Carnivore Cheesecake Recipe

by :lyall cooking

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May 15, 2025

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You ever hit that point in your carnivore journey where you’re full of steak and eggs but your brain just wants a bite of something creamy? Yeah… same here. I remember scrolling through desserts one night, stomach happy but tastebuds kind of bored, and that’s when the idea hit me: why not make a Carnivore cheesecake that doesn’t cheat?

This isn’t your grandma’s cheesecake. No sugar, no almond crusts, no weird keto powders. Just a few rich, satisfying ingredients that stick to the plan. If you’re into animal-based eating, this one’s got your name all over it.

What’s cool is, you don’t need much just cream cheese, some eggs, butter, and a little heavy cream. Want it sweeter? You can use a carnivore-friendly sweetener (I’ll show you how later), but honestly, the dairy gives it this soft natural sweetness already.

If you’ve already experimented with cream cheese fillings or wrestled with figuring out how to thicken cream fillings, this recipe ties it all together.

It’s indulgent, simple, and totally carnivore.

What Makes This Cheesecake Truly Carnivore-Friendly?

Alright, let’s break it down. Most “low-carb” cheesecakes floating around out there sneak in stuff like almond flour crusts or erythritol-heavy sweeteners. Not this one. This is stripped down to the basics animal-only, no fluff, and surprisingly satisfying.

Here’s why it works:

  • Zero plant ingredients: We’re sticking with eggs, cream cheese, butter, and maybe a dash of heavy cream all 100% carnivore.
  • High in fat: Perfect for those looking to boost fat intake without reaching for greasy cuts of meat.
  • No artificial sweeteners (unless you want it): I kept it totally unsweetened the first time and honestly? It tasted like rich dairy heaven. If you must, monk fruit or stevia can be added I’ll explain that later.
  • Crustless by default: We’re not trying to replicate a crust with pork rinds or cheese crackers. This one holds firm on its own.

Plus, it’s insanely simple. You can mess up five other recipes this week, and this one’ll still turn out great. Ask me how I know…

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Carnivore Cheesecake

Raw ingredients for a carnivore cheesecake eggs, full-fat cream cheese blocks, sour cream, butter

You don’t need a shopping cart full of stuff just a handful of rich, animal-based ingredients. This recipe is about letting fat and creaminess shine without any distractions.

Here’s what I used:

  • 16 oz cream cheese (full fat, no additives)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened, plus a little extra for greasing)
  • (Optional): ¼ tsp vanilla extract (not strictly carnivore, but a common “relaxed carnivore” add-in)
  • (Optional): 1–2 tbsp monk fruit or stevia (totally optional skip if you’re going 100% strict)

Bonus tip: If your cream cheese is on the dense side, you can learn how to adjust the texture here: How Do You Thicken Cream Fillings

That’s it! Simple ingredients, easy to prep and they all pull their weight in flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Carnivore Cheesecake from Scratch

Close-up of cream cheese being whipped with eggs

This part’s easier than most people think. No water bath, no crust, no guesswork. You just need a mixing bowl, a hand mixer (or elbow grease), and a pan.

1. Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease a small springform pan or 6-inch round baking dish with butter.

2. Soften Your Cream Cheese

Let it sit at room temp for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step makes everything mix smoother no weird lumps!

3. Mix the Batter

Beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time. Keep mixing until it’s creamy and pale.
Pour in the heavy cream and softened butter. Keep mixing on low.
(Optional): Add sweetener or vanilla here, if you’re using them.

4. Taste Test (Optional)

If you’re using sweetener, give it a quick taste before baking. You can adjust here. If not carry on, purist.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour your batter into the greased pan and tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

6. Cool Gradually

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked for 10–15 minutes.
Let it cool on the counter for another 30 minutes.

7. Chill Before Serving

Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours overnight is best if you want it to firm up fully.

That’s it. You’ve got a dense, creamy carnivore Cheesecake dessert without any junk just the good stuff.

Tips for a Creamy Texture (Without Crust or Sugar)

Now here’s the part nobody tells you when you dive into carnivore desserts: texture is everything. Without the sugar, flour, or crust to hide behind, you’ve got nowhere to run so the cheesecake has to be silky and rich all on its own.

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

1. Always Soften Your Cream Cheese

This isn’t just a suggestion it’s a must. Cold cream cheese = lumpy batter = weird, grainy cheesecake. Let it sit out for 30–60 minutes, or if you’re short on time, zap it in the microwave in 10-second bursts.

2. Don’t Overmix

I know it’s tempting to whip the batter into oblivion, but too much air = cracks and puffed-up tops. Just mix until combined. The batter should look smooth and glossy not foamy.

3. Low and Slow Is the Way

High heat is your enemy. Stick with 325°F, and let it bake until the edges are just set. It should still jiggle in the middle like a soft pillow when you shake the pan gently.

