What are the average calories in a slice of cheesecake?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

A 100-gram slice of plain cheesecake contains, on average, around 321 calories, but this figure can vary dramatically. The exact number of calories in a slice of cheesecake depends heavily on its size, ingredients, and toppings, with some restaurant slices exceeding 1,000 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a cheesecake slice varies widely based on its ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. Flavors, toppings, and whether it's homemade or store-bought all impact the nutritional content.

Key Points

Average calories: A plain 100-gram slice of cheesecake averages around 321 calories, but this can vary significantly.
Flavor impact: Toppings and flavors like chocolate or caramel dramatically increase the calorie count, with a chocolate slice potentially reaching 388 kcal per 100g.
Restaurant portions: Commercial chain restaurant cheesecakes often have exceptionally high calorie counts, with some slices exceeding 1,000 calories due to size and ingredients.
Homemade control: Making cheesecake at home allows for better control over ingredients, enabling modifications to reduce total calories and fat.
Calorie reduction tips: To lower cheesecake calories, use reduced-fat ingredients, opt for lighter crusts or toppings, and practice portion control.
Dietary consideration: While a high-calorie indulgence, cheesecake can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The calorie content of a slice of cheesecake is not a single, fixed number but a range influenced by numerous factors. From the rich, dense New York style to a lighter, fruit-topped variation, the calorie count can differ significantly. Understanding these variables allows for a more accurate estimation of your dessert's energy value.

The Average Calorie Range for Plain Cheesecake

For a standard, unadorned, 100-gram slice of plain cheesecake, the average calorie count is approximately 321 kcal. A serving of similar size is often used as a baseline for nutritional calculations. However, what constitutes a 'standard' slice can be subjective. For instance, a commercial cheesecake may be sliced into 1/6 portions, with one such 2.8 oz (75g) slice containing around 256 calories, while a different 103g piece contains 329 calories. The key takeaway is that portion size is a critical determinant of the final calorie count.

Impact of Cheesecake Flavors and Toppings

When a plain cheesecake is augmented with additional flavors, sauces, and toppings, the calorie count escalates. Ingredients like chocolate, caramel, and extra sugar add substantial energy content. A study breaking down the nutritional profiles of different cheesecake varieties highlights this effect:

A 100-gram slice of chocolate cheesecake has about 388 calories, significantly higher than a plain slice.
The Cheesecake Factory's decadent menu items provide a stark example, with a single slice of their Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake packing a massive 1,330 calories.
Even homemade recipes that incorporate ingredients like oil, extra butter, or generous amounts of sugar and icing can lead to surprisingly high calorie densities.

Cheesecake Flavor Calorie Variations (per ~100g slice)

Plain New York Cheesecake: A dense, classic style with around 321-405 kcal.
Chocolate Cheesecake: The addition of chocolate can increase calories to about 388 kcal.
Fruit-Topped Cheesecake: Toppings like berries can add modest calories, while a mango mousse version can be around 1150 kcal for a larger slice.
Specialty Restaurant Cheesecake: Complex recipes with multiple layers, fillings, and extravagant toppings can easily push the calorie count over 1,000 kcal per slice.

Homemade vs. Restaurant Cheesecake

There is a notable distinction in calorie count between homemade and restaurant-style cheesecakes, with commercial versions, especially from chain restaurants, often being far more indulgent. This is largely due to restaurant-sized portions and high-fat ingredients designed for maximum flavor and richness.


Feature	Homemade Cheesecake	Restaurant Cheesecake (e.g., Cheesecake Factory)
Portion Size	Typically smaller, controlled portions	Often oversized portions (e.g., up to 1/16 of a cake)
Ingredients	Recipe-dependent, can be customized for fewer calories	Rich, high-fat ingredients for intense flavor
Average Calories	Lower, potentially 300-400 kcal per 100g	Substantially higher, with many slices exceeding 1,000 kcal
Control	Full control over ingredients and portion size	Little to no control over serving size or recipe
Nutritional Density	Can be modified for lower fat and sugar content	Very dense with high levels of fat and sugar

How to Reduce Calories in Cheesecake

For those who love cheesecake but are mindful of their calorie intake, several modifications can significantly lower the energy density:

Use lighter ingredients: Swapping full-fat cream cheese with a reduced-fat version and using a healthier substitute like Greek yogurt can cut calories and fat.
Modify the crust: A traditional graham cracker crust with butter adds significant calories. Options include a crust-free version, a thinner crust, or one made with alternative ingredients.
Control portion size: This is the simplest and most effective strategy. Sharing a slice or enjoying a smaller piece can reduce the calorie impact.
Choose lighter toppings: Opt for fresh fruit instead of heavy caramel or chocolate sauces.
Explore alternative recipes: Recipes for low-carb or keto-friendly cheesecakes often use alternative sweeteners and bases, drastically reducing sugar and overall calories.

Conclusion

In summary, the average number of calories in a slice of cheesecake is not a consistent value but is highly dependent on preparation and serving size. While a plain, modest slice may contain around 321 calories per 100g, specialty restaurant versions can have three to four times that amount due to oversized portions and rich ingredients. By making conscious choices about ingredients and controlling portion sizes, you can enjoy this classic dessert while managing your overall calorie intake. The vast discrepancy between a commercial slice and a homemade or diet-friendly version highlights the importance of being aware of what goes into your food.

Enjoying cheesecake, like any other treat, is perfectly acceptable when done in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. For a more controlled experience, consider making your own or sharing a single slice with a friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Restaurant cheesecake slices, particularly from chains, tend to have a much higher calorie count, often exceeding 1,000 calories per slice due to their large size and rich ingredients. In contrast, a typical homemade slice is often smaller and can contain 300-400 calories or less, depending on the recipe.

Yes, adding toppings like chocolate, caramel, nuts, and sweetened fruit sauces can substantially increase the calorie count of a slice. A plain cheesecake has a much lower calorie count than a specialty flavor loaded with extras.

To make a lighter cheesecake, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, opt for a thinner or no-crust base, and sweeten with healthier alternatives. Fresh fruit is a lower-calorie topping choice compared to heavy syrups and chocolate.

The crust adds calories, primarily from butter and crushed cookies. A thicker, buttery crust will increase calories, while a thinner crust or a crust made with less butter will help reduce them. Omitting the crust altogether is the most significant way to cut crust-related calories.

Yes, a plain cheesecake is generally lower in calories and fat than a chocolate cheesecake. The addition of chocolate, along with its associated ingredients, adds extra fat and sugar, increasing the overall calorie load.

The most accurate way to track calories is by preparing it yourself using specific ingredients and measuring serving sizes. For commercial cheesecakes, look up the nutritional information provided by the restaurant or brand, but be aware of how large their portion sizes can be.

Portion size is one of the most critical factors. A single large slice from a restaurant can easily be the equivalent of several smaller, standard-sized slices. Controlling portion size is the simplest method for managing calorie intake when eating cheesecake.