Can you enjoy cheesecake on the carnivore diet? The answer is YES—as long as you make it with 100% animal-based ingredients. Traditional cheesecake contains sugar, flour, and artificial sweeteners, making it off-limits for strict carnivores. However, by eliminating carbs and plant-based additives, you can create a rich, creamy, and fully carnivore-approved cheesecake that satisfies your cravings without breaking the diet.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Carnivore Cheesecake, including:
- Which ingredients are carnivore-friendly and which to avoid.
- A step-by-step recipe for the perfect zero-carb cheesecake.
- How to satisfy your sweet tooth on a carnivore diet without sugar.
Let’s start by answering the big question—is cheesecake okay on the carnivore diet?
Table of contents
- Is Cheesecake Okay on the Carnivore Diet?
- Key Ingredients for Carnivore Cheesecake
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Carnivore Cheesecake
- Are There Any Carnivore Diet Desserts?
- How Do You Satisfy a Sweet Tooth on a Carnivore Diet?
- Can You Have Cream Cheese on a Carnivore Diet?
- Best Variations of Carnivore Cheesecake
- How to Store and Reheat Carnivore Cheesecake
- FAQs About Carnivore Cheesecake
- Final Thoughts and Extra Recipe Ideas
Is Cheesecake Okay on the Carnivore Diet?
Understanding the Carnivore Diet and Allowed Foods
The carnivore diet focuses exclusively on animal-based foods, meaning you eat meat, eggs, dairy, and animal fats while avoiding carbs, sugar, and plant-based ingredients. The diet is popular for its health benefits, including:
- Weight loss – Eliminating carbs reduces insulin spikes.
- Better digestion – No fiber or plant anti-nutrients.
- Increased energy – Stable blood sugar and ketone production.
Since traditional cheesecake contains sugar, flour, and processed sweeteners, it’s not carnivore-approved—but with a few tweaks, it can be!
Why Traditional Cheesecake is Not Carnivore-Friendly
A regular cheesecake includes:
- Sugar – Not allowed on carnivore.
- Graham cracker crust – Made from flour and sugar.
- Vanilla extract or sweeteners – Plant-derived and often high in carbs.
To make it carnivore-approved, we’ll remove these ingredients and replace them with high-fat, nutrient-dense, animal-based alternatives.
How to Make a Fully Carnivore-Approved Cheesecake
A carnivore-friendly cheesecake should include only:
- Full-fat cream cheese – No fillers or additives.
- Eggs – Helps bind the cheesecake while adding protein.
- Heavy cream or butter – Increases richness and fat content.
- Optional: Egg yolks for a custard-like texture.
Now that we know cheesecake CAN be part of a carnivore diet, let’s go over the best ingredients to use for a creamy, rich, and satisfying dessert!
Key Ingredients for Carnivore Cheesecake
Making a carnivore-friendly cheesecake is all about choosing the right animal-based ingredients while avoiding carbs, sweeteners, and plant-based additives. A traditional cheesecake relies on ingredients that aren’t compatible with a strict carnivore diet, but with a few swaps, you can create a rich, creamy, and nutrient-dense dessert that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.
Choosing the Best Cream Cheese for a Carnivore Diet
Cream cheese is the main ingredient in any cheesecake, but not all brands are carnivore-approved. Many store-bought cream cheeses contain starches, gums, and preservatives that are unnecessary on a carnivore diet.
For the best results, use full-fat, additive-free cream cheese with minimal ingredients. If possible, choose organic or raw cream cheese to maximize the nutritional benefits.
Why Heavy Cream is Essential for a Rich and Creamy Texture
Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the cheesecake filling. It also helps maintain a high-fat content, which is ideal for those following a carnivore or ketogenic diet.
For the best results, use raw or organic heavy cream without additives or stabilizers. If you prefer a thicker texture, butter can be used as a substitute.
Eggs, Butter, and Other Animal-Based Ingredients to Use
Eggs play a crucial role in binding the cheesecake while adding protein and healthy fats. Using only egg yolks instead of whole eggs can create a custard-like cheesecake with an even silkier texture.
Butter adds an extra layer of creaminess and depth to the filling. It can also be used in a crust alternative made from crushed pork rinds or baked cheese for those who want a firmer base.
