Is Cheesecake a Low Carb Dessert? The Definitive Answer

November 22, 2025 •

2 min read

While a standard slice of cheesecake can contain over 25 grams of carbs, a low carb version is entirely possible to create with clever ingredient substitutions. This makes it a popular option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

Traditional cheesecake is high in sugar and carbohydrates due to its crust and filling ingredients. With ingredient swaps like alternative sweeteners and flour, a low-carb keto-friendly version is a viable option for dessert lovers.

Key Points

Traditional Cheesecake is Not Low Carb: Standard recipes use high amounts of sugar and a graham cracker crust, resulting in a carb-heavy dessert.
Keto Versions are Low Carb: Cheesecake can be made low-carb or keto-friendly by substituting ingredients like sweeteners and crust materials.
Almond Flour is a Key Substitute: A crust made from almond flour or other nut flours replaces the traditional high-carb graham cracker crust effectively.
Use Alternative Sweeteners: Sugar is swapped with zero or low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia to reduce the carb count.
Mind Toppings and Store-Bought Options: Fruit sauces or other sugary toppings can add carbs, and it's essential to read the labels of store-bought low-carb products carefully.
Crustless is an Option: For the lowest carb count, a crustless cheesecake can be prepared, focusing entirely on the rich, creamy filling.

The Carb Problem with Traditional Cheesecake

Traditional cheesecake, with its reliance on sugar and a graham cracker crust, is high in carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for low-carb diets. A typical slice can contain over 25 grams of carbs, and some varieties, like New York style, may have even more, up to 49 grams per serving. The primary sources of these carbs are the sugar in the filling, the graham cracker and sugar crust, and high-carb toppings such as fruit sauces or caramel.

How to Make Cheesecake a Low-Carb Dessert

To make cheesecake low-carb, you need to replace the high-carb ingredients, particularly in the crust and sweetener.

Low-Carb Substitutions for the Crust

Instead of a graham cracker crust, low-carb options utilize alternative flours like almond flour mixed with melted butter and a low-carb sweetener for a shortbread-like base. Coconut flour or crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts can also be used. For the lowest carb version, you can simply make a crustless cheesecake.

Low-Carb Sweetener Alternatives

Zero or low-calorie sweeteners replace refined sugar. Popular choices include erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, and allulose, which do not significantly impact blood sugar levels.

Low-Carb Cheesecake vs. Traditional Cheesecake: A Comparison

To illustrate the difference in carbohydrate content, consider this comparison based on approximate nutritional values per slice:


Feature	Traditional Cheesecake	Low-Carb (Keto) Cheesecake
Carbohydrates	~25+ grams per slice	2-5 net carbs per slice
Sugar	~22+ grams per slice	Minimal to zero sugar
Crust	Graham cracker and sugar	Almond flour, coconut flour, or crustless
Sweetener	Granulated sugar	Erythritol, Monk Fruit, Stevia, Allulose
Taste Profile	Classic, sweet, and rich	Rich, creamy, but with a different sweetness profile
Texture	Dense and smooth	Can vary slightly depending on sweetener, typically creamy

Tips for Enjoying Low-Carb Cheesecake

To successfully enjoy low-carb cheesecake, consider these tips:

Choose a reliable recipe: Many excellent low-carb cheesecake recipes are available online.
Select low-carb toppings: Opt for fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries), unsweetened whipped cream, or sugar-free sauces.
Check labels for store-bought options: Be wary of hidden sugars and consider how sugar alcohols may affect carb count.
Avoid overbaking: For baked versions, prevent cracking by not overbaking and allowing for slow cooling.
Try no-bake recipes: These can be a simple way to start with low-carb cheesecake.

The Final Verdict: Is Cheesecake Low Carb?

Traditional cheesecake is not a low-carb dessert due to its sugar and graham cracker crust. However, by using alternative sweeteners and low-carb crust options like almond flour, you can create a delicious keto-friendly version that fits a low-carb lifestyle. Enjoying even the low-carb version in moderation is still recommended. For more low-carb cooking tips, resources like Healthline can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main reason is the combination of refined sugar used in the filling and the graham cracker crust, which is made from a high-carbohydrate flour blend.

Yes, low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, allulose, or stevia are excellent substitutes for sugar when baking a low-carb cheesecake.

For a low-carb cheesecake, you can use a crust made from almond flour, coconut flour, or even crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts.

No, it is important to always check the nutritional label. Some products may contain hidden sugars or higher carb counts than expected, so reading the fine print is crucial.

Low-carb cheesecakes can be just as creamy and rich as traditional ones. The main difference lies in the sweetness profile, which depends on the alternative sweetener used. Many people find the taste very comparable.

Great low-carb toppings include fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, sugar-free chocolate shavings, or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath and allow it to cool slowly by leaving it in the oven with the door ajar after turning the heat off. This technique is often recommended for both traditional and keto recipes.

Yes, many no-bake keto cheesecake recipes exist. They use a combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and low-carb sweeteners for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert.