keto cloud cheesecake fluffy
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Chill Time: Minimum 6 hours, preferably overnight
Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes (plus chilling)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Intensity: Moderate (requires careful mixing and patience for setting)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups (150g) super-fine almond flour
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⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
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3 tablespoons (25g) powdered erythritol (or monk fruit blend)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Fluffy Cloud Filling:
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24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated erythritol or allulose (for best texture)
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3 large eggs, at room temperature
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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½ cup (120ml) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
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1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
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⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stabilizing)
For Optional Serving:
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Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries)
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Sugar-free whipped cream
Equipment
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9-inch springform pan
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Large mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spatula
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Aluminum foil
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Roasting pan (for water bath)
Instructions
Part 1: The Crust (15 minutes)
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Wrap the outside bottom and sides of the pan tightly with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water seepage.
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Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter, powdered sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pinched.
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Press: Pour the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom. Par-bake for 10-12 minutes, until just lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
Part 2: The Fluffy Cloud Filling (50 minutes active + bake)
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Cream the Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
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Sweeten: Add the granulated sweetener and beat for another 2 minutes until fully incorporated and creamy.
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Incorporate Eggs & Flavor: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed just until each yolk disappears before adding the next. Overbeating eggs incorporates too much air and can cause cracking. Scrape the bowl. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream on low until just combined. Set this mixture aside.
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Create the “Cloud”: In a separate, clean, chilled bowl, pour the cold heavy whipping cream. Add the cream of tartar (if using). Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium-high until stiff peaks form. This is the key to the cloud-like texture.
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Fold Gently: Using a spatula, gently fold about ⅓ of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain. Be gentle to maintain the airy volume.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the fluffy filling over the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top. Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
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Bake Low & Slow: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 60-75 minutes. The edges will be set, but the center should still have a slight, firm jiggle—like Jell-O—when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it chills.
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Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This prevents drastic temperature changes that lead to cracks.
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Chill Thoroughly: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, peel off the foil, and run a thin knife around the edge to loosen it. Let it cool completely on the counter, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This is non-negotiable for perfect slicing and texture development.
Part 3: Serve & Store
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Serve: Carefully release the springform pan ring. Slice with a clean, hot knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry) for perfect pieces. Serve plain or topped with berries and a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream.
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Store: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, 1/12 of cheesecake)
Note: Values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands. Nutrition calculated using erythritol, which is subtracted from total carbs as it has negligible glycemic impact.
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Calories: 425 kcal
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Total Fat: 41g
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Saturated Fat: 22g
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Cholesterol: 145mg
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Sodium: 250mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 7g
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Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
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Sugars: 2.5g (naturally occurring)
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Erythritol: 25g (not metabolized, excluded from net carbs)
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Net Carbohydrates: 3.5g
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Protein: 9g