Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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This amazing keto mug cheesecake is made in the microwave and is ready in just a few minutes.

Sweetened with stevia, it has 4 grams of carbs and 200 calories for the entire filling cake.

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I really like mug cakes. I have a few of them on this website (this simple keto mug cake is a great example), and I really appreciate the way they satisfy sweet tooth cravings swiftly and efficiently. I also like that they make just one serving - built-in portion control!

This mug cheesecake is a lifesaver. Made in the microwave, it's ready super fast, it's very filling, and it satisfies that craving for cheesecake that I tend to get once in a while.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Expert tip
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Related recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty cake. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Cream cheese: I like to use reduced-fat cream cheese, but you can absolutely use full-fat if you'd like.

Vanilla extract: Try to use the real thing - pure vanilla extract - and not the artificially flavored stuff.

Sweetener: I use stevia. You can use a granulated sweetener instead, but it's best to use a powdered sweetener to prevent a grainy texture.

Egg: I use large eggs in most of my recipes, including this one.

Instructions

Making this microwave cheesecake is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

Soften the cheese. Start by placing the cream cheese in a 1-cup ramekin. Soften it in the microwave.

Mix in the remaining ingredients until completely smooth.

Microwave the mixture on high for 90 seconds.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. You can dust it with a powdered sweetener to make it look pretty.

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Expert tip

After adding the egg to the batter, you'll need to be patient. Keep mixing until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. It will take a couple of minutes, so just keep going!

Frequently asked questions

Does it taste like the real thing?

No. If you want a real cheesecake, I highly recommend this wonderfully creamy keto cheesecake.

But although it's not a true cheesecake (the ratios are different), it is very close to the real thing. Its texture is creamy, it has a pleasant vanilla flavor, and it's just sweet enough.

Will it sink in the middle?

This cake comes out of the microwave puffy, then deflates a little, although it retains a nice volume.

The center is just a little sunken, but that center will end up on the bottom of the cake - after you invert it onto a plate, the top is nice and smooth.

Is it eggy?

I don't think it's eggy. Although in terms of ratios, there IS more egg here relative to cream cheese than in traditional cheesecake.

It's lovely and creamy and tastes close enough to real cheesecake that I can't make it too often, because it's really good and I end up eating the whole thing. 😳

Having said that, several reviewers on Pinterest say that they like the cake better with 3 ounces of cream cheese instead of 2 ounces and that it tastes more creamy and less eggy this way.

So if you try the recipe as written and you don't like it, you could try adding more cream cheese.

Can I use sugar instead of stevia?

To prevent a grainy texture, it's best to use powdered sugar or a powdered sugar-free sweetener. If you use powdered sugar, keep in mind that the nutrition info will change.

Variations

The best way to vary this recipe is to use different flavor extracts. So instead of vanilla extract, you could try using coconut extract, lemon extract, or orange extract.

Serving suggestions

You can make this cake prettier by dusting it with powdered sweetener.

You can obviously top this cake with other toppings. Such as berries, keto whipped cream, chocolate whipped cream, keto ice cream, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or melted peanut butter.

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)
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Recipe Card

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.97 from 1440 votes

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Microwave Cheesecake

This amazing keto mug cheesecake is made in the microwave and ready in a few minutes.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time2 minutes mins

Rest time10 minutes mins

Total Time17 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 204kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese cubed (or reduced-fat cream cheese)
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon stevia glycerite (equals about 2 tablespoons of sugar)
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  • Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe, ¾-cup, 3-inch wide ceramic ramekin. Microwave it for 15 seconds to soften.

  • Add the vanilla and stevia and mix with a small fork to combine.

  • Mix in the egg patiently and thoroughly until smooth. This will take a couple of minutes.

  • Microwave the mixture for 90 seconds or until fully cooked.

  • Allow the cake to rest and cool in the ramekin for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert it onto a plate.

  • Top with your choice of toppings and serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Some Pinterest reviewers feel that this cake tastes better with 3 ounces of cream cheese instead of 2 ounces.
  • You can use regular cream cheese in this recipe.
  • Be careful when removing the ramekin from the microwave - it will be hot. Use oven mitts.
  • According to America's Test Kitchen and Better Homes and Gardens, a cheesecake is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 1cake | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 237mg

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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More Low-Carb Desserts

  • Keto Mug Cake
  • Keto Brownies
  • Keto Cookie Dough
  • Keto Strawberry Shortcake

About the Author

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (19) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Megan Levonyak

    Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)
    Super easy and delicious! I added about 2 teaspoons of sour cream to make it more like a NY cheesecake and I loved it!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this cake, Megan! I like the idea of adding sour cream.

