I personally ordered every dessert at the Cheesecake Factory and I’m here to share which ones are low-calorie and worth getting.
In a Hurry? Here’s My Top Low Calorie-Pick
The lowest-calorie dessert from The Cheesecake Factory (that isn’t a kid’s option or milkshake) is the Low-Licious Cheesecake at 580 calories.
The key to its low calories is that it doesn’t come with any additional syrups or high-sugar toppings (pictured second in from the left).
Lowest Calorie Desserts At The Cheesecake Factory: At A Glance
Desserts | Calories |
---|---|
Kids’ Strawberries | 180 |
Kids’ Scoop of Ice Cream | 320 |
Strawberry Fruit Smoothie | 320 |
Frozen Iced Mango | 370 |
Kids’ Mini Hot Fudge Sundae | 480 |
Low-Licious Cheesecake | 580 |
Original Cheesecake | 830 |
Tiramisu Cake | 960 |
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake | 1000 |
Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake | 1,160 |
Creamy Milkshake | 1,210 |
Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake | 1,240 |
Strawberry Shortcake | 1,340 |
Warm Apple Crisp | 1,350 |
Linda’s Chocolate Fudge Cake | 1,450 |
Carrot Cake | 1,720 |
Top 5 Lowest Calorie Cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Factory
The Top 5 Lowest Calorie Cheesecakes at Cheesecake Factory Are:
- Low-Licious Cheesecake
- Original Cheesecake
- Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake
- Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake
- Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake
Important Note: There is really only one cheesecake option that is truly low-calorie and that is the first option on this list. You can most definitely order the other cheesecakes on this list, but in my opinion, they’re still quite high in calories if you’re looking for a “low-calorie dessert”.
If you are on a cut or you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, cheesecake isn’t an ideal food to eat in general. You might wish to swap the cheesecake for a kids’ dessert or a milkshake, which are all much lower in calories (and discussed later).
Low-Licious Cheesecake – 580 calories per serving
The Low-Licious Cheesecake is available on its own or with a fresh strawberry topping. It takes pride as the lowest calorie option on The Cheesecake Factory menu.
It’s below 600 calories and 39 grams of carbs per serving and has no high-sugar sauces or syrups on top.
Original Cheesecake – 830 calories per serving
While a plain cheesecake might not be the most appealing option on The Cheesecake Factory’s menu, it’s one of the healthiest. If you don’t mind skipping the extras and you’re happy to eat a plain cheesecake, go for this option.
The Original Cheesecake contains 830 calories, 63 grams of carbs, 59 grams of fat, and 12 grams of protein per slice.
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake – 1000 calories per serving
The Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake contains 1,000 calories. It’s one of the best options for those of you who love fruit desserts and want to avoid going above your daily calorie or macronutrient targets while still enjoying something delicious.
There are no extra caramels, syrups, or chocolates on top of this cake. Instead, the flavor comes from a bunch of fresh strawberries, which also adds to the nutrient content of this dessert.
Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake – 1,160 calories per serving
The Very Cherry Ghirardelli Chocolate Cheesecake is a healthier option for those of you who have a sweet tooth. It is topped with chocolate and cherries, providing extra flavor and fruitiness to the dessert.
Despite being one of the healthier options at The Cheesecake Factory, it still contains 84 grams of fat (52 grams of saturated fat) and 96 grams of carbohydrates.
Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake – 1,240 calories per serving
For another fruity dessert, the Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake is suitable. It contains 1,240 calories, making it one of the lower-calorie options on the menu.
However, it still contains 90 grams of fat, 56 of which are saturated fat. This option has a little more protein than some of the other desserts on this list, with 14 grams per slice.
Top 5 Lowest Calorie Specialty Cakes at The Cheesecake Factory
The top five lowest-calorie specialty cakes at The Cheesecake Factory are:
- Tiramisu Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Warm Apple Crisp
- Linda’s Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Carrot Cake
Important Note: Just like cheesecakes, specialty cakes aren’t necessarily the most calorie-friendly. While the 5 cakes below are the lowest options at The Cheesecake Factory, I would look to other low-calorie desserts on this list unless you’re really craving one of the specialty cakes.
Tiramisu Cake – 960 calories per serving
Sitting just below 1,000 calories per serving, the Tiramisu Cake is the lowest calorie option on the Specialty Desserts menu at The Cheesecake Factory
If you’re not keen on traditional cheesecakes but you love a coffee-flavored dessert, this is a great option. It contains 68 grams of fat, 76 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein per slice.
