Even if you consider yourself an ultimate cheesecake lover, it is sometimes impossible to eat the whole cake on the same day that it is baked! The good news is that this creamy dessert can last for days (and even months) if you use proper storage methods. In this article, we discuss the right way to store any leftover cheesecake in the fridge as a short-term solution, as well as how to get the best results when freezing the cheesecake. Make your fresh cheesecake last longer by retaining the best quality, texture and taste!
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Basic Rules Of Storing Cheesecake Correctly
- Cool Homemade Cheesecake to Room Temperature First: Before storing your cheesecake, the first step is to allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial as it prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could lead to a soggy crust or an unpleasant texture. This is also an important step to prevent your cheesecake from cracking.
- Store Cheesecake Wrapped and Covered: To preserve the freshness of the baked cheesecake and prevent the creamy filling from absorbing any odours from the fridge, wrap your cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For added protection, place it in an airtight container, which acts as a shield against strong-smelling foods and helps maintain its decadent flavour. This goes for any type of cheesecake: homemade and store-bought cheesecake, no-bake and baked cheesecake.
- Protect Against Dry Air: Wrapping or storing cheesecake in a sealed container provides extra protection from the dry environment in your fridge/ freezer. Dry air can be detrimental to the texture of your cheesecake, causing it to dry out.
- Freeze for Extended Storage: If you have a whole cake or more cheesecake than you can enjoy within 3-4 days, freezing it is your best bet (read more on how to freeze cheesecake below).
- Label and Date Your Stored Cheesecake: When storing cheesecake, it’s essential to label and date the container or wrapping to keep track of its freshness. By indicating the date of storage, you can easily identify how long it has been stored, making it easier to consume it within the recommended time frame. This practice is especially helpful when freezing cheesecake, as it ensures you can prioritize older slices before newer ones and avoid any potential waste.
How To Store Cheesecake In The Fridge?
Once your cheesecake has cooled down to room temperature, you should prepare it for storage in the fridge. Most of the options below apply to the entire cheesecake and any leftover slices.
- Springform pan: if you have a freshly baked cheesecake that has cooled down to room temperature, storing it in a cake tin is a great option. Simply leave the cheesecake in the tin, cover the top with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to decorate or serve it.
- Cake Box/ Plastic Container: If you want to take your cake out of the tin, decorate it and store it in the short term, you can place the cheesecake in a round cake box or a cake stand with a matching cover. Any airtight container, like Tupperware boxes, will work just as well if you are looking to store leftover slices of cheesecake.
- Huge Ziplock Bag: we like to place the cheesecake on a plate and seal it in a large sealed bag. Choose a sturdy bag that will not fall onto the cheesecake, as it may stick.
- Inverted Mixing Bowl: depending on the size of your cheesecake, you may simply place the cheesecake on a plate and use a large inverted bowl to cover the cheesecake.
NOTE: We recommend storing any fruit topping, chocolate or caramel sauce etc separately up until the point you wish to serve your cheesecake.
Tip On Storing Cheesecake Slices in a Box
If you would like to store cheesecake slices in a Tupperware box, don’t try and carefully lower the slices down into the box (it will be difficult and messy to get them out). Instead, flip the Tupperware box upside down (lid side down, and use the box itself as a lid.
See the video below to see how we store our cakes, cheesecakes and cupcakes in Tupperware boxes.
Serving Cheesecake After Chilling
Although cheesecake should not be stored at room temperature for food safety reasons, it undeniably shines when served at room temperature. To truly savour the delightful flavours of a perfect cheesecake, remove it from the fridge approximately 30 minutes before serving.
How To Store Cheesecake in The Freezer?
Another storage method, especially if you want to prolong shelf life of cheesecake to enjoy it at a later date is to freeze your cheesecakes. There are two ways to store them in the freezer: freeze the entire cake or individual slices. We discuss both of the methods below.
Freezing Entire Cheesecake
Freezing an entire cheesecake is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it over a longer period. Follow the steps below to freeze the whole cheesecake effectively, minimizing the risk of freezer burn and preserving the best taste and texture.
Freezing the entire cheesecake as a whole is the best way if you want to serve the entire thing at a later date. Not only is this the best method to maintain its original texture and taste, but you can then intricately decorate the cheesecake or add any sweet sauces and compotes on top after thawing.
1. Ensure that the cheesecake is completely cooled to room temperature. This will help maintain its structural integrity during the freezing process.
2. Wrap the entire cake carefully. Start by tightly wrapping the cheesecake with plastic wrap, ensuring that all surfaces are covered to prevent freezer burn and maintain its moisture. Be gentle enough not to make dents in the cheesecake, but make sure the plastic wrap is fitted snuggly around all the sides.
3. Consider an additional layer of protection by placing the wrapped cheesecake inside a freezer/ zip lock bag. This provides an extra barrier against freezer burn and helps maintain the quality of the cheesecake while stored in the freezer. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly.
