This Low-Carb Keto Cheesecake Will Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings

The keto diet isn't just an emotional journey (because isn't every diet an emotional journey?) but a physically grueling one to boot. Just ask anyone who has ever endured the so-called keto flu—the period of insanely intense cravings, fatigue, and irritability. And if you aren't already living the keto lifestyle, you might be wondering, what exactly is the appeal of this low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet?

"The idea behind keto is to keep your fat-accumulating hormone, insulin, low by keeping your blood sugar low," explains Vincent M. Pedre, M.D. "In doing so, you turn on fat-burning genes while suppressing the abdominal-fat-amassing machinery."

Traditional cheesecake crusts are made with graham crackers, which are tasty and delicious but high in carbs and sugar. This crust, on the other hand, is made with almond flour and pecans. Almond flour hits a lot of nutritional high points, making it a perfect substitute. Almond flour is gluten- and grain-free and high in monounsaturated fats, which work to decrease your risk of heart disease. It's also packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and is a great source of the essential minerals magnesium and potassium.

Often underrated, pecans are great too. "Pecans are chock-full of nutrients—containing about 19 different vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants," explains registered dietitian Britni Thomas, R.D. "The monounsaturated fats in pecans may help improve your cholesterol profile." What's more, pecans also contain three times as many flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) as almonds, which makes them as impressively healthy as they are deliciously tasty.

When it comes to adding a splash of sweetness to the crust, this keto cheesecake recipe relies on erythritol, a natural sugar alternative that tastes almost exactly like the real thing—all without the massive amount of calories or blood sugar spike.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. Unlike many other sugar-free sweeteners, which usually have zero calories, sugar alcohols do contain up to 3 calories per gram. The minuscule number of calories in erythritol is worth it, though, as zero-calorie artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda), aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet), and saccharin (Sweet N' Low) often come with a slew of unhealthy effects that you definitely want to avoid: "These chemical sweeteners actually change the bacterial makeup of your microbiome. This can be a trigger for autoimmune problems, diabetes, and metabolic disorders," according to William Cole, D.C., IFMCP, functional medicine expert and mbg Collective member.

Now, onto the filling. Here's some great news: The cream cheese needs no substitution. One of the reasons that cheesecake is such an ideal dessert to get a keto makeover is that cream cheese is a pretty keto-friendly food already. This versatile (and tasty, of course) ingredient is used in quite a few keto and low-carb recipes due to its macronutrient breakdown. A 2-tablespoon serving of cream cheese contains just 1.6 grams of carbohydrates, along with a good dose of fat (10 grams) and a moderate amount of protein (1.8 grams), which is key to its keto-friendly status. Cream cheese also contains small amounts of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Even though we just thoroughly explained why this cheesecake is keto-friendly, it should still be considered a treat that's consumed on special occasions. This keto cheesecake shouldn't take the place of healthier fare like low-carb, fiber-rich vegetables, nuts and seeds, and quality meats and seafood. "If you're using ketosis for weight loss, you may see initial results, but eating too many calories from any food can stall fat loss or make you gain weight," explains gut health specialist and best-selling author Vincent M. Pedre, M.D.

Leaning too heavily on keto-approved treats can definitely have this effect and undermine your success (as they tend to be calorie dense and low in fiber), but using them strategically—to help you avoid an all-out sugar binge—might just help keep you on track.

And remember, deciding whether or not the keto diet is right for you is a personal decision and one that you should discuss with your health care provider. The diet brings with it a lot of potential benefits, including the ability to reduce insulin levels, reduce inflammation, and aid in weight loss, but it also has potential drawbacks that must be considered.

Serves 16