Strawberry Shortcake – 1,340 calories per serving
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Strawberry Shortcake might suit you well.
It’s not the same as the traditional cheesecake or chocolate cake that can be found on The Cheesecake Factory’s menu. Instead, it’s a layer of shortcake biscuits topped with fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream.
Despite not being a full Cheesecake, the Strawberry Shortcake option still contains 1,340 calories, 143 grams of carbs, and 76 grams of fat. To make it healthier, ask for it without the ice cream or whipped cream.
Warm Apple Crisp – 1,350 calories per serving
It may not be a cake but the Warm Apple Crisp is a delicious option from the Speciality Desserts section of the menu at The Cheesecake Factory. With warm apples, a crispy nutty topping, and vanilla ice cream, it contains 1,350 calories per serving.
The apples provide some extra vitamin C, potassium, and plant-based fiber to this dessert. The nutty topping adds a healthy source of protein and unsaturated fats.
Linda’s Chocolate Fudge Cake – 1,450 calories per serving
If you are a huge chocolate lover and you have a sweet tooth, Linda’s Chocolate Fudge Cake might be your favorite option on The Cheesecake Factory menu. It contains just below 1,500 calories per serving.
This option will not be suitable for people who are on a low-carb diet or those who suffer from diabetes as it contains a whopping 233 grams of carbohydrates.
If you want to lower the carb content of this dessert, you could ask for it without the chocolate frosting, which would save you around 130 calories assuming there are 2 tbsp of chocolate frosting on top of the cake.
Carrot Cake – 1,720 calories per serving
The Carrot Cake at The Cheesecake Factory is the perfect option if you prefer a more savory taste to your cakes.
Unlike the chocolate and fudge-filled options on the menu, the Carrot Cake is packed full of veggies, which increases the vitamin A content of the dessert. It is also slightly higher in protein than most other desserts with 15 grams per serving.
However, this option is still not the healthiest. It contains 122 grams of fat (57 grams of saturated fat) and 146 grams of carbohydrates.
- Related Article: 24 Low Sodium Meals at The Cheesecake Factory
Top 3 Lowest Calorie Kids Desserts At The Cheesecake Factory
The top three lowest-calorie kids’ desserts at The Cheesecake Factory are:
- Kids’ Strawberries
- Kids’ Scoop of Ice Cream
- Kids’ Mini Hot Fudge Sundae
Important Note: Although the kids’ menu is made for kids, that doesn’t mean you can’t order something from there too. If you’re trying to watch your calorie, carb, or fat intake, going for a kids’ dessert is a great way to keep your intake to a minimum.
For those of you looking for a very healthy and low calorie dessert, the Kids’ Strawberries are perfect. However, if you still want something more indulgent, the Kids’ Mini Hot Fudge Sundae will satisfy your sweet tooth but has just 480 calories.
Kids’ Strawberries – 180 calories per serving
For a dessert that is free of artificial sugars, a kid-sized bowl of fresh strawberries is the best option from The Cheesecake Factory.
The strawberries provide lots of beneficial plant nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate, all of which have unique benefits. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system, potassium regulates blood pressure, and folate is required for growth and development.
Kids’ Scoop of Ice Cream – 320 calories per serving
The Kids’ Scoop of Ice Cream is the perfect option if you’re looking for a small and low-calorie dessert to enjoy. It’s suitable for kids or adults who are keeping an eye on their calorie intake and cutting back on sugar. It contains 320 calories and 25 grams of sugar.
Kids’ Mini Hot Fudge Sundae – 480 calories per serving
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter and more indulgent but you want to keep the calories below 500, the Kids’ Mini Hot Fudge Sundae is going to be the best option.
It consists of two scoops of ice cream, one scoop of whipped cream, some chocolate chips, and a cherry on top. If you want to lower the calories even more, ask for it without the choc chips or whipped cream.
Top 3 Lowest Calorie Milkshakes & Smoothies At The Cheesecake Factory
The top three lowest-calorie milkshakes and smoothies at The Cheesecake Factory are:
- Frozen Iced Mango
- Strawberry Fruit Smoothie
- Creamy Milkshake
Important Note: While milkshakes are not your typical dessert, if your goal is to watch your caloric intake, they’re some of the lowest-calorie options at The Cheesecake Factory..
Frozen Iced Mango – 370 calories per serving
For a fruity beverage that is full of nutrition and flavor, the Frozen Iced Mango option at The Cheesecake Factory could be just what you’re looking for. It contains mango, tropical juices with a hint of coconut and raspberry puree.
