This really is the best low carb and keto cheesecake. Even my non-keto family proclaimed "This is the best cheesecake I have ever had!" This tutorial will help you make a perfect cheesecake the first time and every time!
Keto Cheesecake
If you're looking for a delicious keto cheesecake recipe that tastes just like the real thing, this is the recipe for you. It is thick and rich just like a regular cheesecake. I've heard of people using it as a birthday cake!
If you are looking for a smaller cheesecake for keto dessert during the week, this recipe is also for you because you can cut the filling ingredients in half! I give instructions for both. You can also checkout my recipes for keto cheesecake fluff, Keto Mini Cheesecake Bites, and my keto no bake cheesecake.
There really isn't much difference between a classic cheesecake and this Keto cheesecake. The only thing we need to replace is the regular sugar to make it sugar free, and an almond flour crust to make it gluten free and perfect for the keto diet. This one clocks in at only 5 net carbs!
I really wanted to make a low carb cheesecake that was super thick and creamy, but didn't have to use a hot water bath or any weird ingredients.
Crust ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this low carb keto cheesecake recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For the printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
The buttery crust is delicious, but not the most important thing. You could even make this low carb cheesecake without the crust! For best results when making a crustless cheesecake is to grease the pan thoroughly, and/or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. The bake time will be the same as if using a crust.
1 ½ cups almond flour or almond meal (168g) - instead of graham cracker crumbs, we need almond flour for our cheesecake crust to make it keto. You could also use sunflower seed flour if you need a nut free version.
¼ cup powdered sweetener (48g) - I use the Lakanto powdered sweetener for the crust recipe. It is an Erythritol and monk fruit sweetener blend. You could also use any version of your favorite keto sweetener that is a 1 for 1 swap for sugar.
1 teaspoon cinnamon - This gives our crust that graham cracker flavor.
6 tablespoons butter, melted (84g) - Butter helps bind everything together. I use salted so I don't have to add any additional salt to the crust. You could also use coconut oil.
Keto cheesecake filling ingredients
48 ounces full fat cream cheese, room temperature (1361g) - Yes, that would be 6 blocks of cream cheese that are 8 ounces each. Having room temperature ingredients for any cheesecake is really important so your keto cheesecake isn't lumpy. I know this seems like a lot of cream cheese, but this is for a show stopping keto cheesecake and remember, I give instructions for ½ the size down below.
2 cups powdered sweetener (384g) - we're using powdered so our cheesecake isn't gritty.
5 large eggs, room temperature - yes, even the eggs need to be room temperature.
8 ounces full fat sour cream, room temperature (227g)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
How to make the best low carb cheesecake
This section explains how to make this low carb cheesecake recipe step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
The most important thing you should know when it comes to making a creamy cheesecake is that all of your ingredients should be at room temperature. I cannot stress this enough. Anything that is refrigerated should be left out for at least 4 hours. That means eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese.
Submerging your eggs in warm water will help speed up the process, as will unwrapping and chopping your cream cheese into smaller pieces.
💡 Tip: This makes a thick keto cheesecake so make sure your spring form pan is 10 inches (24cm) by 3 inches (8cm).
Step 1 - Pre-heat the oven to 325F (162C) and make sure the oven rack is in the center of the oven. Combine all of the dry crust ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Now mix in the butter and stir until everything is combined. Pour the crust ingredients into the springform pan and press halfway up the sides using your fingers. I like to use a flat bottomed cup to get the crust completely even. Now we need to bake the keto cheesecake crust for 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Note: baking the crust is a change from my original recipe.
Step 2 (Make the filling) - We need a large bowl and were going to beat all of the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer (paddle attachment) until it is light and fluffy. We're going to add in the sweetener ⅓ at a time and mix until the sweetener is fully incorporated. Now we add in each egg one at a time until they are incorporated. Finally, add in the vanilla and sour cream and stir for just a few seconds more. Don't over mix as this will incorporate too much air and your cheesecake could crack. The keto cheesecake batter is done!
Step 3 - Pour the low carb cheesecake batter into the crust and even out the top. Now we need to bake it in the oven for 50 minutes. The top should no longer be glossy and the center will still be jiggly when it is ready. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven, run a sharp knife between the cheesecake and the sides of the pan (do not remove the springform). Let the cheesecake cool on the counter for 1 hour.
Making sure you do not over-bake your cheesecake:
Everyone has ovens that perform differently. Your cheesecake is finished baking when the edges are set and the center is still jiggly.
Here is a less than 1 minute video showing how to know if your cheesecake is cooked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hadmpW_hASs
My low carb cheesecake has a crack...now what?
Now you are free to decorate the top of the cheesecake! The cheesecake will still be just as good. I used fresh sliced strawberries or any fresh berries and I sprinkled them with granulated sweetener.
Next time, make sure you do not over mix your cheesecake batter and do not over cook it.
How to freeze cheesecake
This is a large keto cheesecake but good news, it freezes very well! You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake...or half of the cake!
