This gluten-free cheesecake is a long-time reader and family favorite recipe! It’s naturally gluten-free thanks to a delicious, walnut-brown sugar crust!
This recipe originally comes from a family friend who was known for her delicious Southern recipes. We’ve been making it for years and I hope you love it too!
This vanilla bean gluten-free cheesecake is a long-time family favorite! My mom would make this exact recipe over the holidays every year, even before any of our family members starting eating gluten-free.
This recipe originally comes from a family friend who was known for her delicious southern recipes. It has a naturally gluten-free crust (made of walnuts!) as well as a rich layer of cheesecake and sour cream topping.
The gluten-free cheesecake is flavored with a real vanilla bean as well as almond and vanilla extracts. It’s rich, decadent and total cheesecake perfection!
Why You’ll Love this Gluten-Free Cheesecake
- Nobody will guess it’s gluten-free!
- Easy walnut-brown sugar crust
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for holidays and celebrations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Walnuts: When combined with brown sugar and butter, walnuts make the perfect gluten-free cheesecake crust!
- Sour cream: If you haven’t had a cheesecake with sour cream topping you’re in for a treat. It’s amazing! You add the sour cream topping during the last few minutes of baking.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best for this recipe. It’s rich and decadent, making a delicious creamy filling!
- Vanilla bean: Real vanilla bean adds depth of flavor that goes well beyond vanilla extract! You could also use vanilla bean extract for similar results.
- Vanilla extract and almond extract: These two extracts add another layer of rich flavor that make this cheesecake extra special!
For more perfected gluten-free baked goods try this gluten-free strawberry trifle, gluten-free no-bake cheesecake, gluten-free cupcakes, gluten-free key lime pie and gluten-free angel food cake!
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes, of course! I love the naturally gluten-free walnut crust in this recipe, but if you’re a fan of graham cracker crust, you can use the crust recipe from this gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake or this gluten-free graham cracker crust.
This recipe uses a combination of gluten-free cookies and nuts to make a tasty crust. Or you can buy gluten-free graham crackers and use graham cracker crumbs in your favorite cheesecake crust recipe.
You also might like this gluten-free oreo cheesecake or round-up of the TOP 25 gluten-free desserts!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cheesecake
- Start by adding the nuts, brown sugar and melted butter to a food processor. Process the mixture until it resembles sand. You don’t want big pieces of nuts.
- Press the cheesecake crust into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes, until golden brown.
NOTE: You will need a 10-inch springform pan to make this cheesecake.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, sugar and vanilla for the topping and set aside for later.
4. Make the filling! Add the cream cheese and sugar to a mixing bowl. Mix to combine then add the eggs one at a time. Cut a vanilla bean down the middle and scrape out the seeds. With the mixer running on low, add the vanilla bean, extract and almond extract and heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture.
Recipe Tip
Be sure all the ingredients are at room temperature so the gluten-free cheesecake filling mixes up nice and smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the bottom of the spring form pan, then bake the gluten-free cheesecake.
6. Bake!
7. Top with the sour cream filling then bake briefly again.
8. Chill for a few hours before serving. Enjoy!
How to Prevent Gluten-Free Cheesecake from Cracking
- Gently beat the eggs. The first trick to preventing gluten-free cheesecake from cracking is to be sure not to over-beat the eggs. Add them one at a time with the mix running on medium speed.
- Keep the oven door shut. Sudden drops in temperature can cause cheesecake to crack! Be sure to leave the oven door shut the whole time during baking.
- Cut around the crust. Once the cheesecake comes out of the oven let it cool for 10 minutes. Then cut around the crust to release it from the edges of the pan. This will allow the cheesecake to contract as it cools without cracking.
- Let cool completely on the counter before transferring to the fridge. To avoid sudden temperature changes, let the cheesecake cool for 2 hours or so at room temperature before transferring to the fridge.
Do I Need a Water Bath?
