Key Takeaways
- Yes, you can eat cheesecake during pregnancy, as long as it doesn’t contain unpasteurized dairy or raw eggs ✔️
- Commercial cheesecakes normally meet the requirements above ✔️
- No-bake cheesecakes are safe, too, under the same conditions ✔️
Is the Average Cheesecake Recipe Safe for Pregnant Women?
Cheesecake is made with eggs and soft cheese, two ingredients that pregnant women are sometimes discouraged from eating. Why? Raw eggs can contain bacteria like Salmonella, which can infect pregnant women and their developing babies. Unpasteurized cheeses can also harbor Listeria, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
But what about baked cheesecake? Can you eat cheesecake while pregnant? Let’s answer two questions that will lead us to the right conclusion.
Are There Raw Eggs in Cheesecake?
Creamy and rich, with a hint of tang from the cheese, it’s no wonder this cake is so popular. But what about the raw eggs that are often used in the batter?
Don’t worry! While it’s true that uncooked eggs can sometimes harbor harmful bacteria, when they’re baked in a cheesecake (or any other dish), those bacteria are killed off. So rest assured, your slice of cheesecake is not only delicious, but perfectly safe to eat.
Is There Unpasteurized Cheese in Cheesecake?
The most popular cheese to be used in a cheesecake is cream cheese. Other common types are mascarpone, ricotta, and cottage cheese. All of these are usually pasteurized, meaning they’re safe to eat while pregnant. However, if you’re buying a store-bought cake, read the label. You never know what they might have put in there.
So, Can You Eat Cheesecake While Pregnant?
Assuming you’re referring to a classic New York style cheesecake, the answer is yes. You can eat baked cheesecake while pregnant. But not all cheesecakes are the same. There are plenty of recipes that don’t involve baking – what about them? Can you eat cheesecake that hardens in the fridge?
Story Time ✏️
I was so excited to make a delicious no-bake cheesecake for a family gathering. I had just found out I was pregnant and wanted to announce it over dinner and dessert. I carefully followed the recipe until the last part – I forgot it was a no-bake cheesecake and put it in the oven like I always do!
After 10 minutes, I realized what I had done. I opened the oven and saw a gooey mass. I was so disappointed, but then I had a thought. I joked to my family that at least now the cheesecake was double-safe for my pregnancy. Everyone laughed and we enjoyed the other desserts I had made.
Is There a Type of Cheesecake to Avoid During Pregnancy?
No-bake cheesecakes can be a problem. That’s because they might contain unpasteurized dairy, such as raw sour cream or heavy cream. If not baked, cheesecakes made using raw creams pose a risk of food poisoning or listeriosis.
However, this is a rare occurrence. Most homemade cheesecake recipes use pasteurized creams and cream cheeses. Bakeries normally use them, too, which makes most no-bake cheesecakes safe to eat during pregnancy. As long as the cake is made with pasteurized dairy, enjoy it all you want!
The Safest Cheesecake to Eat While Pregnant
There is one treat that pregnant women can enjoy without worry: vegan cheesecake. Because it’s made without eggs or dairy, vegan cheesecake is a safe and healthy option! It’s often lower in sugar and calories than traditional cheesecake, making it a guilt-free treat.
FAQs About Cheesecake and Pregnancy
Can You Eat Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake While Pregnant?
Cheesecake Factory products are all baked and made with pasteurized dairy. They’re risk-free and absolutely delicious, so eat up! Just be mindful of the calories.
What Happens If You Eat Cream Cheese While Pregnant?
Nothing bad will happen. It’s a cheese spread that’s normally made from pasteurized milk. The only time you may encounter raw cream cheese is if you make it yourself from raw milk!
How Do You Know When Cheesecake Is Pasteurized?
Just check the ingredients list or ask the restaurant staff if you’re unsure about it. But most likely, it is pasteurized.
Is Costco Cheesecake Pasteurized?
Yes, it is. It contains pasteurized milk and cream among other ingredients.
Is Cheesecake Fully Cooked?
As long as you’re following the directions carefully, your cheesecake will come out of the oven at 150 degrees F or hotter. This is enough to kill most bacteria.
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