Is Cheesecake Filling Gluten Free?

Last Updated on September 18, 2021

Today, we’re going to be answering the question: is cheesecake filling gluten-free? But first, let’s look at what cheesecake is, and the ingredients it usually contains. And then we’ll have a round-up of some of the best gluten-free cheesecakes on offer – homemade and store-bought.

What Is Cheesecake?

I feel as though you’ll probably already know what a glorious cheesecake is. And if you don’t, you’re seriously missing out and I advise you to go eat a slice after finishing this article! It’s a dessert consisting of several layers. It’s base is often cookies, or graham crackers (or biscuits if you’re from the UK). And has a thick creamy layer at the top.

It comes in a range of flavors, all of which are absolutely delicious. It may be controversial, but chocolate cheesecake is my favorite and can not be beaten! You can really put anything into a cheesecake, but the most popular cheesecake flavors are:

• New York Cheesecake
• Strawberry Cheesecake
• Chocolate Cheesecake
• White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake
• Key Lime Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Cheesecake

Does Cheesecake Have Gluten?

As you’ve probably already guessed – traditional cheesecake does contain gluten. Whether cookies, graham crackers, or even sponge cake is used as the base; it will not be gluten-free. The ingredients you’ll commonly find in a traditional cheesecake are:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs/Digestive Biscuits
• Butter
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Eggs
• Vanilla

Frustratingly, one of those ingredients is not gluten-free – but it makes up the entire base of the cheesecake! So to answer the question simply – cheesecake does contain gluten. Therefore, is unsuitable if you’re gluten intolerant or celiac.

Is Cheesecake Filling Gluten-Free?

Good news! The filling itself is often gluten-free. The filling is often made using sugar, cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs. All of which are gluten-free. However, it goes without saying, please do not think that means you can eat the filling and leave the gluten base! The entire product will have come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients and you should avoid at all costs.

However, because so many ingredients in cheesecake are gluten-free, it’s easy to make your own. We’ll be taking a look at some cheesecake recipes later.

Gluten-Free Cheesecake

GF cheesecake may seem impossible to make or find, but there’s more on offer than you may think! Whether you’re wanting to make your own, or buy ready-made – there’s something for everyone. Let’s look at what gluten-free cheesecakes available.

Store-Bought Gluten-Free Cheesecake

When I started to write this article, there was a gluten-free cheesecake brand that came to mind instantly. I’m completely in love with it. That brand is GU Puds. It’s important to note that not all GU products are gluten-free, but their free from range is clearly labelled. It comes in a range of cheesecake flavors, all of which are gluten-free and vegan, meaning it’s suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles.

The gluten-free flavors available are:

• Chocolate and Vanilla Cheesecake (my personal favorite!)
• Lemon Cheesecake
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake
• Strawberry and Rhubarb Cheesecake

They also come in handy glass bases which you can reuse for any future cheesecake baking. They also come in packs of two – for double the enjoyment!

The main ingredients are coconut extract, dark chocolate, water, sugar, coconut oil, rice flour, potato starch, and maize flour.  It’s worth mentioning that if you’re not a big lover of coconut, you may want to avoid this cheesecake! As it’s made from coconut, rather than milk – the coconut taste is incredibly strong.

You can find out more about the GU Puds Free From range here.

Make Your Own GF Cheesecake

There’s no doubt that making your own gluten-free cheesecake is the easiest way to get your cheesecake fix. As you only really need to swap out one ingredient from traditional cheesecake, you can either adapt a gluten-containing recipe or find a gluten-free one online.

There’s a plethora of gluten-free recipes available. Gluten-Free on a Shoestring’s 10 Perfect Gluten-Free Cheesecakes Recipes is a great starting point. The recipes include:

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bites
• Gluten-Free Japanese Cheesecake
• No-Bake Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake
• No-Bake Gluten-Free Chocolate Cheesecake (adding chocolate to anything makes it taste better – fact!)
• Apple Cinnamon Gluten-Free Cheesecake
• Strawberry Shortcake Gluten-Free Cheesecake

And many more. Whatever style cheesecake you’re craving, it has something for everyone.

Shop Local Bakeries

With the ongoing pandemic, it’s definitely worth trying to help out small businesses. Type in your local area with “gluten-free cheesecake” and it may surprise you what you find! There are plenty of local bakeries and cafes that offer gluten-free desserts now, and as cheesecake is so easy to make gluten-free – it’s a popular choice. So check your local stores – you may find a new favorite.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped to answer the question: is cheesecake filling gluten-free? It’s bittersweet that the filling is usually 100% gluten-free, and the base isn’t’. But I’m sure if you’ve been gluten-free for a while, you’re used to disappointment when it comes to foods!

I’ll be honest, finding ready-made gluten-free cheesecakes in your local grocery stores isn’t easy. In fact, it’s almost impossible! We can only hope that in the years to come, they become more widely available. Especially as it’s so easy to cater them to a gluten-free lifestyle.

However, in the meantime, we’ll have to become cheesecake-making experts and enjoy cheesecakes made by ourselves. Let’s be honest, you can’t really go wrong with making your own – it really is that easy!

Are there any gluten-free cheesecakes I’ve missed off the list? Or do you have your own cheesecake recipe that you’d like to share with the gluten-free community? If so, please feel free to leave any comments or recipes in the comment box below. Sharing is caring!

Read more about: How To Make A Gluten Free Cake Mix Taste Better