How many calories are in a regular slice of cheesecake? A Nutrition Diet Guide

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard plain cheesecake slice, typically around 100 grams, can contain approximately 321 calories, but this can fluctuate greatly depending on ingredients, preparation, and portion size. Understanding how many calories are in a regular slice of cheesecake is crucial for fitting this rich dessert into a balanced nutrition plan.

Quick Summary

A standard slice of plain cheesecake contains several hundred calories, largely due to high-fat cream cheese, sugar, and a butter-based crust. Calorie counts increase significantly with toppings, and larger commercial portions can contain over 1,000 calories.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Range: A standard 100g slice of plain cheesecake contains approximately 321 calories, but this can vary widely.
Toppings Add Calories: Sweet and chocolatey toppings can easily increase the calorie count, with some options containing 600-800+ calories per slice.
Commercial Portions are Larger: Slices from restaurants often have much higher calorie counts, with some exceeding 1,000 calories.
High in Fat and Sugar: Traditional cheesecake is high in saturated fat and added sugar, so moderation is key to a healthy diet.
Mindful Consumption is Best: To avoid derailing a diet, practice mindful eating, control portion sizes, and enjoy cheesecake as an occasional treat.
Consider Healthier Versions: For a lower-calorie alternative, explore options like homemade keto or no-bake cheesecakes that use alternative ingredients.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a dense, dairy-rich dessert known for its creamy texture and high energy content. A plain cheesecake's calorie count is a function of its primary ingredients: a filling of cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, and a crust typically made from crushed cookies or graham crackers bound with butter.

For a regular, store-bought slice of plain cheesecake weighing about 100 grams, you can expect roughly 321 calories. While this provides some protein (around 5.5g), the majority of the energy comes from saturated fats (approx. 10g) and carbohydrates from sugar (around 22g). Saturated fat is a particular area of concern, as a single slice can provide up to 50% of the daily recommended limit.

Factors Affecting Cheesecake's Calorie Count

Not all cheesecakes are created equal, and their calorie content can vary dramatically. Several factors influence the final nutritional profile of your slice, including the type of cheesecake, added ingredients, and portion size.

Cheesecake Flavor and Topping Impact

Added Sugar and Toppings: Extra ingredients, like chocolate, caramel swirls, or sugary fruit compotes, substantially increase the calorie and sugar content. A chocolate cheesecake, for instance, can contain almost 400 calories per 100g slice.
Enriched Crusts: Some cheesecakes feature crusts made with extra butter or chocolate cookies, which adds to the total calorie count compared to a simple graham cracker crust.
Portion Size: This is arguably the biggest variable. A single slice from a popular chain restaurant can sometimes exceed 1,000 calories, far surpassing a reasonable serving size. Being mindful of restaurant portion sizes is essential for any nutrition-focused diet.

A Comparison of Cheesecake Calorie Counts

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of various cheesecake options based on approximate 100-gram serving sizes. Note that these can vary by recipe and brand.


Cheesecake Type	Approximate Calories (100g slice)	Key Ingredients	Nutritional Considerations
Plain/New York Cheesecake	321 kcal	Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, graham cracker crust	High in saturated fat and sugar. A classic, dense option.
Chocolate Cheesecake	388 kcal	Cream cheese, sugar, chocolate, cocoa, chocolate crust	Significantly higher in sugar and fat due to chocolate.
No-Bake Cheesecake	271 kcal (from mix)	Cream cheese, condensed milk, whipped topping, mixed flavors	Often lighter but can contain processed ingredients and fillers.
Keto Cheesecake	210 kcal (approximate)	Cream cheese, eggs, low-carb sweeteners, nut-flour crust	Lower in carbs and calories, but may use sugar alternatives.
Vegan Cheezecake	480 kcal (approximate)	Cashews, coconut cream, vegan crackers, sugar	Higher in fat and calories, depending on specific ingredients.

Including Cheesecake in a Healthy Diet

Just because cheesecake is high in calories and sugar doesn't mean you must avoid it completely. A balanced nutrition plan allows for occasional indulgences, provided they are enjoyed in moderation.

Mindful Eating and Portion Control

Mindful eating is about savoring and enjoying food fully without guilt. For a high-calorie treat like cheesecake, this means paying attention to a smaller portion and appreciating the rich flavors. If you're dining out, consider splitting a single slice with a friend. This simple strategy instantly cuts the calorie and sugar intake in half.

Opting for Healthier Alternatives

If you're watching your intake closely, you can also explore healthier versions of cheesecake. Homemade recipes allow for more control over ingredients. Options include using reduced-fat cream cheese, natural low-calorie sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia, and replacing the buttery crust with one made from nuts or low-sugar granola. Non-dairy or keto-friendly variations also offer delicious alternatives with different nutritional profiles, but reading ingredient labels is always recommended.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Indulgence Mindfully

Ultimately, the number of calories in a regular slice of cheesecake highlights its richness, making it a treat best enjoyed occasionally and in moderation. It is high in saturated fat and sugar, but also contains beneficial nutrients like protein and calcium from its dairy components. By practicing mindful eating and being aware of portion sizes, you can indulge without compromising your overall nutritional goals. Whether opting for a classic slice or a lighter homemade version, the key is balance, enjoyment, and informed choices within a healthy diet.

For more information on the health aspects of cheesecake, including the potential risks of overconsumption and how to make healthier choices, refer to this detailed guide from Healthline: Is Cheesecake Healthy? Nutrition and Recipe Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

While traditional cheesecake is high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, it is not inherently 'unhealthy' if consumed in moderation. The key is to enjoy it occasionally as part of a balanced diet, not regularly.

To fit cheesecake into a diet plan, focus on portion control. Enjoy a small slice, share with a friend, or save it for special occasions. Opt for healthier, lighter versions when possible, such as those made with reduced-fat ingredients or natural sweeteners.

A 100-gram slice of plain cheesecake contains about 321 calories, while a chocolate version of the same size can contain closer to 388 calories. The added chocolate significantly increases the fat and sugar content.

Yes, restaurant cheesecake slices are often significantly higher in calories. They are typically larger than standard servings and often feature high-calorie toppings, with some slices containing over 1,000 calories.

Healthier alternatives include making homemade cheesecake with reduced-fat cream cheese, using sugar substitutes like monk fruit, or creating a dairy-free version with ingredients like cashews and coconut cream. No-bake cheesecakes can also be lower in calories than baked versions.

Despite being high in calories and sugar, cheesecake does provide some beneficial nutrients due to its dairy content. These include protein, calcium, and vitamin A.

Yes, regularly consuming large portions of cheesecake or other high-calorie desserts can lead to unwanted weight gain due to excessive calorie intake. For most people, enjoying it occasionally will not affect body weight.