By focusing on these simple, high-quality animal-based ingredients, you can make a delicious and satisfying carnivore cheesecake that stays within the diet’s guidelines. Now that we have the key ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making it!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Carnivore Cheesecake
Now that we have the best ingredients for a carnivore-friendly cheesecake, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make it perfectly creamy, rich, and satisfying.
1. Gather Ingredients
To make a basic carnivore cheesecake, you’ll need:
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: 2 extra egg yolks for a custard-like texture
If you want a firmer crust, you can use crushed crispy pork rinds or baked parmesan cheese as a base.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust (Optional)
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- If making a crust, spread crushed pork rinds or parmesan cheese in a greased springform pan.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden, then let cool while preparing the filling.
If you prefer a crustless cheesecake, skip this step and move directly to the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Pour in the heavy cream and melted butter, then mix until fully combined.
- If using extra egg yolks, whisk them in at this stage for a richer texture.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 30-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once fully chilled, slice and enjoy your carnivore-approved cheesecake as a high-fat, satisfying dessert.
Now that we’ve made the perfect cheesecake, let’s explore other carnivore-friendly desserts that fit within the diet!
Are There Any Carnivore Diet Desserts?
Many people assume that desserts are completely off-limits on the carnivore diet, but there are actually a few animal-based treats that fit within its guidelines. Since sugar, grains, and plant-based ingredients are eliminated, carnivore-friendly desserts rely on dairy, eggs, and animal fats to create rich, satisfying flavors.
Why Most Desserts Are Off-Limits on Carnivore
Traditional desserts contain sugar, flour, and artificial sweeteners, all of which are avoided on a strict carnivore diet. Even keto-friendly desserts often include almond flour, coconut, or plant-based sugar substitutes, which are not carnivore-approved.
Instead of using carbs and sweeteners, carnivore desserts rely on natural dairy fats, eggs, and butter to provide a satisfying, creamy texture.
The Best Animal-Based Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
Even though sugar is not allowed, certain animal-based ingredients can add a naturally sweet taste without breaking the diet:
- Heavy cream – Naturally sweet and makes desserts extra creamy.
- Egg yolks – Add richness and help thicken custards.
- Butter – Enhances the depth of flavor in baked goods.
- Cheese – Provides a mild natural sweetness in dairy-based treats.
For those who are more flexible, a small amount of vanilla bean or raw honey can be used in moderation, though this is not strict carnivore.
Other Carnivore-Friendly Dessert Ideas
Aside from carnivore cheesecake, here are a few other desserts that fit the diet:
- Whipped Cream Dessert – Heavy cream whipped with butter for a mousse-like texture.
- Egg Custard – Made with eggs, heavy cream, and butter.
- Butter Bites – Frozen cubes of butter mixed with cream cheese.
- Cheese Soufflé – A light and airy high-fat dessert.
If you’re looking for cheesecake-inspired treats, check out these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies for a fun twist on the classic dessert!
Now that we know how to enjoy desserts on the carnivore diet, let’s dive into how to satisfy a sweet tooth without sugar!
How Do You Satisfy a Sweet Tooth on a Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet eliminates sugar, artificial sweeteners, and plant-based carbs, which can make it challenging for those with a sweet tooth. However, the cravings for sweets often fade as the body adapts to fat as its primary fuel source. In the meantime, there are ways to satisfy dessert cravings while staying 100% carnivore-approved.
Understanding Sugar Cravings and Carnivore Adaptation
Sugar cravings are often caused by blood sugar fluctuations or a habit of eating sweets rather than an actual need for sugar. After a few weeks on the carnivore diet, many people notice:
- Fewer cravings for sweet foods
- A stronger preference for rich, fatty flavors
- Increased satisfaction from natural dairy sweetness
If cravings persist, it may indicate a need for more fat or electrolytes in the diet.
