How many calories are in one slice of baked cheesecake?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While a standard slice of plain baked cheesecake contains around 320 to 380 calories, this number can climb significantly higher depending on the recipe and toppings. Understanding how many calories are in one slice of baked cheesecake involves looking at the specific ingredients and portion size, as these are the biggest determining factors.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a slice of baked cheesecake varies widely based on ingredients, portion size, and toppings. The article examines a typical slice, compares different versions, and offers tips for reducing calories.

Key Points

High Variability: The calorie count for one slice of baked cheesecake can range from 300 to well over 1,000 calories, depending on the recipe and serving size.
Key Calorie Sources: The majority of calories come from the rich cream cheese filling, sugar, and the buttery graham cracker crust.
Portion Size Matters: A standard 100-gram slice may have around 320 calories, but oversized restaurant slices can contain significantly more.
Toppings Add Up: Rich toppings like chocolate, caramel, and nuts can add hundreds of calories to a single slice.
Lighter Options Exist: You can reduce the calorie count by using low-fat cream cheese, sugar substitutes, and opting for fresh fruit toppings.
Baked vs. No-Bake: Baked cheesecake is generally denser and higher in calories and fat than its lighter, airier no-bake counterpart.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Classic Baked Cheesecake

To understand the total calorie count, it's helpful to look at the main components of a traditional baked cheesecake. The primary sources of calories are fats and carbohydrates from the crust, the cream cheese filling, and added sweeteners. A classic New York-style cheesecake, for instance, is notoriously rich due to its high-fat ingredients, which is where the bulk of the calories come from. The standard reference slice of about 100 grams is often cited as having over 320 calories.

The Crust: A Calorie Contributor

The foundation of most baked cheesecakes is a crust made from crushed biscuits or graham crackers mixed with melted butter. Both components are calorie-dense. The type and amount of biscuit used, along with the butter content, will directly influence the final number. A thicker crust or one made with richer biscuits will add more calories than a thinner one.

The Filling: Creamy and Calorie-Dense

The filling is where the majority of the calories reside. Key ingredients include:

Full-fat cream cheese: This is a high-fat dairy product, a primary source of saturated fat and calories.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds pure carbohydrates and is a major caloric component. The sweetness level, and therefore the amount of sugar, can vary by recipe.
Eggs: Eggs provide protein and act as a binder, but also contribute a modest number of calories.
Sour cream or heavy cream: Often used to create a smoother, richer texture, these ingredients significantly increase the fat and calorie content.

Factors That Heavily Influence the Calorie Count

As suggested by varying nutrition data, the calorie count is not a fixed number. Here are the main factors that create this variability.

The Importance of Portion Size

Serving size is arguably the most significant factor. Restaurant-sized portions are often much larger than a standard home-cooked slice and can contain over 1,000 calories. A slice from a 12-portion cheesecake will be much smaller and have fewer calories than a slice from an 8-portion cake.

Toppings and Their Calorie Impact

Toppings can add a considerable number of extra calories. For example:

Fruit toppings: Fresh berries or a light fruit compote add a minimal number of calories, sometimes only 50-100 per slice. However, a rich canned fruit filling will be higher.
Chocolate: A chocolate-swirled cheesecake or one with chocolate sauce can easily add an extra 100-200 calories or more per slice.
Caramel and nuts: A turtle cheesecake with caramel and pecans can push the calorie count to extreme levels due to the high fat and sugar content.

Comparison: Baked vs. No-Bake Cheesecake


Feature	Baked Cheesecake	No-Bake Cheesecake
Typical Calories per Slice	320-450+	250-400
Primary Ingredients	Cream cheese, eggs, sugar	Cream cheese, gelatin, sugar, whipped cream
Texture	Dense and firm	Light and airy, mousse-like
Preparation	Requires oven baking	Refrigeration to set
Fat Content	Higher (from eggs, cream)	Can be lower (using whipped cream)
Stability	More stable and sturdy	Less stable, sensitive to heat

Healthier Cheesecake Alternatives and Modifications

For those seeking a lighter option, several modifications can be made without sacrificing flavor.

Lighter Ingredient Swaps

Use low-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese instead of full-fat versions.
Substitute some of the sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia.
Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of full-fat sour cream.
Make a thinner crust or use a crustless recipe altogether.
Choose lighter fruit toppings instead of heavy sauces or chocolate.

Portion Control and Mindful Indulgence

Sometimes, the best approach is to simply enjoy a smaller portion of the traditional recipe. Sharing a slice with a friend or opting for mini cheesecakes can significantly reduce the calorie intake while still satisfying your craving.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Cheesecake Calories

In summary, how many calories are in one slice of baked cheesecake can vary from around 320 for a plain slice to well over 1,000 for a richly topped, oversized restaurant serving. The calorie count is a function of the ingredients used (cream cheese, sugar, toppings) and the portion size. By being mindful of these factors, especially portion control and toppings, you can enjoy this classic dessert while staying within your dietary goals. Opting for lighter ingredient swaps or a no-bake version are also viable alternatives for reducing your overall calorie intake from cheesecake.

For more specific nutritional data on various foods, including cheesecake, you can consult sources like Nutritionix, which provides detailed calorie and macronutrient information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, baked cheesecake is typically high in calories due to its rich, dense ingredients like full-fat cream cheese, butter, and sugar. The exact amount depends heavily on the recipe and portion size.

To reduce calories, you can make several substitutions: use low-fat cream cheese, replace some sugar with a calorie-free sweetener, use a thinner crust or no crust, and opt for a light fruit topping instead of a heavy sauce.

Yes, no-bake cheesecakes are often lighter and have fewer calories than traditional baked versions. Their filling is typically made with whipped cream or gelatin, giving them an airier, lower-fat consistency.

A restaurant-sized slice of cheesecake, especially from a chain, can be extremely high in calories, sometimes over 1,000 calories per slice, far exceeding typical homemade portions.

Yes, different flavors and toppings have varying calorie counts. A plain baked cheesecake has fewer calories than a chocolate, caramel, or fruit-swirl version, as these additions contain extra sugar and fat.

A classic New York-style cheesecake is made with extra cream cheese, which results in a denser, richer filling and a higher calorie count per slice compared to a standard, less dense plain baked cheesecake.

Yes, making cheesecake at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and portion size. This allows for healthier swaps and the ability to avoid oversized servings, which helps manage calorie intake.