I’ve been an avid ketogenic diet follower, and I can say that this keto cheesecake muffin recipe is one of the best keto desserts I’ve tasted in years. Not only is it tasty, but more importantly, it is healthy as well.
Before we go into the actual keto cheesecake recipe, let me discuss a few things about this type of cake and the ketogenic diet in general.
What is a Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet, or simply keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat, and adequate-protein diet which helps the body burn fat rapidly. It may sound confusing since the diet is high in fat. However, knowing how the human body works should give your hesitation some pause.
Our bodies utilize blood glucose, or blood sugar, being the primary source of energy. When we lower carb consumption, the body begins to use fat to provide itself energy. This metabolic state is called ketosis, which is where the name of the diet was derived.
The regular high-fat and high-carb diet, which most people are accustomed to, makes the body store fat rather than use it. But when we eat a low-carb diet, our bodies will be forced to use its stored fat as the energy source. This method results in fat loss and improved overall health condition.
A keto diet is typically used to treat or alleviate some forms of medical conditions or disorders, such as diabetes, epilepsy, autism, and depression.
Studies have shown that it could also reduce the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome and migraine headaches. Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are also said to be alleviated by this kind of diet.
Having said that, the keto cheesecake is low in carbs, high in fat, and moderate in protein. It is a guilt-free dessert alternative for those who are on a Ketogenic diet.
Keto Blueberry-Strawberry Cheesecake Muffin Recipe
For the filling:
- One-quarter cup of Erythritol
- 12 ounces of lukewarm cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- One-quarter teaspoon of salt
For the crust:
- Three-quarter cups of almond flour
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter
For the toppings:
- One-fourth cup fresh blueberries
- One-fourth cup sugar-free strawberry jam
Directions:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 177 degrees Celsius).
2. Begin mixing the almond flour and melted butter to make the crust. Stir them together until flaky. Tip: If you want a consistent flakiness, use cold butter instead.
3. Put paper liners on top of each muffin tin. Then pour around 1 to 2 teaspoons of the crust mixture in each and press them down into the liner.
4. Bake the crusts for 5 to 8 minutes until they become golden brown.
5. Use a mixer to combine the cream cheese and one whole egg. Add the Erythritol and continue mixing. Next, add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until desired consistency is reached.
6. Pour in the filling to each of the baked crusts and bake again for around 20 minutes.
7. Take them out of the oven and let them cool for around 10 minutes before putting a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top.
8. Place fresh blueberries on top of the jam. Chill the keto cheesecake in the refrigerator before serving.
Benefits
There are many benefits when eating keto cheesecake for snacks, and some are the following:
1. Weight Loss
Eating keto cheesecake boosts fat-burning in the body. Burning fat equates to losing weight.
2. Hunger Regulation
When the body uses fat as its primary energy source, insulin levels fall. Having low levels of insulin allows you to eat less without feeling so hungry. Having keto cheesecake every now and then allows the body to access enormous amounts of stored energy (stored fat), and decrease hunger fits.
3. Increased Energy and Brain Function
The body becomes more energetic when it uses the stored fat. Even eating keto desserts, such as keto cheesecake, can significantly improve your physical strength and endurance.
Ketosis causes a surge in ketones which prevents blood sugar fluctuations. It results in better mental performance and improved focus. In fact, the brain is fueled by fat and not by carbohydrates.
4. Blood Sugar Management
A keto diet is excellent for managing Type 2 diabetes. Some studies have proven that it can actually reverse the condition over time. This appears to be due to better insulin regulation in the body.
5. Digestive Health
Keto cheesecake also causes better digestive health. It is usually the first thing that every new keto diet practitioner notices.
Risks
1. Ketoacidosis
As with everything else, too many ketones are also not good for the body. Excessive ketones could result in a disease called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can be fatal to people who have Type 1 diabetes.
2. Keto Flu
Keto flu is a natural occurrence for people who try the Keto diet for the first time. It typically lasts for only a few days until the body adjusts. It is caused by losing too much water and electrolytes in your system. Simply drink more water and the problem will subside.
3. Cramps and Constipation
A keto diet makes your body lose magnesium, which results in increased leg cramps. Taking a magnesium supplement may help alleviate the problem.
Meanwhile, dehydration triggers constipation, that is why it is essential to increase water intake while on a keto diet. Moreover, eating vegetables which are high in fiber can reduce stomach issues. And I highly recommend it for many more reasons than just that.
Conclusion
Following a keto diet is difficult at first because you are altering the primary energy source of your body. Any significant changes in the body’s systems always cause “cold turkeys,” and it’s the same case with keto.
However, the potential health benefits which would come in the long run are enough to endure the first few days of discomforts. Eating a simple keto cheesecake snack could be your first step in switching to a full keto diet.