If you follow these tips there’s no need for a water bath! A water bath helps the cheesecake to cool evenly and prevents cracking. However, with these tricks and cooking the cheesecake at a lower temperature for a longer time (like the recipe states!) there’s no need for a water bath.
Topping Ideas for Gluten-Free Cheesecake
This baked cheesecake is simple and classic, so it’s perfect for any of your favorite toppings! Here are a few of my favorites for the top of the cheesecake:
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry sauce
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Fresh strawberries
- Cookie crumbs
- Raspberry coulis
Storage Instructions
Allow the gf cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then wrap the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least four hours before eating (overnight is best!). Then, store gluten-free cheesecake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Everything about most traditional cheesecake is usually naturally gluten-free, except the crust. Most often cheesecake has a graham cracker crust. This gluten-free cheesecake recipe uses a mixture of walnuts, brown sugar and butter to make an easy, naturally gluten-free crust.
Yes, people with Celiac’s disease can eat cheesecake, as long as it has a gluten-free crust. Though most cheesecake crust is not gluten-free, this recipe achieves a delicious gluten-free crust using a mixture of walnuts, brown sugar, and butter.
No, most store-bought cheesecake is not gluten-free, since the crust is typically made with graham crackers that contain gluten. Always read the ingredient list before purchasing, or make a homemade cheesecake like this one instead!
No, most graham crackers are not gluten-free, since they are made with gluten-containing wheat flour. However, you can buy graham crackers that are certified gluten-free from brands like Nairn’s or Pamela’s.
No, Sara Lee cheesecake is not gluten-free, including the original, Smooth & Creamy, and Cherry flavors.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Gluten-Free Cheesecake
- For best results, be sure to use room temperature ingredients before mixing the cheesecake together.
- Don’t overmix filling – use low or medium speed as instructed in the recipe.
- Bake the cheesecake in a 10-inch springform pan.
- No peeking! Keep the oven closed while the cheesecake bakes.
- Cook until the cheesecake is set but still jiggly in the middle.
- After the cheesecake has been out of the oven for 10 minutes, cut around the edges of the pan so it can release as it cools.
- Cool the gluten free cheesecake completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. It’s even better the second day!
I hope you love this best gluten-free cheesecake recipe as much as we do! If you try this gluten-free cheesecake, be sure to leave me a comment/rating below. I’d love to hear from you!
Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
Ingredients
Walnut Crust
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Sour Cream Topping
- 16 oz sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 vanilla bean cut down the center and the seeds scraped out
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
- For the walnut crust: In the bowl of a food processor, blend the walnuts into fine crumbs. Pulse in the brown sugar, then pour into a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter.
- Press the walnut mixture into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
- For the sour cream topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, sugar and vanilla until combined. Set aside for later.
- For the cheesecake filling: Add the cream cheese and sugar to a stand or hand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until totally smooth and combined.
- With the mixer running on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix briefly again.
- Mix in the vanilla bean seeds, vanilla extract and almond extract.
- With the mixer running on low, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl once more to make sure everything is evenly completely mixed.
- Pour the filling into the crust. Bake for 65-70 minutes until set, but the center jiggles just slightly.
- Pour the sour cream topping over the cheesecake and spread into an even layer. Bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes cut along the sides of the pan so the edges can release as it cools.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature, about 2 hours. Then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours and preferably overnight before serving. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Be sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing the cheesecake together.
- Don’t overmix filling – use low or medium speed as instructed in the recipe.
- Bake the cheesecake in a 10-inch springform pan.
- No peeking! Keep the oven closed while the cheesecake bakes.
- After the cheesecake has been out of the oven for 10 minutes, cut around the edges of the pan so it can release as it cools.
- Cool the cheesecake completely before transferring to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. It’s even better the second day!
Could you use pecans instead of walnuts in the crust?
Hi there, we haven’t tried this recipe using pecans, but that should work well! Let us know how it turns out if you try it!
