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Known for its airy mouthfeel and heavenly taste, cheesecake is a great option for those who enjoy desserts that are a little lighter than your standard dessert, yet don’t want to skimp out on flavor or quality. Knowing how to properly store your cheesecake to last the longest is the most important thing to master early on!
As a general rule, a cheesecake can spoil within 2 hours if it’s left out at room temperature. It can last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. A cheesecake can last for about 5 to 7 days when stored in a refrigerator and up to 2 months if properly stored in the freezer.
Cheesecakes are one of the most fragile desserts to work with. The most important thing to know about cheesecake is that it shouldn’t be left out for too long. This guide will help you figure out the best way to store your cheesecake so you can enjoy it for as long as possible!
How to Store Cheesecake Properly?
To properly store cheesecake, wrap it in plastic wrap before putting it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the lid is fully secured in order to prevent air and moisture from entering the cheesecake. Cheesecake is best stored in a colder environment.
| Counter Top | Sealed Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Can last for 2 hours if left out at room temperature | Can last for up to 3 days | Can last between 5 to 7 days | Can last for up to 2 months |
If you’re planning to enjoy your cheesecake sooner rather than later, you may want to go with storing it in the refrigerator.
You should use plastic wrap to wrap the cheesecake before putting it in the fridge. You could also use aluminum foil, however, because it’s more abrasive it may ruin the top of your cheesecake, so be careful.
If you’re looking to bake different-sized cheesecakes, I found the perfect 3 piece set of Springform Pans that I recently got for myself! This 3-piece set comes with 4, 7, and 9-inch Nonstick Springform Pans, which you can check out on Amazon!
Regardless of your chosen method, you should completely wrap your cheesecake in protective plastic or foil before storing it
If you’re worried about ruining the top of your cheesecake with wrap, another option is to place it back into the pan you used to bake it before covering it up. This will protect it from moisture and odors in your fridge while preserving its appearance.
Does a Cheesecake Spoil? Does It Go Bad?
As a general rule, cheesecake will spoil and go bad within three days if it hasn’t been stored properly. Since cheesecake is made of mostly dairy ingredients, it needs to be stored in a cold environment in order for it not to spoil and stay fresher for longer.
Cheesecake is heavily made of dairy ingredients, specifically cream cheese and butter. Dairy products are notoriously fickle when it comes to spoiling. Because of this, cheesecake has a shorter shelf life than many other desserts.
It will end up spoiling at a faster rate than other cakes
Unfortunately, this means that once it’s been sitting out for more than two hours, it’s time to think about how you want to store it. Fortunately, you’ve got a few great storage options that will keep your cheesecake fresh until you’re ready for another piece.
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Bake A Cheesecake Without A Springform Pan. I recently wrote an article that talks about What Can You Use To Bake Cheesecake If You Don’t Have A Springform Pan. You can check out this article here!
How Can You Tell if Cheesecake is Bad? You can tell that cheesecake has gone bad when it gives off a pungent and sour smell. Spoiled cheesecake usually becomes discolored and will have a sour taste. Discoloration in a cheesecake usually means there’s mold growth.
How Long Does Cheesecake Last at Room Temperature?
As a general rule, a cheesecake will last around two hours when sitting out at room temperature. To preserve its freshness for longer, make sure to keep the cheesecake in a cool, dark place. Place the cheesecake in an airtight container.
As delicious as cheesecake is, you must be aware that it’s at a higher risk of spoiling quickly. Bacteria starts to grow on cheesecake within two hours at room temperature, which means you shouldn’t risk leaving it out any longer than necessary.
Nobody wants to throw away a delicious cheesecake because it was left out too long.
*By the way, you might also want to know Does German Chocolate Cake Spoil. I recently wrote an article that talks about The Right Way to Store German Chocolate Cake to Make It Last, which you can check out here!
After I bake a cheesecake, I usually turn on the air conditioning to keep the room cool before the guests arrive. This helps preserve the cheesecake for a longer period of time without placing it in the fridge.
Does Cheesecake Need to be Refrigerated?
As a whole, a cheesecake needs to be refrigerated in order for it to not spoil. When storing cheesecake in the fridge, wrap it in plastic wrap before putting it in a storage container. Make sure the lid is secured in order to prevent moisture.
While other desserts can be left out for several hours without issue, cheesecake must be placed in the refrigerator or stored in the freezer pretty quickly.
I’ve found that cheesecake starts to become runny after it’s been out for about two hours
Since cheesecake is mostly dairy and eggs, it’s prone to spoiling more quickly than other desserts. This also means you run a higher risk of food poisoning if you don’t properly store it within a couple of hours of it sitting at room temperature.
*By the way, you might also want to know Does Carrot Cake Spoil. I recently wrote an article that talks about The Right Way to Store Carrot Cake to Make It Last. You can check out this article here!
How Long Does Cheesecake Last in the Fridge?
As a general rule, a cheesecake will last for about five to seven days once properly stored in the refrigerator. To prolong the cheesecake’s shelflife, make sure to wrap the cheesecake with plastic wrap and place it inside an airtight container.
If I have company over and I see that there’s still leftover cheesecake, I like to store it in the fridge. Cheesecake which has been stored in the refrigerator will keep for about a week before it starts to become questionable.