This is a good reference for freezing a whole cheesecake
To freeze individual slices, simply slice the pieces of cheesecake and place them on individual pieces of plastic wrap. Wrap them tight, place in a freezer bag or bowl, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Any longer than 2 weeks and they will lose quality.
Can I make the crust nut free?
If you are intolerant to nuts, you can simply make this a crustless cheesecake (instruction in the recipe card) or you can use sunflower seed flour in place of the almond flour. They are a 1 for 1 swap for each other so it will work perfectly.
How to make a smaller version of this cheesecake
You would use the same ingredients for the crust, but you would cut all of the filling ingredients in half and use 3 eggs. During the baking process, check on your cheesecake at the 30 minute mark and keep an eye on it. It will be ready when the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
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The Best Keto Cheesecake Recipe - No Water Bath!
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Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ Cups almond flour
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sweetener (Clicke here to see my favorite on Amazon)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons Butter, melted
For the filling
- 48 ounces full fat cream cheese,, room temperature
- 2 Cups Powdered Sweetener (Clicke here to see my favorite on Amazon)
- 5 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 8 Ounces Sour Cream, room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 325F (160C). Adjust the rack to the middle of the oven. Combine the crust dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix in the butter. Pour the crust mixture into the springform pan and press halfway up the sides using your fingers. Use a flat bottomed cup to press the mixture into the bottom. Bake for 5-8 minutes. Remove and set aside while you make the creamy filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. If you use a stand mixer use the paddle attachment.
- Add in the sweetener a little at a time (about ⅓) and beat with the hand mixer.
- Add in the room temperature eggs one at a time and beat until well incorporated.
- Finally, add in the vanilla and room temperature sour cream and beat until just incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the crust and even out the top. Bake in the pre-heated oven. Check after 50 minutes. The top should no longer be glossy and the center should still be jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven run a sharp paring knife between the cheesecake and the pan (this is to ensure the cake doesn't stick. Do not remove the springform). Let sit on the counter for 1 hour.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Remove the springform pan sides, decorate the top, and serve. Makes 12 slices.
Notes
- Make a smaller keto cheesecake - You would use the same ingredients for the crust, but you would cut all of the filling ingredients in half and use 3 eggs. During the baking process, check on your cheesecake at the 30 minute mark and keep an eye on it. It will be ready when the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
- Nut free version: If you are intolerant to almonds, you can do a 1 for 1 swap with sunflower seed flour!
- Pan size: This keto cheesecake recipe requires a large springform pan. I have linked to one in the recipe carb above. If you use one that is too small, you will have leftover filling.
- Crustless low carb cheesecake: To make this without a crust, line the inside of the springform pan with parchment paper. You can also butter the sides and bottom really well. Then continue with the cheesecake as normal.
- Keto pumpkin cheesecake: Simply replace the sour cream with pumpkin puree and add in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Very important: The most important thing you should know when it comes to making a traditional cheesecake is that all of your ingredients should be at room temperature. Anything that is refrigerated should be left out for at least 2 hours, preferably 4. That means eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese. Submerging your eggs in warm water will help speed up the process of bringing the ingredients to room temperature, as will unwrapping and chopping your cream cheese into smaller pieces.
- Freezing: This is a large keto cheesecake but good news, it freezes very well! You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake...or half of the cake!
- This is a good reference for freezing a whole cheesecake
- To freeze individual slices, simply slice the pieces of cheesecake and place them on individual pieces of plastic wrap. Wrap them tight, place in a freezer bag or bowl, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Any longer than 2 weeks and they will lose quality.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
Holly Cottrell says
How to make this a lemon flavored cheesecake?
Jennifer Banz says
I would stir the zest of 1 lemon and 1/3 cup lemon juice into the batter.
Gina Brosell says
Best cheesecake recipe period. Was there berry swirl addition that would work with this recipe?
Susie says
Woweee!!! First baked cheesecake I’d ever made and it was amazing! The texture was light and the base really tasty. I added a keto raspberry sauce on top which was yummy also.
I reduced the recipe by 3/4 and used a 19cm (7.5”) springform pan and had too much filling, I will half the recipe next time.
I’m trying to limit my portions with something so wickedly tempting so ended up putting small slices into ziplock bags and freezing them, they defrost perfectly.
Thanks Jennifer, my sweet tooth and I are just loving your recipes! x
Nicole says
Really good cheesecake! Mine was a little sweet and slightly gritty, but I realized I used granulated sweetener instead of powdered. My mistake! Overall had that classic cheesecake texture and taste. Will make again, with the correct sweetener next time!!
Susan says
hi Jennifer,
Please help. I made this over the weekend. I only had 9" pan, so left some out. We went to eat it last night and the inside wasn't completely firm. I didn't wait complete 2 hours for room temp, is all I can figure. Is there anyway to salvage? It tastes good, just consistency is off.
Thank you!!!
Jennifer Banz says
Did you refrigerate it for at least overnight? if the inside isn't completely firm, refrigerating should firm it up.