Strawberry Fruit Smoothie – 320 calories per serving
When you’re after a beverage with a sweeter, thicker texture, go for the Strawberry Fruit Smoothie. It contains a blend of strawberries, orange, and pineapple juices with coconut and banana.
Creamy Milkshakes – 1,210 calories per serving
When you want a milkshake but you’re also watching your calorie intake, the Creamy Milkshakes at The Cheesecake Factory are the best option. They contain fewer calories and sugars than the Oreo milkshake option and come in three flavors – chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Tips On Ordering Low-Calorie Desserts At The Cheesecake Factory
Before getting into my recommendations, here are 4 tips on how you can lower the calories in any dessert you order at The Cheesecake Factory:
1. Swap Chocolate For Fruit
There are a variety of different toppings that you can get on your cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Factory.
Opting for fruit instead of chocolate and cookies will cut the calories and make your dessert more nutritious.
For example, there are around 640 calories in ½ a cup of chocolate chips and just 25 calories in ½ a cup of strawberries.
2. Order It Without Sauce or Cream
Sauces can be high in calories and sugars. Asking for your cheesecake to come without the added sauce on top can be an easy way to reduce the number of calories, carbs, and fats in your dessert.
Most sauces contain around 75-100 calories per 2 tbsp so you could be potentially saving hundreds of calories by skipping the sauce.
3. Choose Ice Cream Over Heavy Cream
Ice cream is healthier than heavy cream in a number of ways. It contains fewer calories, carbs, and saturated fats, and has more protein.
For example:
- Half a cup of vanilla ice cream contains around 116 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein.
- Half a cup of heavy cream contains 400 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 40 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. [Check out my other article where I talk about whether 400 calories is a lot or not.]
Related Article: Is Ice Cream Good or Bad For Bodybuilding?
4. Share A Dessert With Someone Else
Sharing an adult-sized dessert will split the calories in half so that you can still enjoy your favorite cheesecake without overstepping your daily calorie target.
For example, if you get the Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake to share, the calories will be split from 1000 to 500.
Another option, if you don’t want to share, is to simply order a kids portion, which is also around half as many calories compared with an adult portion.
Desserts To AVOID At The Cheesecake Factory
The five highest calorie desserts to avoid from The Cheesecake Factory are:
- Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake
- Ultimate Red Velvet Cake
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake
- Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
- Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Galore
Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake – 1,600 calories per serving
With a whopping 1,600 calories per serving, the Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake takes the cake (literally) when it comes to the highest calorie option at The Cheesecake Factory. Not only is it extremely high in calories but it also contains 98 grams of fat, 57 of which are saturated fats, 178 grams of carbohydrates, and just 16 grams of protein.
Ultimate Red Velvet Cake – 1,580 calories per serving
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cake comes second on the list of things to avoid at The Cheesecake Factor because of its high calorie and low nutrition content. It contains 116 grams of fat (62 grams of saturated fat) and just 14 grams of protein per serving.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake – 1,530 calories per serving
No matter how big of a fan you are of Reese’s chocolate, I don’t recommend the Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. It contains over 1500 calories per serving and almost 100 grams of fat.
Peppermint Bark Cheesecake – 1,500 calories per serving
With 110 grams of total fat and 74 grams of saturated fat, 122 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of protein per serving, the Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is one of the desserts to stay away from. It contains 1,500 calories per serving and has no nutritional value in terms of its micronutrient content.
Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Galore – 1,500 calories per serving
The Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Galore might sound like heaven to some of you but it’s one of The Cheesecake Factory’s desserts to avoid. It contains 1,500 calories, 108 grams of fat, 141 grams of carbohydrates, and just 14 grams of protein per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Lowest Calorie Cheesecake At The Cheesecake Factory?
With 570 calories per serving, the Low-Licious cheesecake is the lowest-calorie dessert at The Cheesecake Factory.
What Dessert At The Cheesecake Factory Has The Lowest Carbs?
The lowest carb option at The Cheesecake Factory is the Low-Licious cheesecake with 39 grams of net carbs per serving.
Does The Cheesecake Factory Deliver Cheesecakes?
The Cheesecake Factory products can be shipped directly to your door. Usually, shipping takes between 2-5 working days. Currently, they ship to 50 states.
Other Low-Calorie Foods
About The Author
Athina Crilley is a Biochemistry graduate, a qualified personal trainer, and nutrition coach. She is passionate about helping women to balance their hormones and cycle. She is the host and producer of Finding Flo podcast, which covers all things women’s health and nutrition.
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