For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding dessert options at restaurants can be challenging. Cheesecake is a popular dessert, but many cheesecake recipes contain gluten from wheat flour in the crust or batter. Fortunately, The Cheesecake Factory offers several delicious gluten-free cheesecake options for customers following a gluten-free diet.
Quick Answer
The Cheesecake Factory currently offers the following gluten-free cheesecake flavors:
- Fresh Banana Cream
- Chocolate Mousse
- Wild Blueberry White Chocolate
- Lemon Meringue
The Fresh Banana Cream, Chocolate Mousse, and Lemon Meringue cheesecakes are made without gluten-containing ingredients. The Wild Blueberry White Chocolate cheesecake is made with a gluten-free crust.
Detailed Gluten-Free Cheesecake Options
Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake
The Fresh Banana Cream cheesecake is one of The Cheesecake Factory’s gluten-free options. This cheesecake features sweetened cream cheese blended with sour cream and banana puree, layered between vanilla wafer cookies that are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. The top is decorated with fresh bananas and whipped cream. This cheesecake has a light banana flavor and creamy texture.
Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
Another gluten-free choice is the Chocolate Mousse cheesecake. It consists of a rich chocolate cheesecake made with chocolate chips on a chocolate cookie crust. The crunchy cookie crumb crust is prepared in a gluten-free kitchen. The mousse-like filling is smooth, creamy, and intensely chocolatey without containing any gluten.
Wild Blueberry White Chocolate Cheesecake
Those who enjoy fruit-flavored cheesecake can select the Wild Blueberry White Chocolate cheesecake. This cheesecake features a gluten-free almond crust topped with blueberry cheesecake filling studded with wild blueberries. The filling incorporates white chocolate for a creamy, tangy base with sweet white chocolate undertones. The almond crust offers nutty flavor and crisp texture.
Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Rounding out the gluten-free offerings is the Lemon Meringue cheesecake. It starts with a vanilla cheesecake made without gluten ingredients. Dollops of lemon curd provide tart lemon flavor. The cheesecake is finished with fluffy toasted meringue for contrasting sweetness and texture. This bright, zesty cheesecake satisfies lemon lovers.
How Cheesecakes are Made Gluten-Free
Cheesecake requires three main components: a crust, a filling, and sometimes a topping. To make a gluten-free cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory alters each element.
Gluten-Free Crusts
The crust is typically made from graham cracker crumbs bound with butter. Graham crackers contain gluten, so gluten-free crumbs are substituted. Options include:
- Vanilla wafers
- Chocolate cookie crumbs
- Almond meal
These gluten-free crispy crumbs provide the foundation for the cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory prepares the vanilla wafer and chocolate cookie crumbs in dedicated gluten-free kitchens to prevent cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Fillings
The creamy cheesecake filling relies on ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and sugar. None of these contain gluten, so the filling can be kept gluten-free. Occasionally, The Cheesecake Factory adds gluten-free ingredients like chocolate chips or lemon curd to flavor the filling while keeping it gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Toppings
Toppings like fruit, whipped cream, or meringue offer more gluten-free ways to finish a cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory uses fresh fruit and whips dairy cream in-house to guarantee the toppings are gluten-free.
Ordering Gluten-Free Cheesecake
When dining at The Cheesecake Factory, check the menu for the latest gluten-free offerings. The specialty cheesecake flavors rotate regularly. Currently, the Fresh Banana Cream, Chocolate Mousse, Wild Blueberry White Chocolate, and Lemon Meringue cheesecakes are gluten-free. Be sure to confirm with your server that your selection is made without gluten. While ordering, consider the following tips:
- Request your cheesecake to-go so you have your own gluten-free utensils for eating it.
- Look for visible signs your cheesecake is gluten free, like a vanilla wafer or almond crust.
- Ask about how the restaurant avoids cross-contamination of gluten-free dishes.
- Notify the staff about your gluten allergy so they take extra care.
- Feel free to customize your order, like getting fresh fruit as a topping instead of sauce.
With proper precautions, you can enjoy the delicious gluten-free cheesecake flavors from The Cheesecake Factory. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure your dessert choice aligns with your dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
If you follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, be sure to also consider the nutrition information. Cheesecake is high in calories, fat, and sugar, even in gluten-free form. Pay attention to portion sizes. Ask for nutrition info if it’s not provided.
Here is the nutrition data for a slice of two of The Cheesecake Factory’s gluten-free cheesecake flavors:
Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake
| Serving Size | 1 slice (113g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
| Serving Size | 1 slice (106g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
As you can see, a single slice of cheesecake can contain up to 28 grams of fat and 410 calories. Practice moderation and carefully budget for these occasional indulgent treats if you have health conditions requiring a restricted diet.
Making Gluten-Free Cheesecake at Home
While it’s convenient to order gluten-free cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, you can also make tasty gluten-free cheesecakes at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and prevent cross-contamination. Follow these tips for homemade gluten-free cheesecake success:
Choose a Trusted Recipe
Search for recipes from reputable gluten-free bloggers or websites. Look for recipes with positive reviews confirming the results. It can take testing to adapt traditional cheesecake recipes to be gluten-free.
Use Dedicated Bakeware
Be sure to bake your cheesecake in pans that have not been exposed to gluten. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Designate pans only for gluten-free baking.
Pick Gluten-Free Crust Ingredients
Try almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour, or crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust. Bind with melted butter, coconut oil, or cream cheese. Press into the pan firmly.
Prepare a Smooth Filling
Beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and flavors like vanilla, lemon, or chocolate. Pour the smooth, thick batter over the crust. For extra smoothness, blend with an immersion blender.
Add Gluten-Free Toppings
Have fun finishing your cheesecake with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, nuts, coconut flakes, or whipped cream. Sauce toppings can be thickened with cornstarch instead of flour.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
Be very careful not to introduce gluten as you bake. Thoroughly clean surfaces, tools, and hands between steps. Dedicate ingredients like butter and sugar to gluten-free use.
Store Properly
Cover and refrigerate cheesecake immediately after baking. Let it chill completely before slicing to help prevent cracking. Tightly wrap slices in plastic wrap for grab-and-go options.
With some trials to perfect your favorite flavors, you can learn to bake delicious gluten-free cheesecake at home. Exercise caution and read labels to avoid gluten exposure.
Popular Gluten-Free Cheesecake Recipes
For baking inspiration, check out these highly rated gluten-free cheesecake recipes:
Chocolate Almond Cheesecake
This recipe from Gluten Free on a Shoestring features an almond flour crust with a rich chocolate cheesecake filling. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips provide intense chocolate flavor.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
All Day I Dream About Food blog shares a recipe for a spiced pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap cookie crumb crust. Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake
Lemons and raspberries combine beautifully in this cheesecake from Dr. Davinah’s Eats. A coconut flour crust balances the tangy citrus filling.
Turtle Cheesecake
This decadent turtle cheesecake from Sweet as Honey relies on pecans in the crust and caramel topping over chocolate swirled cheesecake. Indulge in a sliver.
Conclusion
Following a gluten-free diet need not mean missing out on delicious desserts. The Cheesecake Factory offers tasty gluten-free cheesecakes with fresh fruit, chocolate, lemon, and other flavorful ingredients. Be sure to confirm selections with your server and implement gluten safety practices when ordering. With care and creativity, you can also bake amazing gluten-free cheesecakes at home to satisfy your cravings.