighter Options: Use part-skim ricotta, reduce sugar, modify the crust, and add fruit to create a healthier, lower-calorie version.

Deciphering the Calorie Count in Ricotta Cheesecake

Understanding how many calories are in a piece of ricotta cheesecake is not as straightforward as it seems, as the final number depends on a variety of factors. Unlike a uniform product, cheesecake recipes, whether homemade or store-bought, can differ vastly in their ingredients and preparation, leading to a wide range of caloric outcomes. The core ingredients—ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, and the crust—all contribute to the final tally, but the specific type and quantity used can swing the numbers dramatically.

The Impact of Ingredients on Calorie Count

The primary drivers of a cheesecake's caloric density are the fats and sugars. Ricotta cheese, the star ingredient, can vary in fat content. Whole-milk ricotta will naturally have more calories than a part-skim version. The amount and type of sugar used also play a critical role; some recipes call for more sugar to increase sweetness, while others use less or substitute with artificial sweeteners. The crust, too, adds a layer of complexity. A traditional graham cracker crust made with butter and sugar is calorically dense, whereas a crustless version or one made with alternative, lower-calorie ingredients will reduce the overall count.

Serving Size: The Most Important Variable

Serving size is arguably the most significant factor affecting the calorie count of a piece of ricotta cheesecake. A small slice from a large cake will have far fewer calories than a large, generous wedge. Commercial cheesecakes often have standard serving sizes, but they can still vary. For instance, a bakery might offer a 1/16 slice at around 630 calories, while another recipe might base its calculation on a 1/12 slice, yielding a different result. When making your own, the choice of how many slices to cut the cake into is entirely yours, directly impacting the per-piece calorie count. This makes it challenging to give a single definitive number, as there is no universal "piece" size.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Cheesecakes

There is a notable difference in the nutritional information of homemade versus commercially prepared ricotta cheesecakes. Homemade recipes allow for complete control over ingredients, enabling you to use lower-fat ricotta, less sugar, or alternative crust options to reduce calories. For example, a homemade Italian ricotta cheesecake recipe might yield about 400 calories per slice, while a store-bought version could be considerably higher. Commercially produced items may also contain added ingredients, such as stabilizers or high-fructose corn syrup, that can further increase the calorie count.

Comparison Table: Ricotta vs. New York Cheesecake

To put the calories of a ricotta cheesecake into perspective, let's compare it with the more common New York-style cheesecake. This table illustrates how different key ingredients impact the calorie and macronutrient breakdown.


Feature	Ricotta Cheesecake	New York Cheesecake
Primary Cheese	Ricotta cheese, which is softer and naturally lower in fat.	Cream cheese, which is denser and has a higher fat content.
Texture	Lighter, often grainier, and less dense.	Creamy, smooth, and very dense.
Typical Calorie Range (per slice)	~300-600 calories	~500-800+ calories
Fat Content	Generally lower in fat due to the ricotta cheese.	Higher in fat due to the cream cheese base.
Crust	Can vary; sometimes a thin base or crustless.	Typically a thick, buttery graham cracker crust.
Preparation	Often baked, sometimes with a lighter texture.	Almost always baked in a water bath for a smooth finish.

Tips for a Lighter Ricotta Cheesecake

For those looking to enjoy a slice of ricotta cheesecake without the full caloric load, here are some helpful tips:

Use part-skim ricotta cheese: Opting for a lower-fat version of ricotta cheese can significantly reduce the total calories and saturated fat.
Reduce sugar: Gradually decrease the amount of sugar called for in a recipe. Most people won't notice a slight reduction, especially if you add other flavorings like lemon zest or vanilla.
Modify the crust: Consider using a crustless recipe or making a crust from a blend of oats, nuts, and a small amount of honey instead of butter and graham crackers. This adds fiber and healthy fats while reducing sugar.
Add fruit: Top your slice with fresh berries instead of a heavy, sugary glaze. This adds natural sweetness and antioxidants for minimal extra calories.
Control portion size: This is the most direct way to manage your calorie intake. Cutting a cheesecake into 16 smaller slices instead of 12 makes a noticeable difference per serving.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a piece of ricotta cheesecake is not a single, fixed value. It's a spectrum, and the exact count is determined by a confluence of variables, primarily serving size, type of ricotta used, and the quantity of sugar and fat in the recipe. While a large store-bought slice might pack over 600 calories, a smaller, homemade version with carefully selected ingredients could contain around 400 or fewer. By understanding these contributing factors, you can make an informed choice and still enjoy this delicious dessert in moderation.

Here is some additional reading on nutritional information for desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. Ricotta cheese has a lower fat content than cream cheese, which is the base for traditional New York-style cheesecake. This often results in a ricotta cheesecake being lower in calories and saturated fat, though the specific recipe and ingredients can still vary widely.

The calorie difference can be significant. Store-bought versions may contain additional fats and sugars, leading to a higher calorie count per slice. A homemade cheesecake allows for ingredient control, enabling you to reduce calories by using low-fat ricotta or less sugar.

To lower calories, use part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole-milk, reduce the amount of sugar, and consider a crustless version or a crust made with healthier alternatives like oats and nuts.

Serving sizes vary, but a common portion might be 1/12 to 1/16 of a standard 10-inch cheesecake. For commercial products, a standard serving might be around 5 ounces, or 145 grams.

Yes, the crust, especially if it's a traditional graham cracker crust made with butter, can contribute significantly to the total calorie count. A crustless cheesecake or one with a modified, lower-calorie crust will have fewer total calories.

Not necessarily. While many are, nutritional values can differ greatly between brands and products. Always check the nutritional label, as some manufacturers offer lighter or smaller portioned options that are lower in calories.

Ricotta cheesecake is rich in fat and carbohydrates due to the cheese, sugar, and crust. It also contains a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and eggs. The exact proportions depend on the recipe.

Adding fruit like fresh berries generally adds minimal calories while increasing vitamins and fiber. However, high-sugar glazes, chocolate toppings, or whipped cream can add significant extra calories.