4. Lay the cheesecake carefully in the freezer, making sure it is placed on a level surface to avoid any deformities.
Freezing Individual Slices
You may also choose to freeze individual slices. This is a great way if you want to enjoy a slice every now and then, or if you have a portion of your cheesecake leftover. Here’s what you should do:
- Slice the cheesecake into individual portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure the entire slice is covered to prevent any exposure to air, which can lead to freezer burn and affect the taste and texture.
- Freeze the cheesecake slices for a minimum of 2-3 hours to ensure they are fully frozen.
- Place the frozen slices in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag, removing any excess air before sealing. Alternatively, you can use airtight containers designed for freezing to store the wrapped slices. Once frozen, you can stack the slices if needed.
How To Thaw Frozen Cheesecake?
It’s a good idea to plan ahead when you want to enjoy a frozen cheesecake. Take the cheesecake out of the freezer and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. To ensure the best results, remove the cake from the freezer and remove all the wrapping (plastic film, freezer bag, tin foil) while the cheesecake is still frozen and place it in the fridge for 8-20 hours. This allows the cheesecake to thaw slowly, minimizing the risk of excess moisture affecting its texture.
Thawing the cake too quickly can lead to condensation, making the crust soggy and the surface wet. Therefore, taking the time for a slow thaw is highly recommended.
However, if you find yourself in need of a quick thawing method, there is an alternative. Unwrap the frozen cheesecake and leave it on the counter at room temperature. This will expedite the thawing process, with the cheesecake usually thawing within 2-4 hours, depending on its size. Keep in mind that this method should be reserved for situations where time is limited. For the best results, we always recommend thawing the cheesecake in the refrigerator if you have enough time.
Likewise, individual slices can be thawed in the fridge as well, which typically takes 2-4 hours. Planning ahead and giving your cheesecake ample time to thaw in the fridge is the best place for it, ensuring that it retains its delightful texture and flavour when you enjoy it the next day.
By making this tasty dessert in advance, freezing it and thawing it, you can have a ready-made cheesecake for your special occasion or family gathering.
How Long Can Cheesecake Be Stored For?
Storing Cheesecake in the Fridge: When it comes to storing cheesecake in the refrigerator, it is recommended to consume it within 5-7 days for the best cheesecake taste and quality. Within this timeframe, the right texture of the cake, the flavour and the overall appeal should be maintained. However, it’s important to note that as time passes, the moisture content of the cheesecake may change, potentially affecting its overall quality. It’s crucial to monitor the cheesecake closely and look out for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual odours, mould growth, or visible signs of bacterial activity (read more about the signs of spoilage below).
Storing Cheesecake in the Freezer: If you need to store cheesecake for a long time, freezing is a great way to preserve maximum freshness. When properly stored in the freezer, cheesecake can remain safe to eat for around 2-3 months. Freezing cheesecake is a convenient way to enjoy your favourite dessert over a long period of time, but it’s important to consume it within the recommended timeframe to ensure the optimal texture and flavour of the cheesecake and avoid the risk of food poisoning.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Cheesecake Sit at Room Temperature?
When it comes to dairy products like cheesecake, it’s important to exercise caution regarding food safety. Due to the perishable nature of ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream, cheesecake should not be left at room temperature for an extended period. Ideally, cheesecake should be enjoyed within two hours of being served at room temperature. Beyond this timeframe, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illnesses. To ensure the longevity and safety of your cheesecake, it’s advisable to refrigerate it promptly after serving.
What Are The Signs That The Cheesecake Has Gone Bad?
It’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate your cheesecake may have spoiled. While cheesecake is a delectable treat, it is susceptible to spoilage if not stored properly or consumed within a reasonable timeframe. Keep an eye out for unpleasant yellow or green spots on the surface, as these may be indicative of dangerous bacteria or mould spores. Additionally, a foul odour emanating from the cake is a clear sign of bacterial activity and spoiled cheesecake. Any visible signs of mould, such as fuzzy or discoloured patches, should not be ignored, as they are clear indicators that the cheesecake has gone bad. Remember, if your cheesecake exhibits an unpleasant odour or displays signs of spoilage, it’s crucial to discard it immediately to avoid any potential health risks.
Can I Freeze Cheesecake With Toppings On?
We always recommend freezing the cheesecake without any toppings. Whilst freezing a Traditional Cheesecake with Sour Cream topping typically works well (although, there is a risk that the topping will be too watery after thawing), other toppings like fresh fruit, fruit compote or caramel will not be pleasant to eat after defrosting. For example, our New York Vanilla Cheesecake should be frozen separately from the Strawberry Compote we serve it with.
Delicious Cheesecake Recipes
If you are new to Somebody Feed Seb, let me tell you one undeniable truth. Cheesecake is our favourite dessert! No doubt about that! So if you are looking to make a delicious dessert for your next special occasion, here are our absolute favourite baked cheesecake recipes:
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