Using Dairy for Natural Sweetness Without Sugar
Since dairy contains natural milk sugars (lactose), it can provide a subtle sweetness without needing to add sugar. Some of the best carnivore-friendly dairy options include:
- Heavy cream (whipped or blended for a creamy texture)
- Cream cheese (used in cheesecakes or frozen treats)
- Mascarpone (a naturally sweet, rich cheese)
- Butter (when mixed with cream, it mimics a dessert-like texture)
Tips for Making Carnivore Desserts More Satisfying
- Freeze cream cheese or butter for a cold, ice cream-like treat
- Use egg yolks and cream to make a custard or pudding
- Melt cheese with butter for a rich, naturally sweet snack
- Let your taste buds adjust over time—sweet cravings naturally decrease on carnivore
Now that we know how to satisfy a sweet tooth, let’s talk about cream cheese and its role in a carnivore diet.
Can You Have Cream Cheese on a Carnivore Diet?
Cream cheese is one of the best dairy options for the carnivore diet because it is high in fat, low in carbs, and completely animal-based. However, not all cream cheese brands are created equal, and some contain additives and fillers that should be avoided.
Why Full-Fat Dairy is Carnivore-Friendly
The carnivore diet allows high-fat, low-carb dairy products because they are:
- Rich in healthy fats that support ketosis.
- Packed with protein for muscle maintenance.
- Naturally low in carbohydrates, especially when choosing full-fat versions.
Cream cheese, in particular, is ideal for carnivore recipes because it adds richness, creaminess, and natural sweetness without needing sugar.
Best Types of Cream Cheese for a Carnivore Cheesecake
To ensure you’re choosing the best carnivore-friendly cream cheese, look for options that contain:
- Full-fat dairy with no reduced-fat or low-fat versions.
- Minimal ingredients, typically just milk, cream, and salt.
- No added sugars, starches, or stabilizers like guar gum or carrageenan.
The best options include organic, grass-fed, or raw cream cheese for better nutritional value.
How to Choose Additive-Free, Low-Carb Dairy Products
Many store-bought cream cheeses contain unnecessary fillers and preservatives. Before buying, check the label and avoid ingredients like:
- Maltodextrin or dextrose (hidden sugars)
- Vegetable oils (soybean or canola oil)
- Starches or gums (xanthan gum, guar gum)
For the cleanest option, you can even make homemade cream cheese by straining full-fat yogurt or blending heavy cream with an acid like lemon juice.
Now that we’ve covered cream cheese and its role in the carnivore diet, let’s explore some fun variations of carnivore cheesecake!
Best Variations of Carnivore Cheesecake
Carnivore cheesecake is incredibly versatile, allowing for different textures and flavors while staying 100% animal-based. Whether you prefer a classic creamy cheesecake or a more savory, protein-packed version, these variations will keep things interesting.
1. Zero-Carb Carnivore Cheesecake with No Sweetener
For those following a strict carnivore diet, this version keeps it purely animal-based with no added sweeteners.
- Uses only cream cheese, eggs, butter, and heavy cream.
- The natural richness of dairy provides a mild sweetness.
- Extra egg yolks make it even more custard-like.
This is the most basic and nutrient-dense way to enjoy cheesecake without any plant-based ingredients.
2. Savory Carnivore Cheesecake with Bacon and Cheese
If you prefer savory flavors, try a more hearty, protein-rich version.
- Mix shredded cheddar or parmesan into the batter.
- Add crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky flavor.
- Use a pork rind crust for extra texture.
This version makes a great appetizer or snack and pairs well with carnivore-friendly meats like steak or eggs.
3. Egg Yolk-Rich Cheesecake for a Custard-Like Texture
Adding extra egg yolks makes the cheesecake more dense, smooth, and velvety.
- More yolks create a richer, thicker filling.
- The cheesecake becomes slightly firmer, almost like a flan.
- A great way to increase healthy fats and nutrients.
Now that we’ve explored different ways to customize carnivore cheesecake, let’s go over the best storage and reheating methods to keep it fresh.
How to Store and Reheat Carnivore Cheesecake
Carnivore cheesecake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you make a large batch, you’ll need to store it properly to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor. Whether you plan to store it in the fridge, freeze it for later, or reheat it, here’s how to keep it delicious and fresh.
1. Best Ways to Store Carnivore Cheesecake Without Losing Texture
For short-term storage, the refrigerator is the best option.
- Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If pre-sliced, place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
2. Can You Freeze Carnivore Cheesecake?
Yes! Freezing cheesecake is a great way to meal prep or save extra portions. Follow these steps to freeze it without affecting texture:
- Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, wrap slices individually before storing them in a freezer bag.
