Is Eating Cheesecake During Pregnancy Safe?

Craving that creamy, velvety slice of cheesecake while growing a tiny human? Join the club. Pregnancy cravings are real, and cheesecake is often at the top of the “must-have-now” list. But between all the warnings, myths, and unsolicited advice, it’s totally fair to wonder whether eating cheesecake while pregnant is actually safe. So before you sneak a spoon into the fridge at midnight, let’s talk facts, because your peace of mind matters just as much as that slice. Keep reading… unless you prefer living in suspense over a dessert.

Can You Eat Cheesecake While Pregnant?

Craving something sweet and wondering if cheesecake for pregnant mothers is actually a good idea or another thing to stress about? The good news is that most baked cheesecakes made with pasteurised cream cheese and properly cooked ingredients are generally safe to enjoy during pregnancy (1).

Where you want to be a bit more cautious is with no-bake cheesecakes, homemade versions with raw eggs, or anything made with unpasteurised dairy, because those can increase the risk of harmful bacteria like Listeria (2).

Benefits of Eating Cheesecake in Pregnancy

Cheesecake is not a magic health food, but certain types can fit into a balanced pregnancy diet when prepared safely. Here are a few benefits to keep in mind.

1. Source of Calcium

The dairy in cheesecake provides calcium, which supports bone and tooth development for the baby and helps maintain your own stores.

2. Useful Protein

Cream cheese and yoghurt-based versions provide protein that supports tissue growth and helps keep you fuller for longer.

3. Provides Energy Boost

Pregnancy can be exhausting, and cheesecake offers a quick source of carbohydrates and fats that can help give you a little energy lift when you need it most.

4. Source of Healthy Fats

If the dessert is prepared with good dairy ingredients, it can provide fats that support healthy weight gain and help keep your meals balanced.

5. Boosts Mood and Controls Cravings

Let’s be real, pregnancy cravings are powerful! Enjoying a safe slice of cheesecake can help satisfy sweet cravings, reduce emotional stress, and give you a little happiness boost.

Risks of Consuming Cheesecake While Pregnant

Cheesecake can be enjoyed during pregnancy, but certain types carry risks that are worth noting. So, before you grab that slice, here are a few things to watch out for:

• Cheesecake made with unpasteurised dairy or poorly stored ingredients can increase the risk of Listeria infection (3).
• Excess sugar can contribute to excessive weight gain and may be risky for mothers with gestational diabetes.
• Excess calories can lead to unwanted weight gain.
• Cheesecake is rich and heavy, which can lead to indigestion or heartburn if eaten too frequently.
• Added ingredients or toppings that may contain unsafe raw elements.

Cheesecakes to Eat During Pregnancy

If you want to enjoy cheesecake during pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right types. To help you decide, below is a list of cheesecakes safe for pregnancy.

1. Classic Baked Cheesecake

Fully baked, rich, and usually made with pasteurised cream cheese, making it a safer and popular choice.

2. New York-Style Cheesecake

Dense, creamy, and thoroughly baked, this is one of the safest and most reliable cheesecakes to enjoy during pregnancy.

3. Baked Ricotta Cheesecake

Often lighter and made with pasteurised ricotta, this Italian-style cheesecake can be easier to digest while still incredibly tasty.

4. Store-Bought Cheesecake

Well-known bakeries and trusted brands typically use pasteurised ingredients and maintain proper refrigeration standards.

5. Homemade Baked Cheesecake (With Pasteurised Ingredients)

Making yours at home ensures you know exactly what’s going into it, just use pasteurised dairy, fully bake it, and refrigerate properly.

6. No-Bake Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecake can also be enjoyed during pregnancy if it is made with pasteurised cream cheese, contains no raw eggs, and is properly chilled and stored.

Cheesecakes to Avoid When Pregnant

Not all cheesecakes are safe to eat during pregnancy. Some varieties can pose health risks, so here’s a list of cheesecakes that expectant mothers should avoid.

1. Cheesecake With Raw Eggs

No-bake cheesecakes that use raw eggs can carry a risk of salmonella and should be avoided during pregnancy (4).

2. Cheesecake With Unpasteurised Dairy

Any cheesecake made with unpasteurised milk or cream cheese can increase the risk of Listeria infection (5).

3. Cheesecake With Alcohol

Cheesecakes flavoured with liqueurs or alcohol-based toppings should be avoided, as alcohol is unsafe during pregnancy (6).

4. Cheesecakes With Raw Crusts

Cheesecakes that use raw or underbaked crusts may harbour harmful bacteria and should be avoided.

5. Cheesecakes Preserved in the Refrigerator for Days

Cheesecakes stored too long in the fridge may spoil or harbour bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

6. Cheesecakes With Excessive Additives or Artificial Sweeteners

Cheesecakes loaded with artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or large amounts of sweeteners are best avoided during pregnancy.

Precautions to Take While Eating Cheesecake in Pregnancy

Now that you know which types of cheesecake are safe to eat and which to avoid during pregnancy, let’s take a look at the precautions you should follow to enjoy them safely.

• Always choose cheesecakes made with pasteurised milk, cream, and cheese to reduce the risk of Listeria (7).
• Eat in moderation to avoid excessive intake of sugar, fat, and calories.
• Ensure the cheesecake is fresh and properly refrigerated before consuming.
• Avoid no-bake cheesecakes with raw eggs or varieties containing alcohol (8).