      Reply

Microwave Cheesecake - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

Why do you add cornstarch to cheesecake? ›

Flour or cornstarch is sometimes included in cheesecake recipes to preventing cracks. If you find that you always have problems with cracking and your cheesecake recipe does not call for any flour or cornstarch, it's ok to experiment and add some cornstarch (one to two tablespoons) to the batter when you add the sugar.

Can you freeze cheesecake UK? ›

Any kind of cheesecake can be frozen, either whole or as individual slices, and you don't need to adjust the recipe. The denser texture of New York-style cheesecake makes it less likely to separate, but lighter, whipped cheesecakes, as well as no-bake cheesecakes, can also be frozen.

Can I use flour to thicken cheesecake? ›

You can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch into your cheesecake filling mixture before baking. Another option is to use a little bit of flour or arrowroot powder. These ingredients will also help to thicken your filling and give it a more consistent texture.

How long does cheesecake last in the fridge? ›

As with most dairy-based dishes, it is necessary to place any leftover cheesecake in the fridge so that it can stay fresh for as long as possible. If placed in the refrigerator in a timely manner, a homemade cheesecake will last anywhere from five to seven days before starting to decline in quality.

Is it better to use flour or cornstarch for cheesecake? ›

Step 10: Corn Starch Added

It did result in a more cake like texture as well. If you want to add something to thicken your cheesecake then I would definitely recommend this over flour to thicken it.

What does adding an extra egg to cheesecake do? ›

Eggs: Three whole eggs hold the cheesecake together. I also add an extra yolk, which enhances the cake's velvety texture. (Whites tend to lighten the cake, which is actually fine — if you don't feel like separating that fourth egg and don't mind some extra airiness in the texture, just add in the whole egg.)

Why is cheesecake not suitable for freezing? ›

You can absolutely freeze cheesecake, whether whole or in slices. The fresher it is when you freeze it, the better the results will be. Denser types of cheesecake, like New York-style, are less prone to separation when frozen, unlike lighter, whipped cheesecakes.

Can you defrost a cheesecake in the microwave? ›

Place the cheesecake on a cardboard round. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month for optimal flavor, 2 months is the max. Thaw in the fridge, on the counter, or in the microwave before serving.

Does freezing cheesecake change the taste? ›

Luckily, because of its high sugar and fat content, it is possible to freeze a cheesecake without affecting its flavor. While freezing keeps the flavors of the cheesecake intact, keep in mind that the texture could have slight changes once thawed. The creamy texture can become slightly denser.

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

The addition of cream gives a velvety, smooth texture, but too much of it and you begin to mask the cream cheese flavor. Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor.

What happens if you over beat cheesecake? ›

When making your filling, overmixing can lead to incorporating too much air into the batter. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, and the cheesecake will fall and crack. THE FIX: The number one reason why you'd overbeat your batter is because you're having dificulty incorporating cold ingredients.

Why do you put sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is clearly a different animal from bundts or cupcakes, but sour cream has a place here too! Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.

Can you eat 2 week old cheesecake? ›

Prepared cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, per USDA food safety recommendations. We suggest storage in an airtight container, so it doesnt absorb any fridge odors.

Can I eat cheesecake that was left out overnight? ›

While we wish we had better news, if you accidentally went to bed and left your cheesecake cooling on the counter, it's best to not risk illness by consuming it. When you have cheesecake that's already baked and chilled, the absolute max time you could let it sit out to avoid the USDA's "danger zone" is two hours.

What makes a cheesecake dense or fluffy? ›

To get a light and airy style of cheesecake, though, it was key to whip the egg whites and fold them into the batter. The addition of cream gives a velvety, smooth texture, but too much of it and you begin to mask the cream cheese flavor.

What does corn starch do in cheese? ›

For a cheese dip or sauce, the addition of cornstarch serves a similar function: Starch molecules absorb water and expand, not only thickening the liquid phase of the sauce, but also physically preventing the proteins from binding into long, tangled strands and the fats from separating out and pooling.

What does cornstarch do in cakes? ›

It is often mixed with a small amount of cold liquid to create a slurry to thicken sauces. When added to cake, cookie, pie filling and shortbread recipes, cornstarch helps create a crumbly and tender dessert-like texture. Commercially, cornstarch is often used as an anti-caking agent.

How do I thicken cream cheese for cheesecake? ›

How to thicken cream cheese frosting. If the consistency is too thin or runny you can put the frosting mixture in the fridge for up to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.If it's still too thin, take out some of the runny mixture and beat in some more cream cheese.

References

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