Before placing the cheesecake in the fridge, make sure to let it fully cool off. If you start to wrap a still warm cheesecake into a plastic wrap, it will give out condensation and make your cheesecake very moist!
*Side Note: If you’re looking to learn How to Decorate Your Cheesecake With Fruits The Right Way, It’s not as easy as you think. There are many ways in which you can decorate your cheesecake and you want to do it right. I wrote about it recently in my article that you can find here!
Can You Freeze Cheesecake?
Cheesecake can be stored in the freezer to preserve its freshness for longer. When storing cheesecake in the freezer, ensure that it’s first wrapped securely with plastic wrap. Then place it in an airtight container. The plastic wrap helps prevent the cheesecake from getting a freezer burn.
Whether I’m baking a cheesecake ahead of time for a birthday or if I have leftovers that won’t be eaten anytime soon, the freezer is your best bet. A cheesecake stays fresh for several weeks if you store it properly in the freezer. Keep in mind that the freezer is much colder than the fridge, so you’ll need to take a few extra steps in order to keep it fresh.
You can freeze cheesecake using two methods. You can either freeze the cheesecake whole, or you can cut it into individual servings first before freezing it.
*By the way, you also might be wondering Why Your Cheesecake Mixture Might Become Curdled. I recently wrote an article that explains exactly why your cheesecake mixture is curdled and what to do to fix it. You can check out this article here!
If you choose to freeze your cheesecake by slice, it will keep fresh in the freezer for about three weeks. Freezing it whole will extend its freshness for six to eight weeks.
The key to ensuring your cheesecake stays fresh in the freezer is to make sure that it is first wrapped in plastic wrap. Because the freezer is much colder than the refrigerator, the cheesecake is at higher risk of freezer burn. Once it’s protected, you should then place it in an airtight container.
How Long Can Cheesecake Last in the Freezer?
When properly stored in the freezer, a cheesecake can last up to two months. To preserve its freshness for longer, make sure to wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap without cutting it. If a cheesecake is frozen whole, it will last for a few weeks longer than cut cheesecake.
If cheesecake is stored too long in the freezer (or if it’s not properly wrapped first) it can lose its airiness and the texture becomes almost rubbery.
The crunchy graham cracker base will also become soggy and moist. My rule of thumb is that if you’re freezing cheesecake, try not to freeze it any longer than you have to.
There are advantages to freezing your cheesecake by the slice. If you aren’t expecting company and you’re craving a sweet treat after dinner, you can thaw just what you need. However, the freshness will become an issue after three weeks. This may not be ideal if you need your cheesecake to last longer.
If you’re planning on freezing the cheesecake whole, it should stay fresh for about two months
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How To Properly Store Leftover Buttercream Frosting. This article talks about the right ways to store and freeze buttercream frosting to make it last. You can check out this article here!
While freezing your cheesecake in its entirety has the advantage of staying fresh for longer, this means you’ll have to take the entire thing out and wait for it to thaw in order for you to slice off what you need. This can take a bit longer than freezing by the individual slice.
Can You Make Cheesecake Ahead of Time?
As a general rule, you can make cheesecake ahead of time because cheesecake can be properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Make sure to store it properly so that it doesn’t go bad.
Whenever I bake cheesecakes ahead of time for a family gathering, I rarely bake just one. I usually bake a few, with each featuring different flavor profiles. Because cheesecake can take some time to create, I usually make them ahead of time before big events anyways.
I’ve stored my cheesecakes in the freezer many times, and they always taste as good as the first day whenever I make sure I’ve taken the time to properly wrap them.
The key is to resist the urge to hurriedly store them away, and make sure that you’ve protected every part of your cheesecake. This will protect it from freezer burn, as well as from turning rubbery and chewy.
*By the way, one of the most important things to know after baking an amazing-looking cheesecake is How To Properly Cut it to Prevent it From Falling Apart. I wrote an article talking about The Right Way To Cut A Cheesecake, which you can find here!
FAQs:
Is cheesecake still good after 5 days?
As a general rule, if cheesecake is properly stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for 7 days. However, if it was stored in the refrigerator without proper precautions, it may start to spoil in 4 days. Cheesecake will last five to seven days when refrigerated.
What does spoiled cheesecake taste like?
As a whole, spoiled cheesecake will start to taste sour, and may also give off a pungent odor. It will taste similar to other dairy products when they start to expire. Avoid eating spoiled cheesecake since it might give you an upset stomach.
How to store cheesecake overnight?
The best way to store cheesecake overnight is to place it in the fridge. Before refrigeration, it should be put in a plastic food container. check that the lid is airtight. This will help it stay fresh and protected from other odors in the fridge which may alter its taste.
What happens if you eat bad cheesecake?
Eating bad cheesecake can make you sick. Since cheesecake is heavily comprised of dairy ingredients, eating bad cheesecake comes with the same risks as when you eat spoiled dairy. Signs that you may have eaten spoiled cheesecake include upset stomach, nausea, and indigestion.
To Summarize…
Initially created by the Romans, cheesecake has enjoyed its status as one of the most popular desserts across the world and personally my favorite!
What I love the most about making cheesecake is that you can customize it any way you’d like! I’ve created cheesecakes featuring strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, chocolate chips, pecans, and even caramel. Remember to store your cheesecakes the right way in order to get the most out of them!
