Cheesecake is a rich and decadent dessert that is loved by many. With its smooth and creamy texture complemented by a crumbly graham cracker crust, it’s easy to see why cheesecake is such a popular treat. However, with its high calorie and fat content, cheesecake should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The Cheesecake Factory is well known for its extensive cheesecake menu featuring over 30 varieties of cheesecake. But with so many options to choose from, you may be wondering just how many calories are actually in a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake?
Calories in Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake Slices
The number of calories in a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake can vary greatly depending on the specific variety. Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes typically range from about 500 to over 1,000 calories per slice.
Some of the lowest calorie options include:
- Plain cheesecake: 480 calories per slice
- Lemon raspberry cream cheesecake: 500 calories per slice
- Fresh strawberry cheesecake: 530 calories per slice
Some of the highest calorie Cheesecake Factory cheesecake slices include:
- Reese’s peanut butter chocolate cake cheesecake: 1,050 calories per slice
- Adam’s peanut butter cup fudge riple cheesecake: 1,040 calories per slice
- Chocolate peanut butter mousse cheesecake: 1,000 calories per slice
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
What accounts for this wide range in calories among the different cheesecake varieties at The Cheesecake Factory? There are several factors that influence the calorie count:
- Portion size – Slices are generally quite large and rich.
- Additions and toppings – Options with extra toppings like fudge, caramel, and chocolate peanut butter mousse tend to be higher in calories.
- Heavy creams and sugars – Many recipes call for heavy cream, cream cheese, and sugars which significantly increase calorie density.
- Crust – Some varieties have a extra thick, crunchy graham cracker crust which adds calories.
Nutrition Information Per Slice
To get a better idea of the full nutrition profile, here is detailed calorie and macronutrient information per slice for a few of Cheesecake Factory’s most popular cheesecake flavors:
Plain Cheesecake (480 calories)
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Fat | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 8g |
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake (530 calories)
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Protein | 7g |
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cheesecake (1,000 calories)
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,000 |
| Fat | 56g |
| Carbohydrates | 106g |
| Protein | 16g |
As you can see, the plainer cheesecake options are lower in calories, fat, carbs, and protein compared to indulgent varieties like the chocolate peanut butter mousse cheesecake. But keep in mind that even a plain slice of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory packs nearly 500 calories!
Calorie Breakdown by Cheesecake Component
To better understand where the calories are coming from in a slice of cheesecake, let’s break it down by looking at the calorie composition of each component:
Crust
The buttery graham cracker crust accounts for about 150 calories per slice on average. The calories come mostly from sugar and fat in the crust.
Cheese Filling
The smooth, creamy cheese filling gets most of its calories from fat. Made with full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and often heavy cream, the filling contains roughly 300 calories per slice.
Toppings
Any additional toppings like fudge, peanut butter, chocolate, caramel, etc significantly boost the calorie count. These extra toppings can add 200 or more calories per slice depending on the type and amount.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream for garnish adds around 50 calories mostly from fat.
When you add it up, it’s easy to see how a single slice of an indulgent Cheesecake Factory cheesecake with multiple components can end up clocking in at nearly 1,000 calories or more!
Calorie Density
Clearly cheesecake is high in calories, but how does its calorie density compare to other desserts?
Here is the calorie density for a serving of various sweet treats (calories per 100g):
| Dessert | Calorie Density (Calories/100g) |
|---|---|
| Cheesecake | 326 |
| Brownies | 413 |
| Apple Pie | 292 |
| Ice Cream | 207 |
| Angel Food Cake | 240 |
| Cookies | 485 |
From this comparison, we can see that cheesecake has a moderately high calorie density, packing over 300 calories per 100g. For perspective, that’s more calorie dense than apple pie or ice cream, but lower than ultra rich desserts like brownies and cookies.
Tips for Enjoying Cheesecake Without Overdoing the Calories
Here are some tips for enjoying cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory while keeping calories under control:
- Stick to a thin slice, or share one slice. A little goes a long way!
- Choose lower calorie fruited or plain varieties.
- Request toppings/extras on the side.
- Skip the whipped cream garnish.
- Share your slice and add a side salad for balance.
- Savor each bite. Slow down and enjoy the experience.
- Take leftovers home for another day.
- Pair your slice with black coffee or tea.
- Split a slice as dessert with the rest of your table.
While cheesecake is high in calories, fat, and sugar, it can absolutely be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. With reasonable portions, smart selections, and mindfulness, you can satisfy your cheesecake craving without overdoing it on the calories!
Conclusion
Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory ranges from 500-1,000+ calories per slice depending on the variety. Plain cheesecake starts at 480 calories while more decadent options with toppings exceed 1,000 calories. The calories in cheesecake come mainly from fat in the filling and crust along with any additional toppings or sauces. At over 300 calories per 100g, cheesecake has a moderately high calorie density. But by sticking to a single thin slice, choosing lighter options, and savoring consciously, you can enjoy your favorite cheesecake without consuming too many calories in one sitting.