How To Store Cheesecake

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Cheesecake is one of the most loved desserts and it’s certainly one of my favorites. I have hundreds of cheesecake recipes on my site to prove it. But unlike some other types of dessert, cheesecake must be refrigerated. So what’s the best way to store it? For how long? Can you freeze it? Let’s talk about it.

How Long Can Cheesecake Sit at Room Temperature?

According to the USDA, cheesecake should sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Other sources would say up to 6 hours is fine, however that depends on the temperature of the room since the cheesecake could warm up more quickly in a warmer room. So to be safe, keep the 2 hour mark in mind and get it back in the fridge as soon as you can to avoid potential issues. If you have to travel with it for longer, etc, you may consider freezing it and letting thaw on the ride. 

Can You Make Cheesecake in Advance?

Absolutely! In my opinion, it’s one of the best desserts for making ahead because it doesn’t dry out or go bad as quickly if you store it well. It’s also something I typically make a day before I serve it anyway, since it takes several hours in the fridge to firm up.

How to Store Cheesecake in the Fridge

Cheesecake is generally best if eaten within 4-5 days of making it, but it can vary a little based on what’s in the cheesecake. For example, a cheesecake with fruit in it or on it as a topping may spoil more quickly due to the fruit spoiling. You always want to be sure to wrap or cover it well so that it doesn’t dry out or take on smells from other things in the fridge. As far as storage goes, there are a few options for how to store your cheesecake. 

• Plastic Wrap: If your cheesecake is on a plater or something and you don’t want to transfer it, you can simply cover it with a layer or two of plastic wrap. The plastic wrap may mess up any toppings or decorations you have on top, so you place a few toothpicks around the cheesecake to help keep the plastic wrap off of it, if you’d like.
• Cake Carrier: Another option for storage is to actually place the cheesecake in a cake carrier. There are all kinds of sizes available, so if you have one that fits your cheesecake (and maybe even the platter), you can certainly use that. As long as it’s tall enough, it won’t interfere with toppings or decorations either. I recommend this cake carrier or this cake storage.
• Slice and Store: Assuming you’ve already served the cheesecake and are just storing leftovers, you could also slice the cheesecake and place the slices into an airtight container that will fit in your fridge. 

Can You Freeze Cheesecake?

Definitely! It typically freezes quite well. Cheesecake can be frozen whole or in slices.

Generally speaking, cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Of course the longer it remains in the freezer, the more likely the texture is to change so less time is better, if possible. Before placing it in the freezer, write the date on it so you know when it was frozen. 

How To Freeze Cheesecake

You will want to be sure to wrap the cheesecake well to keep it safe from other smells and freezer burn. To avoid creating imperfections in your cheesecake when wrapping it, freeze it for an hour or two until firm, then wrap it. I’d recommend wrapping it in a layer or two of plastic wrap at the very least. You can also wrap it in another layer of foil and even place it in a ziplock bag. Each additional layer will give it more protection. You could even wrap it and then store it in an air tight container, if you have room in your freezer. 

I often recommend freezing whole cheesecakes without the toppings, whipped cream, etc on it. That way, you can be sure that the toppings won’t get messed up during the freezing and thawing process. Plus, if there are any imperfections on your cheesecake after being wrapped and frozen and then thawed, those can be covered with the toppings later. 

If you’re freezing leftover slices of decorated cheesecake after serving, you can generally leave the toppings on. Most of the time, they will thaw just fine. Just keep in mind that things like fruit and cookies will be softer, maybe even mushy, upon thawing. You can leave them on or remove them before freezing.

How to Thaw Frozen Cheesecake

When thawing a full cheesecake, I recommend removing it from all the wrapping while frozen and placing it in an air tight container in the fridge (or another storage method mentioned above) to thaw overnight. Leaving it at room temperature to thaw will be a more dramatic temperature change that will cause condensation to form on top and around the cheesecake, which could make it damp and possibly even a little soggy in the crust. If you thaw your cheesecake and find there are imperfections that you are unable to hide, try using a warm offset spatula to smooth them out gently. Or, once thawed, add your toppings and decorations.

When thawing slices, you can follow the same procedure as a full cheesecake, or even gently heat it in the microwave on 50% heat. Or are if you’re thawing an individual piece just for you to enjoy, you could certainly thaw it on the counter if you don’t mind the potential for condensation to form. 

I hope these tips on how to store cheesecake are helpful! For some great cheesecake recipes to try, check out my cheesecake archives! Here are a few favorites:

• Classic Vanilla Cheesecake
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake
• New York Style Cheesecake
• Raspberry Goat Cheese Cheesecake
• Bananas Foster Cheesecake
• Banana Cream Cheesecake