The absolute BEST gluten free recipe to follow. We’ve made this several times and it’s always a hit!! SO GOOD!!
Yay! We’re so pleased to hear this recipe has become such a go-to! Thank you for your kind feedback, Sandra!
This is THE BEST cheesecake ! It was a big hit with family and friends. Who knew that in looking for a GF dessert recipe I’d find one with the cheesecake filling I’ll be using every time ?!
Yay! This makes us so happy to hear! Thank you for your kind feedback, Joany!
Omg this was the most amazing cheesecake ever and it was my first time making something gluten free it tasted better than my regular cheesecake recipe and the person I made it for loved it!! I was so happy!!!
Yay! We’re so happy to hear that this recipe was such a hit! Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with us, Khrisna!
Hi. Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla bean? How much paste would be equivalent to one vanilla bean?
Hi Katelyn, that should work! 1 tablespoon of paste should equal 1 vanilla bean. We hope you enjoy the cheesecake!
What is the “vanilla” for the topping? I’m assuming not extract or bean as those are specified elsewhere.
Hi Eva, the topping ingredients should read vanilla extract. Sorry for the confusion! We hope you enjoy the cheesecake!
I would like to make for family but not all like nuts so walnut crust is out. Any other suggestions?
Hi Cindy, you might enjoy this gf graham cracker crust with the vanilla bean cheesecake. Happy baking!
I know I should just buy one but can you make this in another pan that is not a springform?
Hi Dani, a springform is definitely best for cheesecakes, but you could try lining a different pan with enough parchment paper that the paper hangs over the sides. That way when it’s done baking and cooled, you can use the parchment paper to help you lift the cheesecake out. We haven’t tried this method with this specific recipe — if you give it a try, we’d love to hear how it goes! Happy baking!
I love the way lemon tastes in cheesecake but I don’t see it in the ingredients. Would it make a mess of this recipe to add a bit?
Hi Darlene, thank you for your question! We haven’t tried lemon in this cheesecake. A small amount should work, but be cautious about adding too much as it could change the texture of the filling. If you decide to give it a try, we’d love to hear how it goes!
How many eggs go into the cheesecake filling? I see eggs in the directions but not listed under the ingredients list.
Hi Carrie, 4 eggs are listed under the “cheesecake filling” section of the ingredient list. We hope this helps and you enjoy the cheesecake!
Think it could be frozen?
Hi Cathy, yes you can freeze this cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Happy baking!
Could this be made Diary free?
Hi there, we haven’t tested this one out with dairy-free products. We do have a recipe for no-bake vegan cherry cheesecake (the cherry topping is optional). If you decide to try dairy-free products with this recipe, we’d love to hear how it goes!
What is the lovely piping you did around the edges made of? I’d love to recreate that
Hi Alyssa, good question! It’s a simple whipped cream cheese frosting. We don’t have a separate recipe page to link to, but you’d use 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted), 1.5 – 2 cups heaving whipping cream (chilled), and the option to add 1 tsp of vanilla. Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the optional vanilla extract. Separately, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl to form soft peaks (medium-high speed). Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and whip on low-medium speed for a minute or two. If it’s too soft for piping, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before using. We hope this helps!
Hi. We are not big fans of almond extract. Could I skip it and use additional vanilla extract instead? Much thanks.
Hi Tammy, yes you can replace the almond extract with more vanilla. We hope you enjoy the cheesecake!
Recipe sounds great and I plan to make it but I have a 9inch springform pan. Assuming you would increase baking time or reserve filing. But by how much? I hate to buy another pan
Hi Lisa, good question! Only fill the 9-inch springform 3/4 full, even if it leaves you with a little spare filling. To get a more even bake for that pan size, lower the oven temperature by 25ºF and bake for longer. It will help avoid cracking. Start checking it at the original baking time, but it may need 10-15 minutes more. You want to bake it until it’s set, but the center jiggles just slightly. We hope this helps!