Cheesecake is a favorite dessert for many of us, with its chilled, creamy topping and sweet, crumbly crust. But although a bite of cheesecake satisfies our taste buds, what’s it doing for our health? Is the cheesecake sugar content something we should worry about? The short answer is yes.
In this guide, we’ll explain just how much sugar is in cheesecake, and why too much sugar can cause more problems than you might realize. We’ll also share a sugar-free cheesecake recipe and introduce you to some healthier, delicious, low-sugar alternatives!
Why We Love Cheesecake
There’s a lot to love about cheesecake. First of all, let’s talk about that luxurious mouthfeel. The smooth, dense filling provides a satisfying richness, while the crumbly cookie or graham cracker crust adds a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Another thing we love about cheesecake is how customizable it is. Not only are there tons of different flavors to choose from, there are also different styles - from classic New York-style to lighter, no-bake versions, and even vegan and gluten-free options, there's a cheesecake for everyone!
Are Cheesecakes High in Sugar, Though?
Cheesecake is undeniably delicious, but it’s also important to understand the cheesecake sugar content. Generally, cheesecakes are high in sugar - it’s what makes them so sweet and delicious! The cheesecake sugar content varies, depending on the recipes and toppings used, but it’s always high.
How Much Sugar is in Cheesecake?
So, how much sugar is in cheesecake? A standard slice of classic New York cheesecake can contain anywhere from 20 to 30 grams of sugar. There’s sugar in the crust, the cream cheese filling, and any extra fruit, sauces, or toppings that go on top of the cheesecake.
Interested in how the cheesecake sugar content stacks up against your other favorite treats? Take a look at these guides:
- Beer sugar content
- Soda sugar content
- Bubble tea sugar content
- Vitamin Water sugar content
- Chai tea latte sugar content
- Ginger ale sugar content
- Kombucha sugar content
- Coconut water sugar content
- Gatorade Zero sugar content
- Kool-Aid sugar content
- Coffee creamer sugar content
- Orange juice sugar content
- Dr. Pepper sugar content
- Red Bull sugar content
Why You Need to Watch Out For the Cheesecake Sugar Content
For reference, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 36 grams of sugar daily for men and 25 grams daily for women. So, one slice of cheesecake already puts you over the limit! Here’s why the AHA has sugar guidelines, and how too much sugar impacts your health.
Health Risks Associated with High Sugar Intake
There are a lot of different health issues that can come from too much sugar, including weight gain and obesity from the added calories. Too much sugar also increases your risk of developing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.
Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
For people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels, the high sugar content in cheesecake can cause harmful spikes in blood glucose. Even for those without diabetes, sharp increases in blood sugar can cause energy crashes and affect overall well-being.
Tooth Troubles
The old saying that “sugar rots your teeth” is one of the few old sayings that’s actually 100% true. High sugar consumption is a major contributor to tooth decay and other dental issues, as sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup and cavities.
Try This Sugar-Free Cheesecake Recipe!
One way to avoid the high cheesecake sugar content is to make your own sugar-free cheesecake. We’ve included a recipe to get you started, but be aware that you’ll need to use some sort of artificial sweetener to sweeten your cheesecake.
Most artificial sweeteners, like stevia, erythritol, and aspartame, have all been associated with different health issues, including certain types of cancer. Artificial sweeteners can cause everything from headaches to hormone disturbances, so use them with caution.
With that in mind, here’s a recipe that avoids sugar in cheesecake:
Crust ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons erythritol (or your preferred sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling ingredients:
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup erythritol (or your preferred sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Preparing the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, erythritol, and vanilla extract
- Mix until well combined
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until lightly golden
- Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the filling
Preparing the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and erythritol until smooth
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is smooth and creamy
- Stir in the lemon zest if using
Assemble and bake:
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open
- Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set
Once your cheesecake is set, you can carefully remove it from the springform pan, slice it, and serve chilled. You can top it with fresh berries, a sugar-free fruit compote, or just enjoy it plain.
Other Delicious, Low-Sugar Sweet Treats to Keep in Your Rotation
Learning how much sugar is in cheesecake can understandably make you want to find low-sugar alternatives that won’t harm your health. At Oobli, that’s our specialty! We sweeten everything with natural sweet proteins, so there’s no need for harmful artificial sweeteners.
If you’re concerned by the sugar in cheesecake and the high chocolate sugar content, you’ll love our low-sugar chocolate! With just 1 gram of sugar, it’s certified guilt-free, and it’s also high in fiber, vegan, and keto-friendly. Who says you can’t have it all?
If the Coke sugar content, Mountain Dew sugar content, or sweet tea sugar content has got you down, try our delicious, refreshing low-sugar lemonade and low-sugar iced tea. Made from 100% clean ingredients, they contain up to 85% less sugar than the standard lemonade sugar content.
Closing Thoughts on How Much Sugar is in Cheesecake
So, that wraps up our guide to the sugar in cheesecake. A single serving of cheesecake contains 20 to 30 grams of sugar - more than the AHA’s daily recommendations. These high levels of sugar can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Sugar-free cheesecake is a good way to avoid the high cheesecake sugar content, but it’s important to remember that sugar-free cheesecake contains artificial sweeteners, which have been linked with cancers, hormone disruption, liver problems, and more.
If you’re looking for sweet treats that don’t come with the guilt of high sugar levels or the dangers of artificial sweeteners, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here at Oobli! Our low-sugar chocolate satisfies your sweet tooth without the side effects.
So, next time you need something sweet, turn to Oobli for a guilt-free indulgence that won’t harm your health!
