Which Cheesecake is Gluten-Free at The Cheesecake Factory?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the restaurant's allergen data sheet, The Cheesecake Factory does not use a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, making complete assurance against cross-contamination impossible. However, several cheesecakes are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, providing options for those seeking a gluten-free choice at the Cheesecake Factory.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific cheesecakes available at The Cheesecake Factory that are made without gluten ingredients, and offers important advice for communicating your dietary needs to staff to minimize risks.

Key Points

Identify the Safe Options: The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake and the Low-Licious® cheesecakes are designated as gluten-free at The Cheesecake Factory.
Understand Cross-Contamination Risk: The restaurant does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, meaning there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Communicate with Your Server: Clearly state your dietary restriction or allergy to your server when ordering to ensure proper handling.
Check for Garnish: When ordering the Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake, consider asking for it without the chocolate powder, which may pose a cross-contamination risk.
Consult Official Information: For the most current and accurate allergy information, always check The Cheesecake Factory's official allergen guide.

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Options at The Cheesecake Factory

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating restaurant menus can be challenging. The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive menu, does offer a few cheesecake options made without gluten-containing ingredients. The most popular choice is often the rich Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake, which is made with a flourless, dense chocolate cake base instead of a traditional crust. Additionally, the Low-Licious® Cheesecake and the Low-Licious® Cheesecake with Strawberries are also prepared without gluten and are also low in carbs and have no added sugar.

The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake

The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake is a fan favorite among both gluten-free and regular diners. Its rich, dense texture comes from a flourless Godiva chocolate cake, making it an inherently gluten-free base. When ordering this cheesecake, it's crucial to specify your gluten sensitivity to your server. Some blogs and older reports suggest asking for it without the chocolate powder garnish, as this may be a source of potential cross-contamination. The Cheesecake Factory has also highlighted this dessert on its social media as a gluten-free offering.

The Low-Licious® Cheesecakes

In addition to the decadent Godiva option, The Cheesecake Factory provides lighter, healthier options with their Low-Licious® cheesecake line. Both the plain Low-Licious® Cheesecake and the version with strawberries are made without gluten ingredients and contain no added sugar. These are an excellent choice for those managing not only a gluten-free diet but also sugar intake. This demonstrates the restaurant's effort to cater to a broader range of dietary restrictions, including the gluten-free community.

Important Considerations for a Safe, Gluten-Free Experience

While The Cheesecake Factory offers desserts without gluten ingredients, it is paramount to remember that they do not operate a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. This means there is always a risk of cross-contamination. For individuals with severe allergies or celiac disease, taking extra precautions is essential.

Communicating with Your Server

State your allergy clearly and early: Inform your server that you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease when you place your order. This is the single most important step to ensure your order is handled with care.
Confirm preparation details: Ask your server to verify with the kitchen that your dessert will be prepared with minimal cross-contamination risk. For example, ensuring a clean plate and utensils are used.
Verify the Godiva garnish: For the Godiva cheesecake, confirm that the chocolate powder is not added, as it may be handled with other gluten-containing products.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

The risk of cross-contamination can occur in several ways. The cheesecake display case is a known point of concern, as the same utensils may be used to cut both regular and gluten-free items. The kitchen environment also poses risks, as flour and other gluten-containing products are used extensively. The Cheesecake Factory's allergen information clearly states that they cannot guarantee that any menu item will be completely free of allergens.

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Options Comparison


Feature	Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake	Low-Licious® Cheesecake	Low-Licious® with Strawberries
Crust	Flourless chocolate cake	Not specified, made without gluten	Not specified, made without gluten
Flavor Profile	Rich, dense, and intensely chocolatey	Classic, creamy, and traditional	Classic with fresh strawberry topping
Dietary Notes	Gluten-free	Gluten-free, no added sugar, low carb	Gluten-free, no added sugar, low carb
Cross-Contamination Risk	Medium: Garnish handling, cutting station	Medium: Cutting station	Medium: Cutting station
Key Ingredient	Godiva® chocolate	Classic cream cheese filling	Cream cheese filling and strawberries

Conclusion: Navigating Your Dessert Choice

Finding a delicious gluten-free dessert at a mainstream restaurant like The Cheesecake Factory is a fantastic benefit for those with dietary restrictions. Their Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake and Low-Licious® options provide genuine gluten-free choices. However, it is essential to approach your order with caution due to the potential for cross-contamination in a shared kitchen environment. The most critical step is to communicate clearly and directly with your server about your needs. By staying informed and proactive, you can enjoy a satisfying cheesecake experience with peace of mind at The Cheesecake Factory. For a complete look at their gluten-free options and for the most up-to-date information, it is always best to consult the restaurant's official allergen guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake and both the Low-Licious® Cheesecake and Low-Licious® Cheesecake with Strawberries are the gluten-free options available.

No, the Original Cheesecake and other standard varieties contain a graham cracker crust and are not gluten-free.

The Godiva® Chocolate Cheesecake is made with a flourless cake base instead of a traditional crust, making it gluten-free in its ingredients. However, as with all items from a non-dedicated kitchen, there is a risk of cross-contamination during preparation.

The Low-Licious® cheesecakes are made without gluten ingredients but, like all menu items, are prepared in a shared kitchen. Individuals with celiac disease should weigh the potential risk of cross-contamination.

Yes, you should always inform your server about your dietary needs or gluten sensitivity. This ensures the kitchen takes extra precautions to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Yes, you can ask your server to request special handling from the kitchen, such as using a clean, separate cutting utensil and plate, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Yes, The Cheesecake Factory also offers other simple gluten-free desserts like bowls of fresh strawberries, bowls of vanilla ice cream, and hot fudge sundaes.