How Many Calories Are in a Single Slice of Cheesecake?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, some restaurant slices of cheesecake can contain over 1,300 calories, which is more than half the daily recommendation for many people. The exact number of calories in a single slice of cheesecake, however, varies significantly based on its size, type, and toppings, but can range from 250 to over 1,000 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single slice of cheesecake can vary widely, from a couple hundred to well over a thousand. This depends on factors like size, recipe ingredients such as sugar and cream cheese content, and any additional toppings.

Key Points

Significant Variation: A single slice of cheesecake can range from 250 to over 1,000 calories, depending on size, recipe, and toppings.
High-Fat Ingredients: The high calorie count is primarily due to ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and butter.
Portion Size Matters: Restaurant slices are often much larger and more calorie-dense than homemade or store-bought versions.
Toppings Add Up: Rich toppings like chocolate ganache, caramel, and whipped cream can add hundreds of calories to a single slice.
Enjoy in Moderation: While high in calories, cheesecake can be part of a balanced diet if consumed mindfully and occasionally.
Lighter Alternatives: Options like keto-friendly or no-bake versions can significantly reduce calorie and sugar content.

What Determines the Calorie Count?

The caloric density of a single slice of cheesecake is not a fixed number. It is heavily influenced by several factors, including the recipe, portion size, and any added ingredients. High-fat ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and butter are the primary sources of calories. Different preparations, such as a New York-style or a low-fat variety, also play a significant role in the final nutritional profile. For example, a restaurant-sized slice often far exceeds a serving found in a pre-packaged grocery store box or a homemade version with a lighter recipe.

The Impact of Ingredients and Size

Type of Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is a major contributor to calories and saturated fat. Using a lower-fat version can reduce the total count. Some recipes even substitute Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter texture and lower caloric value.
Crust Composition: The base of a cheesecake, typically a graham cracker crust, contains butter and sugar. A thicker or denser crust will increase the calorie count. Some modern recipes use alternative crusts made from nuts or low-carb flour to reduce total carbohydrates and calories.
Sweeteners: Traditional cheesecakes use a substantial amount of sugar. The type and quantity of sweetener directly correlate with the calorie total. Keto-friendly versions often use non-caloric or low-calorie sweeteners to reduce the impact.
Toppings and Add-ins: The difference between a plain slice and one laden with chocolate ganache, caramel, or whipped cream can be hundreds of calories. Even fruit toppings, when sweetened with syrup, can add more sugar and calories.

Cheesecake Calorie Comparison Table

To better understand the range of calories, here is a comparison of different types of cheesecake based on average serving sizes (approximately 100g, or a medium slice):


Cheesecake Type	Approximate Calories (per 100g slice)	Key Factors
Regular/Plain	321 kcal	Classic cream cheese and sugar recipe.
Chocolate Cheesecake	388 kcal	Added chocolate, often contains higher fat and sugar.
Fruit Topped	400-600 kcal	Includes extra sugar from fruit sauce or syrupy fruit.
Restaurant-Style	500-1500+ kcal	Often a very large, dense slice with rich toppings.
Keto-Friendly	~210 kcal	Uses alternative sweeteners and low-carb ingredients.
Dairy-Free (Vegan)	~480 kcal	Calorie-dense coconut or cashew base and larger serving size.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a primary concern for many, it's also worth noting the other nutritional aspects of cheesecake. It is typically high in saturated fat and added sugars. However, it can also provide some protein and calcium from the cream cheese. As a dessert, it is not considered a nutrient-dense food and is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. When indulging, sharing a large slice or opting for a smaller portion can be a good strategy to manage intake.

How to Enjoy Cheesecake Mindfully

Choose a Smaller Portion: Many restaurants serve oversized slices. Consider splitting a dessert with a friend or asking for a to-go box for half of it immediately.
Bake Your Own: Homemade cheesecakes allow for complete control over ingredients. Experiment with low-fat cream cheese, natural sweeteners like stevia, or less sugar.
Consider a Lighter Recipe: No-bake cheesecakes or those made with lighter ingredients can significantly reduce the caloric load while still offering a delicious dessert experience.
Focus on Flavor, Not Quantity: Savor each bite of a smaller, richer slice rather than mindlessly eating a larger one. True enjoyment comes from the taste, not the volume.

Conclusion

The calories in a single slice of cheesecake are not uniform and can differ drastically. An average, store-bought slice might fall in the 300-500 calorie range, while a heavily adorned restaurant portion could easily exceed 1,000 calories. For those monitoring their intake, it is crucial to consider the size, ingredients, and any rich toppings. While cheesecake is not a health food, enjoying it occasionally and in moderation is possible within a balanced dietary framework. By being mindful of the different factors, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without derailing your nutritional goals.

For further reading, consult nutritional databases like the one provided by the Food Standards Agency, which details the nutrient content of various cheesecake recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small slice of plain cheesecake (approximately 75g) contains around 250 to 300 calories. However, this can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

A 100-gram slice of chocolate cheesecake contains approximately 388 calories, though this can increase with heavier chocolate toppings.

Yes, you can include cheesecake in your diet, but it's best to do so in moderation. Focusing on a balanced diet overall and managing portion sizes is key to enjoying it without affecting your health goals.

Keto or diet-friendly cheesecakes, which use low-carb and low-calorie sweeteners, typically have the lowest calorie counts. For example, some keto versions can contain as few as 210 calories per 80-gram slice.

Yes, traditional cheesecake is typically high in added sugar. Some slices contain more than the recommended daily limit for added sugar, which contributes significantly to the total calorie count.

Restaurant cheesecake slices are often significantly larger and richer than store-bought varieties, leading to a much higher calorie count. Some can contain upwards of 1,000 calories per slice.

To reduce calories in homemade cheesecake, you can use low-fat cream cheese, less sugar or a sugar substitute, and opt for a thinner crust or a crust made from nut meal. Lighter, no-bake versions are also a good option.