Is Cheesecake Safe During Pregnancy? (Baked vs. Unbaked Explained)

Pregnancy cravings are no joke. And when that craving hits for a rich, creamy slice of cheesecake, the last thing you want is to spend twenty minutes googling whether you're allowed to eat it. The good news? In many cases, you absolutely can enjoy cheesecake during pregnancy. The key is understanding which types are safe and which require a bit more caution.

Let's cut through the confusion and give you the clear, practical guidance you need to enjoy your dessert in peace.

The Short Answer

Baked cheesecake is generally safe to eat during pregnancy. The eggs are cooked thoroughly during baking, and the cream cheese is typically pasteurised. Most shop-bought and restaurant cheesecakes fall into this category.

Unbaked (no-bake) cheesecake requires more caution. Some recipes contain raw eggs or unpasteurised dairy, which pose risks during pregnancy. However, many commercial no-bake cheesecakes use pasteurised ingredients and are perfectly safe.

Why Is There Concern About Cheesecake During Pregnancy?

The concerns about cheesecake come from two potential ingredients:

1. Raw or Undercooked Eggs

Traditional cheesecake recipes often include eggs, and some no-bake versions use raw eggs to create that creamy, mousse-like texture. Raw eggs carry a risk of Salmonella infection, which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, fever, and in rare cases, complications affecting the pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your immune system is slightly suppressed, making you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. While Salmonella doesn't directly cross the placenta, the severe dehydration and illness it causes can potentially affect your baby.

2. Unpasteurised Dairy

Cream cheese is the star ingredient in cheesecake, and some artisanal or homemade versions might use unpasteurised cream cheese or soft cheese. Unpasteurised dairy can harbour Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cross the placenta, may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labour, and is particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

The good news is that most commercial cream cheese in the UK and US is made from pasteurised milk. But it's worth checking, especially with specialty or imported products.

Baked Cheesecake: Generally Safe

Traditional baked cheesecake — the kind with a golden top and firm, creamy interior — is cooked in the oven at temperatures that kill harmful bacteria. Here's why it's typically safe:

The Eggs Are Cooked

When cheesecake is baked at 160°C (325°F) or higher for 45-60 minutes, the internal temperature reaches levels that kill Salmonella and other pathogens. The eggs are no longer "raw" — they're fully cooked and safe.

Commercial Cream Cheese Is Pasteurised

Philadelphia, supermarket own-brand cream cheese, and virtually all commercial cream cheese sold in major UK and US supermarkets is made from pasteurised milk. This eliminates the Listeria concern for most baked cheesecakes.

Restaurant and Shop-Bought Options

Most cheesecakes from restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets are baked and made with pasteurised ingredients. These are generally safe for pregnant women to enjoy.

Examples of typically safe baked cheesecakes:

• New York-style cheesecake
• Italian ricotta cheesecake
• Japanese cotton cheesecake
• Basque burnt cheesecake
• Most supermarket cheesecakes
• Restaurant cheesecakes

Unbaked (No-Bake) Cheesecake: Approach with Care

No-bake cheesecakes set in the fridge rather than being cooked in the oven. This is where things get a bit more complicated.

The Concern: Raw Eggs

Some traditional no-bake cheesecake recipes call for raw eggs to create a light, fluffy texture. If raw eggs are included and not from a pasteurised source, there's a Salmonella risk.

However, many modern no-bake cheesecake recipes don't include eggs at all — they rely on cream cheese, cream, sugar, and sometimes gelatine to set. These are often perfectly safe.

How to Know If a No-Bake Cheesecake Is Safe

Ask these questions:

• Does it contain raw eggs? If yes, were the eggs pasteurised?
• Is the cream cheese pasteurised? (Almost always yes for commercial products)
• Are there any other unpasteurised dairy ingredients?

Specific Types of Cheesecake: A Quick Guide

New York Cheesecake ✓ Usually Safe

Classic New York cheesecake is baked and made with pasteurised cream cheese. It's typically safe during pregnancy, whether from a bakery, restaurant, or supermarket.

Japanese Cheesecake ✓ Usually Safe

Japanese cotton cheesecake (also called soufflé cheesecake) is baked in a water bath. The eggs are fully cooked, making it generally safe for pregnant women.

Basque Burnt Cheesecake ✓ Usually Safe

This increasingly popular style is baked at very high temperatures, thoroughly cooking the eggs. The "burnt" exterior means it's been well-cooked throughout.

No-Bake Cheesecake ⚠️ Check First

Commercial versions are usually safe (no raw eggs), but always check homemade versions for raw egg content.

Tiramisu ✗ Usually Avoid

While not technically cheesecake, tiramisu contains raw eggs and mascarpone. Traditional recipes are not pregnancy-safe unless made with pasteurised eggs.

How to Enjoy Cheesecake Safely During Pregnancy

At Home

If you're making cheesecake at home, you have complete control over ingredients:

For baked cheesecake:

• Use pasteurised cream cheese (check the label)
• Use regular eggs — they'll be fully cooked during baking
• Bake until the centre is set (slight wobble is fine — it continues cooking as it cools)

For no-bake cheesecake:

• Choose recipes that don't require raw eggs
• Or use pasteurised eggs (available at many supermarkets)
• Use pasteurised cream cheese and cream

At Restaurants and Bakeries

Most commercially prepared cheesecakes are safe, but if you want to be certain:

• Ask: "Is this baked?" or "Does this contain raw eggs?"
• Choose baked options over mousse-style or no-bake versions if uncertain
• Major chains and supermarkets typically use pasteurised ingredients

The Nutritional Side: Is Cheesecake a Good Choice?

Let's be honest — cheesecake isn't health food. It's high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. But pregnancy isn't about eating perfectly all the time. It's about balance, and the occasional slice of cheesecake is absolutely fine.

What You Do Get

• Calcium: Cream cheese provides some calcium for baby's bone development
• Protein: Eggs and dairy contribute protein
• Joy: Seriously, satisfying a craving matters for mental wellbeing

Common Questions About Cheesecake and Pregnancy

Can I eat cheesecake from the supermarket?

Yes! Supermarket cheesecakes are made with pasteurised ingredients and, if baked, have fully cooked eggs. They're safe during pregnancy.

Is Philadelphia cream cheese safe during pregnancy?

Yes! Philadelphia and similar commercial cream cheeses are made from pasteurised milk and are perfectly safe.

Can I eat cheesecake every day?

While occasional cheesecake is fine, eating it every day isn't ideal due to the high sugar and fat content. Enjoy it as a treat rather than a staple.

What if I accidentally ate no-bake cheesecake with raw eggs?

Don't panic. The risk of Salmonella from any single exposure is relatively low, and most cases don't cause serious problems. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, and contact your healthcare provider if you're concerned.

The Bottom Line

Cheesecake can absolutely be part of your pregnancy diet. The key points to remember:

Related Reading

See also: Is Honey Safe During Pregnancy?, Can I Drink Kombucha While Pregnant?, and Is Mayonnaise Safe During Pregnancy?.

Download PregnancyPlate to track your nutrition and satisfy your cravings with confidence.