Robert says
Hey Jennifer, just wondering I've made all your cheesecakes and love them. I just got through making your regular cheesecake again I haven't made it in sometime and it seemed like it was more this time filled my springform all the way to the top of puffed up a couple inches over the top while cooking and didn't seem to be done enough at the end of the cooking cycle. I was wondering why maybe I did something wrong and why it puffed up like this
Anna says
Amazing, thanks so much for sharing. I followed your recipe and cut nearly in half- used four packs of 8oz cream cheese and 3 eggs- everything else just as you said- it’s incredible.
Made it slowly in the evening and refrigerated overnight.
Whoever claimed the recipe was “warm” gave themselves away- you give clear instructions on using room temp ingredients and then cooling for at least 8 hours. I’m so happy! Thank you! ♥️🫶🏾
Alicia says
Did you half the sour cream also?
Amy says
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks for the great recipe, I'm 35 weeks pregnant with gestational diabetes and have been craving cheese cake. I came across your recipe and made it. It tastes just like regular cheese cake and the best part it didn't put my sugars up.
karen says
I have made this many times and keto and non-keto friends love this , I love all the recipes you give us thank you so much for all you do
Delia U says
I made this cheesecake it came out nice, however I used Stevia for sweetener. I made a small one so i followed the recipe it says to put 1 cup of powdered sweetener. When I tasted it, it has that after taste. Did I use the wrong amount. I read somewhere i was supposed to use 1 Tablespoon for every regular cup of sugar
Anita says
I miss a good cheesecake, and saw your video. This is nice and big too. I made this for my son’s 25th birthday dinner. He’s not keto and LOVED it. Thank you Jennifer for helping this mother knock it out the park!
Karlene Petrucci says
This is the best cheesecake recipe! We use metric measurements in Canada, I ended up using 6 pkgs cream cheese and 6 eggs but left all other ingredients the same. The taste is great, not too sweet. My guests were impressed and many agreed they had never had a New York style cheese cake that good and thought it came from a bakery. Then I told them it was low carb 🤣 This recipe is definitely a keeper and my new go to for special occasions. I’m excited to try more of your recipes!
Valerie S Allen says
If I make a smaller cheesecake, how do I split 5 eggs equally?
Monique says
I made half the recipe and it came out perfectly no cracks, just perfection! Topped with a mix of blueberry, raspberry, strawberry sauce. Thank you for the amazing recipe!!
Dusty says
How many eggs for half recipe? 5 doesn’t divide evenly
jenniferbanz says
I would use 3
Kevin Hangman says
Followed directions exactly, but cheesecake looked like a soufflé! Puffed up over the top of the pan. Then it cracked all over and collapsed. Still tasted very good. Oven temp too high?
Bridgitte says
Did you by chance use a 9" springform (the most common size) instead of 10"? I only have a 9" and I have to leave out at least 1 cup of batter to make sure pan isn't overfilled.
Cathie says
This is a wonderful recipe! I topped it with keto raspberry sauce- wonderful !!!very easy to get together too
Franchesca Nellenback says
I haven't tried this yet but it looks delicious! I use the fat daddio pans too and they usually recommend 25 degrees less with a little longer cook time. Did you already factor that in for the cook time? If not, should I drop it 25 degrees and increase the time? If so, how much longer? Please and thank you!
Brittany V. says
I made this cheese cake for my husbands birthday, and he LOVED it!!! I’ve made other keto cheese cakes for him in the past and this has been his favorite. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!!
Angie says
This recipe was absolutely fantastic!! I was definitely skeptical seeing how much cream cheese was called for the recipe, but the cheesecake turn out absolutely fantastic! I ended up baking about 10mins longer than the recipe called for, but it's possible my oven may be running a little on the cool side. Made this per my sister's request for her bday since she's on keto and the rest of my family (who doesn't do keto) also all raved about it! Excellent recipe - 5 out of 5 stars!
Christina says
I made this for the first time 2 days ago. No one could tell it was a Keto cheesecake. I used granulated munk fruit and powdered it with our coffee grinder. My in-laws, husdand, and my kids love it. This was also the first time I let all the ingredients become room temp before making it lol.
Amanda says
This recipe was horrible. My birthday is RUINED. We worked so hard and ended up with a warm sad tasteless cheesecake full of regret and tears. Here’s to 29.
jenniferbanz says
The recipe was horrible for you, but I guess everyone else did something different than the actual recipe to make it perfectly? Or could it be YOU made the recipe wrong? I wouldn't be so bitchy about it but your comment is quite ridiculous.
Paul says
What loser would write that review? Wow. Personally I love the recipe. Making it again tonight, which is why I’m here confirming the measurements. The only reason I am writing this review is to tell you how much I enjoyed your response. You and your cake have I brought smiles to my face. Thx
Debbie C says
Have made this recipe as is many times and it always comes out perfect. This cheesecake is the closest to the famous NYC deli cheesecakes I’ve ever had. It’s very dense and creamy at the same time.
JoAnn says
Jennifer, the written recipe states that the oven should be at 325, for one hour, but in the video you mention the oven should be at 300. Would you please verify?
This looks amazing, and I can’t wait to try it.
Thank you!
jenniferbanz says
Sorry for the confusion. The written recipe is correct.