3. How to Thaw Carnivore Cheesecake for the Best Taste
If you’ve frozen the cheesecake, proper thawing is important:
- Transfer it to the refrigerator overnight for a slow, even thaw.
- If in a hurry, let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to thaw—it can make the cheesecake rubbery.
4. Best Ways to Reheat Carnivore Cheesecake Without Drying It Out
While cheesecake is usually eaten cold, some people enjoy it slightly warm. Here’s how to reheat it without ruining the texture:
- Oven: Warm at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Water Bath: Place the cheesecake (still wrapped) in warm water for a gentle heat-up.
- Avoid microwaving—it can make the cheesecake greasy and unevenly heated.
Now that you know how to store and reheat carnivore cheesecake, let’s finish with some common questions and answers about this delicious dessert.
FAQs About Carnivore Cheesecake
Yes! As long as it’s made with 100% animal-based ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and butter, cheesecake can be a great high-fat dessert for the carnivore diet. Avoid adding sugar, flour, or plant-based sweeteners.
The natural sweetness in dairy and eggs is often enough. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, use:
Extra heavy cream for richness.
More egg yolks for a custard-like texture.
A dash of vanilla bean powder (not strict carnivore but low-carb).
For those who allow minimal plant-based ingredients, stevia or monk fruit can be used in moderation.
Yes! Instead of baking, simply blend softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and egg yolks, then chill for several hours until firm. This method creates a rich and creamy cheesecake mousse.
Full-fat cream cheese is the best choice. For variations, you can also use:
Mascarpone for a silkier texture.
Ricotta for a lighter, fluffier cheesecake.
Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about Carnivore Cheesecake, let’s wrap up with final thoughts and more carnivore dessert ideas!
Final Thoughts and Extra Recipe Ideas
Why Carnivore Cheesecake is the Perfect Low-Carb Dessert
Carnivore cheesecake is a rich, satisfying, and completely animal-based dessert that fits perfectly into the carnivore diet. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, this version contains no sugar, grains, or artificial sweeteners, making it an ideal low-carb, high-fat treat.
This recipe is:
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Nutrient-dense with healthy fats and proteins.
- Customizable with different variations like savory, crusted, or no-bake options.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to enjoy dessert on the carnivore diet, this cheesecake is a must-try!
More Carnivore Dessert Recipes to Try
If you loved Carnivore Cheesecake, here are some other animal-based desserts to enjoy:
- Carnivore Custard – Made with egg yolks, heavy cream, and butter for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Whipped Butter Mousse – A simple, airy treat with whipped butter and cream cheese.
- Egg Yolk Pudding – A high-fat, nutrient-dense custard.
- Frozen Cream Cheese Bites – Chilled cubes of cream cheese and butter for a quick dessert.
For more inspiration, check out other low-carb, high-fat treats like Peanut Butter and Frosting Fudge.
Now that you have all the tips, variations, and storage methods, it’s time to make your own carnivore-approved cheesecake!
Print
Carnivore Cheesecake (100% Animal-Based, Zero-Carb)
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 8 slices (1 whole cheesecake) 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich, creamy, and fully carnivore-approved cheesecake made entirely with animal-based ingredients. This sugar-free, grain-free dessert is high in healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for those following a strict carnivore or ketogenic lifestyle. No artificial sweeteners, no plant-based additives—just pure decadence with zero carbs!
Ingredients
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature, no additives)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream (preferably raw or organic)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: 2 extra egg yolks (for a custard-like texture)
- Optional Crust: ½ cup crushed crispy pork rinds or baked parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the crust (optional):
- If using pork rinds or parmesan cheese, spread them evenly in a greased springform pan.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden, then let cool while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake batter:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Pour in the heavy cream and melted butter, mixing until fully combined.
- If using extra egg yolks, whisk them in at this stage for a richer texture.
- Bake the cheesecake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once fully chilled, slice and enjoy this zero-carb, high-fat carnivore cheesecake!
Notes
- For a No-Bake Version: Blend the ingredients and chill for 6+ hours instead of baking.
- For a Savory Twist: Add shredded cheddar and crispy bacon to the batter for a unique, protein-packed treat.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Carnivore Diet
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Carnivore, Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg
