How many calories are in Spanish cheesecake?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to several recipe sources, a single serving of Spanish cheesecake, also known as Basque burnt cheesecake, can contain anywhere from 400 to over 600 calories, depending heavily on the slice size and specific recipe. This unique, crustless dessert has captured hearts globally, but what is its true nutritional footprint?

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of Spanish Basque burnt cheesecake, detailing factors like serving size and ingredients that influence its nutritional value. A comparison with New York-style cheesecake is included, alongside suggestions for creating a lighter, lower-calorie version at home.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A slice of Spanish cheesecake typically contains between 400 and 600+ calories, with significant variation depending on the recipe and portion size.
Ingredient Impact: Key ingredients like full-fat cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar are the primary calorie sources.
No Crust, Not Necessarily Low-Calorie: While it lacks a crust, the richness from its dairy-heavy filling means it's not a low-calorie dessert by default, though potentially less than a comparable New York slice with a crust.
Portion Control is Key: The easiest way to manage the calorie intake is by controlling the size of your slice, as this is the most influential factor.
Lighter Variations Exist: You can reduce the calorie count by substituting full-fat ingredients with lower-fat alternatives and using sugar substitutes.

The Calorie Breakdown of Spanish Cheesecake

Spanish cheesecake, or Basque burnt cheesecake, is a delightfully creamy dessert known for its distinctive dark exterior and jiggly, custardy center. Unlike its dense, crust-laden American cousin, the Basque version is crustless, which is often a point of discussion regarding its healthiness. The calorie count for a slice of Spanish cheesecake is not a fixed number, and various factors can cause the figures to fluctuate significantly.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Slice Size: The most significant factor affecting the calorie count is the size of the serving. A smaller, 90g portion might be around 328 calories, while a larger slice could easily exceed 600 calories. Be mindful of how generous the portion is, whether at a restaurant or when cutting your own slice at home.
Specific Recipe: The exact ingredients and their quantities play a huge role. Recipes using more full-fat cream cheese, extra heavy cream, or higher amounts of sugar will naturally result in a more calorie-dense dessert. Variations in recipes from home bakers, professional chefs, and commercial brands mean calorie counts are never uniform.
Ingredient Fat Content: The type of cream cheese and cream used dramatically impacts the final calorie count. Opting for low-fat or light cream cheese can help reduce the overall fat and calorie content. Some recipes also call for whipped cream, which can increase the fat and sugar content.

Based on data from various recipes and nutritional trackers, here is a breakdown of a typical, homemade Spanish cheesecake serving:

Calories: 400-600+ kcal (depending on size and recipe)
Fat: 30-45g
Carbohydrates: 25-35g
Protein: 7-9g

Nutritional Profile: Beyond the Numbers

While the calorie count provides a basic overview, a deeper look at the ingredients reveals a more complete nutritional picture. The dessert is primarily composed of fat from cream cheese and heavy cream, and carbohydrates from sugar and a small amount of flour. It is not a significant source of vitamins, but the dairy base does provide some calcium.

Key Ingredients and Their Impact

Cream Cheese: The main ingredient provides a rich, fatty base that defines the cheesecake's flavor and texture. The fat in cream cheese is primarily saturated fat.
Heavy Cream: Adds to the creamy, velvety texture and richness, contributing a significant amount of fat and calories.
Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake, providing a source of simple carbohydrates.
Eggs: Act as a binder and add protein.
Flour: A minimal amount of flour is used to stabilize the mixture, preventing a curdled texture.

Spanish Cheesecake vs. New York Cheesecake: A Comparison

To put the calories of Spanish cheesecake in perspective, it's helpful to compare it to the more traditional, crust-based New York-style cheesecake. This comparison highlights how different preparation methods and ingredients affect the final dessert.


Feature	Spanish (Basque) Cheesecake	New York Cheesecake
Crust	None. Baked in parchment paper.	A buttery graham cracker crust.
Texture	Lighter, creamier, and softer; often described as soufflé-like.	Dense, rich, and firm.
Appearance	Deeply caramelized, almost burnt top with rough edges.	Smooth, pale top with a crisp, uniform crust.
Key Flavor	Tangy from cheese, with a subtle caramel undertone from the burnt top.	Primarily rich cream cheese flavor with a hint of vanilla and lemon.
Calorie Profile	Can range widely, but lacks the buttery biscuit base, potentially offering fewer calories per comparable serving size.	Often high in calories due to a dense filling and a butter-and-sugar-heavy crust.

Can You Make a Lighter Spanish Cheesecake?

For those looking to enjoy the delicious taste of Spanish cheesecake with fewer calories, some ingredient substitutions can be made without sacrificing flavor completely.

Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Opting for lower-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the heavy cream can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content.
Substitute Sugar: Use a calorie-free sweetener designed for baking to reduce the sugar content. This can impact the caramelization of the burnt top, so results may vary.
Reduce Serving Size: The simplest way to control calories is portion control. Enjoying a smaller slice still allows for the full flavor experience.

For a lighter version, you can adapt a standard recipe by swapping ingredients. For instance, using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt can make a deliciously creamy dessert that aligns with dietary goals.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in Spanish cheesecake? The answer is not straightforward. A typical slice can range from 400 to over 600 calories, with the specific recipe and portion size being the most critical determining factors. While it can be a high-calorie indulgence, it offers a different textural and flavor profile than other cheesecakes. By being mindful of serving size or opting for a lighter recipe variation, you can still enjoy this delightful dessert in moderation. For a great base recipe to get started, you can explore versions found on sites like Allrecipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spanish cheesecake, also known as Basque burnt cheesecake, is a crustless baked cheesecake originating from the Basque Country in Spain, famous for its intentionally caramelized, dark top and creamy, jiggly interior.

While both are high in calories, Spanish cheesecake often has a slightly lower calorie count per comparable slice because it lacks the buttery, high-calorie graham cracker crust found in New York cheesecake.

The high calorie count is primarily due to its rich ingredients, which typically include high amounts of full-fat cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sugar.

No, Spanish cheesecake is not considered a healthy dessert option due to its high fat and sugar content. However, healthier versions can be made by using low-fat dairy and alternative sweeteners.

Yes, you can substitute ingredients like full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives or Greek yogurt to significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

The intentional 'burnt' or caramelized top of the cheesecake contributes to the flavor profile but does not add a significant amount of additional calories, as it is just a result of the high-heat baking process caramelizing the sugar.

The serving size has the biggest impact on the total calories per slice. A smaller piece will have fewer calories, while a large slice can be a substantial part of a daily calorie intake.