4. Rest and Chill

This one’s tough because cheesecake smells incredible warm but you’ve gotta be patient. If you slice it hot, it’ll collapse into a puddle. Chill it for at least 4 hours to firm up properly.

Want to explore more dessert-style fillings? You might like my guide to Cream Cheese Filling Recipes not all of them are carnivore, but you’ll get tons of inspo!

Best Ways to Serve Carnivore Cheesecake

A slice of carnivore cheesecake on a small white plate, topped with a swirl of whipped cream

So you’ve got your golden, chilled cheesecake sitting in the fridge. Now what?

Here’s how I like to dress it up while still keeping it clean:

1. Serve It Cold (Or Slightly Cool)

Carnivore cheesecake tastes best after it’s had time to chill completely. I usually serve it straight from the fridge, or let it sit out for 10 minutes so it softens just a bit.

2. Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

If you’re okay with a touch of dairy, whipped cream is your friend. Just heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks no sugar needed. It adds lightness to that rich, dense base.

3. Dust with Collagen Powder or Crushed Pork Rinds

Okay, hear me out. Collagen powder gives a matte finish kinda like powdered sugar and if you’re into savory-sweet vibes, a teeny sprinkle of cinnamon pork rind “crumbs” is weirdly addictive.

4. Slice Clean

Use a hot knife (run under water, then dried) for a clean, pro-looking slice every time.

How to Store Leftovers (And Avoid That Rubbery Texture)

You finally nailed that carnivore cheesecake congrats! But here’s the kicker: how you store it totally changes the texture. I learned this the hard way when my once-creamy slice turned into a rubbery block overnight. Don’t do what I did.

Here’s how to keep leftovers dreamy and smooth:

1. Wrap It Right

Use parchment or wax paper first, then wrap with plastic wrap. That barrier keeps condensation from wrecking the surface. Don’t press the plastic directly on the cheesecake.

2. Store It in the Coldest Part of the Fridge

That usually means the back or bottom shelf somewhere stable and cold. You want to avoid those temp changes near the door that can mess with the texture.

3. Slice Before Storing (Optional)

If you’re meal-prepping or want grab-and-go slices, pre-slice the cheesecake and store pieces in airtight containers with paper between layers. Great for portion control, too.

4. Eat Within 4–5 Days

Honestly, it’s best fresh. But if you wrap it well, it holds up for nearly a week. I don’t recommend freezing it the texture just isn’t the same afterward.

Bonus tip: Got some filling leftover? Check out How Do You Thicken Cream Fillings to repurpose it into something new.

FAQs: Your Carnivore Cheesecake Questions, Answered

Let’s tackle a few of the most common questions I’ve gotten either in my inbox or through trial and (plenty of) error:

1. Can I Make This Without Eggs?

Technically, yes… but it won’t bake the same. Eggs give structure and richness. If you’re egg-free carnivore, try gelatin-based no-bake versions instead.

2. Do I Have to Use Cream Cheese?

You can sub mascarpone or even ricotta for a different vibe, but cream cheese gives that classic dense New York-style texture we all love. Just stick to full-fat.

3. Why Did Mine Crack?

Two big culprits: overmixing and baking too hot. Also, rapid cooling can cause cracks so let the cheesecake chill slowly on the counter for an hour before refrigerating.

4. Can I Add Flavorings?

Heck yeah. Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of cinnamon (if your carnivore plan allows it) can level things up. Just don’t go overboard keep it subtle.

5. What If I Want a Crust?

You can make a crust with crushed pork rinds and butter or just use baked cheddar crisps for a salty base. Totally optional, but it adds a fun twist!

Also, if you’re curious about why food presentation even matters when we’re working with such limited ingredients, there’s fascinating research from a published study on food aesthetics and perception that dives into how plating and color psychology impact taste. It’s a game-changer, even for minimalist diets.

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A carnivore cheesecake with a creamy, dense texture, sliced cleanly and stacked on a white marble countertop (2)

Carnivore Cheesecake Recipe (Creamy & Crustless)


  • Author: Lyall
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x

Description

This rich, creamy carnivore cheesecake is pure indulgence made entirely from animal-based ingredients with no crust, no sugar, and all flavor. Perfect for keto or carnivore lifestyles craving a sweet (but compliant) treat.


Ingredients

SCALE
  • 3 (8 oz) blocks of full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted)
  • Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract (if allowed in your plan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
  4. Add sour cream, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla (if using). Mix gently.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch springform pan.
  6. Place pan in a water bath and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
  7. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
  8. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before slicing.

Notes

  • Dont overmix or overbake that’s how you get rubbery cheesecake.
  • Always let it cool slowly to prevent cracking.
  • If you’re dairy-sensitive, try subbing in lactose-free versions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Carnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: carnivore cheesecake, keto cheesecake, no crust cheesecake

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