For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, the world of desserts might seem limited. However, with a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can indulge in rich, satisfying treats that align with your dietary goals. Cream cheese, with its smooth texture and mild flavor, is a fantastic base for keto-friendly desserts, especially when paired with chocolate. This article explores some delectable keto chocolate dessert recipes featuring cream cheese, including a show-stopping Death by Chocolate Cheesecake and a simple, elegant Chocolate Mousse.
Keto Death by Chocolate Cheesecake
This Keto Death by Chocolate Cheesecake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. It features a crisp chocolate crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. The best part? It's entirely keto-friendly and low in carbs.
Why Cheesecake Works for Keto
Cheesecake is an excellent option for a keto dessert because it closely mimics the taste and texture of traditional high-carb cheesecakes. Cream cheese works magic in masking any aftertastes from sweeteners. Many people who have tried low-carb cheesecake often can’t tell it’s sugar-free.
Key Ingredients
- Sweetener: Lakanto's original sweetener is a great choice, as it bakes and tastes like real sugar without impacting blood glucose levels, making it a zero-net-carb option.
- Almond Flour: Used to create a grain-free and low-carb crust.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling. Ensure it's at room temperature for the best results.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate: Both cocoa powder and sugar-free chocolate chips are used in the filling, and the cheesecake is topped with a sugar-free milk chocolate ganache. Natural cocoa powder is recommended for the filling.
Essential Tools
A springform pan is ideal for cheesecake, as it has a removable side, ensuring a smooth and beautiful presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Crust
- Combine almond flour, cocoa powder, and sweetener in a bowl.
- Add melted butter and stir until a coarse, chocolatey mixture forms.
- Press the mixture into a greased 10-inch springform pan.
Preparing the Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sweetener until just combined.
- Beat in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Mix in the melted chocolate and cocoa powder until the mixture is combined and creamy, being careful not to overmix the batter to avoid adding too much air to the cheesecake batter.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Place a 9x13 baking dish filled with 2 inches of water on the bottom rack of your oven. Place the cheesecake directly over the pan of water on the middle rack.
- Bake for about an hour, until the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour before removing to the counter to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Pour heated heavy cream over sugar-free milk chocolate chips in a bowl.
- Mix well until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
Optional Chocolate Shavings
For an extra touch, create chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler and a cold bar of sugar-free chocolate.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Tips for Success
- Don't overmix the cheesecake batter.
- Use a water bath to help prevent cracks.
- Cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven with the door cracked open.
- Be sure to use room temperature eggs and cream cheese when making cheesecake.
Storage Instructions
This chocolate cheesecake can last up to 5 days in the fridge if tightly covered, or up to 6 months in the freezer.
How to Tell When It's Done
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.
Keto Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse
For a lighter, no-bake option, Keto Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse is an excellent choice. This dessert is creamy, rich in flavor, and incredibly easy to make.
Gluten-Free and Keto-Friendly
Most chocolate mousse recipes are naturally gluten-free, relying on basic ingredients that don't contain gluten. To ensure it remains keto-friendly, use cocoa powder or sugar-free chocolate.
Ingredients
- Cocoa powder or sugar-free chocolate for a keto-friendly option. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate can be used for non-keto versions.
- Light cream cheese.
Setting Time
The mousse needs to chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to set. If you're creating layered mousses, set each layer before adding the next.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Storage
Chocolate mousse can last up to 4-5 days in the fridge if stored in a tightly sealed container. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto