Keto-friendly, Rich, New York Style Cheese Cake

Certified nutritionist

Elina Balode

"Indulging in sweets and cakes is perfectly fine within a balanced diet. You don't have to cut out delicious things to stay fit and healthy, and you don't have to avoid desserts on keto diet either. Cheese cake is the perfect dessert for keto as it has a very thin crust that can also be tuned to fit keto perfectly and it's rich in fat, instead of carbs. It's also fairly easy to make! Enjoy!"

For those of us on a ketogenic diet, navigating the world of sweet treats can often feel like a minefield. While many cakes and desserts are laden with carbohydrates and sugar, there is one delightful exception that can still fit seamlessly into our low-carb lifestyle - the beloved cheesecake. In this article, we'll explore why most sweets and cakes are incompatible with a keto diet and celebrate the wonders of cheesecakes as a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence. Plus, we'll finish with a delectable keto-friendly, sugar-free cheesecake recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The Pitfalls of Sweets and Cakes on a Keto Diet

Traditional sweets and cakes pose significant challenges for those following a ketogenic diet. They are typically loaded with refined sugars, high-carb flours, and other ingredients that can easily kick you out of ketosis. Consuming such sugary treats can lead to blood sugar spikes, crashes, and unwanted weight gain, undermining the very essence of a keto lifestyle.

Moreover, indulging in carb-rich desserts can trigger intense cravings, making it challenging to stick to your low-carb goals. The sugar addiction cycle can create a vicious circle, making it difficult to resist further temptations and maintain a stable keto journey.

The Blissful Exception: Cheesecakes on a Ketogenic Diet

Amidst the sea of sugary temptations, cheesecakes emerge as a glorious exception for keto enthusiasts. A well-crafted keto-friendly cheesecake embodies all the flavors and indulgence of traditional recipes but is thoughtfully adapted to suit a low-carb lifestyle.

The key to a keto-friendly cheesecake lies in the ingredients. Instead of using high-carb flours and refined sugars, we can rely on low-carb alternatives that maintain the desired texture and taste. Cream cheese serves as the star ingredient, providing a creamy and luscious base. Other ingredients like almond flour and natural sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol ensure the cake's keto compatibility without compromising on flavor.

A Keto-Friendly, Sugar-Free Cheesecake Recipe

Let's dive into the delight of a keto-friendly, sugar-free cheesecake recipe that will satisfy your sweet cravings without derailing your keto journey.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour

• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol

• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

For the Filling:

• 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened

• 3/4 cup powdered erythritol (or other sugar free sweetener of your choice)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the almond flour, shredded coconut, powdered erythritol, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.

3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.

4. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered erythritol, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

6. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

7. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for an additional hour to avoid cracks as it cools.

8. Once fully cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

While most sweets and cakes are incompatible with a ketogenic diet, we can still savor the goodness of a cheesecake without compromising our low-carb lifestyle. The beauty of keto-friendly cheesecakes lies in their clever ingredient swaps, allowing us to indulge in sweet bliss while maintaining our dietary goals. With the sugar-free cheesecake recipe provided, you can now enjoy a guilt-free treat that delights your taste buds and keeps you firmly on your keto journey. Enjoy!