Cheesecake Recipes for Pregnant Women

Cheesecake and pregnancy cravings are a match made in heaven, especially when you know how to make it safe, creamy, and absolutely irresistible! So, let’s look into a few yummy cheesecake recipes perfect for moms-to-be…

1. Classic Baked Cheesecake

This comforting classic cheesecake is easy to prepare and totally pregnancy-friendly when made with pasteurised ingredients.

Ingredients

• 500 g pasteurised cream cheese
• 3 eggs
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Method

1.  Add graham cracker crumbs to a large bowl.
2. Pour in melted butter and mix gently until combined.
3. Press the mixture into a pie pan and bake for about 10-15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, combine cream cheese, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
5. Separate egg whites and yolks carefully.
6. Whisk egg whites until fluffy, then mix egg yolks into the cheesecake batter.
7. Fold the fluffy egg whites into the batter gradually.
8. Pour the batter over the crust and bake at a moderate temperature for around 50 minutes.
9. Let it rest for about 20 minutes once done, then refrigerate.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy goodness!

2. Eggless Plain Cheesecake

Perfect for vegetarian moms-to-be or anyone who prefers an egg-free dessert, simple, creamy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 250 ml skimmed milk
• ¾ cup pasteurised cream cheese
• Juice of one lemon
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract
• 6 multigrain cookies
• Sugar (as needed)

Method

1. Crush cookies and press them into a baking tin to form the base.
2. Blend cream cheese and milk until creamy.
3. Heat milk with vanilla and let it cool.
4. Combine with the cheese mixture and add sugar to taste.
5. Stir in lemon juice and mix well.
6. Pour over the cookie base and bake lightly.
7. Let it cool, then refrigerate for an hour.
8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

3. Chocolate Cheesecake

If pregnancy cravings scream “chocolate!”, this cheesecake is the sweetest way to calm them.

Ingredients

• 150 g dark chocolate
• 45 g butter
• 100 ml whipping cream
• 200 g pasteurised cream cheese
• 150 g digestive biscuits
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 110 g sugar

Method

1. Crush digestive biscuits into a fine powder.
2. Mix biscuit crumbs with melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Press this mixture into a cake tin and refrigerate.
4. Combine melted (cooled) chocolate, cocoa powder, and whipped cream, and blend gently.
5. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
6. Fold the chocolate mixture into the cheese mixture.
7. Spread evenly over the biscuit base and refrigerate for about an hour.
8. Slice, serve, and satisfy that chocolate craving!

4. Blueberry Cheesecake

A fruity twist for cheesecake lovers! This one is fresh, creamy, and bursting with blueberry flavour.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup blueberry crush
• 4 tbsp butter
• 100 g digestive biscuits
• 200 ml fresh cream
• 200 g curd
• 2 tbsp gelatin

Method

1. Crush biscuits into a fine powder.
2. Mix with melted butter and press into a cake tin.
3. Refrigerate until firm.
4. Blend cream, curd, and blueberry crush until smooth.
5. Melt gelatin and mix it into the creamy blueberry mixture.
6. Pour over the biscuit base and refrigerate until set.
7. Decorate with chocolate chips or extra blueberries and serve!

5. Lemon Cheesecake

Refreshing, tangy, and delightfully light, this lemon cheesecake is perfect when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cream cheese
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup skim milk
• Unflavoured gelatin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 eggs
• Lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Mix gelatin, lemon juice, and water, and blend for a couple of minutes.
2. Add skim milk and blend until the gelatin fully dissolves.
3. Add sugar, egg whites, cream cheese, vanilla, and lemon juice, and blend until smooth.
4. Pour into a pie dish and refrigerate for about 3 hours.
5. Garnish with lemon zest before serving for extra aroma and flavour.

FAQs

1. Can I eat cheesecake if I have gestational diabetes?

Cheesecake is high in sugar and fat, so it should be eaten in moderation or avoided if advised by your doctor. If you have gestational diabetes, opt for small portions, low-sugar versions, or consult your doctor first.

2. Can I eat cheesecake from restaurants or bakeries?

Most reputable bakeries and restaurants use pasteurised ingredients and safe preparation methods. However, if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask whether the cream cheese and eggs are pasteurised and fully cooked.

3. How often can I eat cheesecake while pregnant?

It’s fine to enjoy cheesecake occasionally, but don’t overdo it. Since it’s high in sugar and fats, moderation is key to maintaining healthy weight gain and balanced nutrition during pregnancy.

So go ahead, have that creamy, dreamy bite… just make sure it’s safe, fresh, and handled right. Pregnancy is already full of rules; cheesecake doesn’t have to be one of the scary ones!

Also Read:

Chocolates in Pregnancy
Junk Food while Pregnant
Eating Cake during Pregnancy
Excessive Sweets in Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women

2. NHS – Foods to avoid in pregnancy

3. Cleveland Clinic – Listeriosis

4. Cleveland Clinic – Salmonella

5. Healthdirect – Listeria and listeriosis

6. NHS – Drinking alcohol while pregnant

7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Listeria (Listeriosis)

8. Johns Hopkins Medicine – Alcohol and Pregnancy