How long can cheesecake last in the fridge?
Who doesn’t enjoy a good cheesecake? It’s decadent, sweet, and surprisingly filling. How should you store leftover dessert if you bought a large portion or baked a whole cake? More importantly, can cheesecake spoil?
Or perhaps you’re throwing a small gathering for a few friends in the middle of the week. And, while they adore your cheesecake, you don’t have time to make it on the same day as the party. So you’re considering making it ahead of time, but you’re not sure if freezing it will work.
In any case, if you’re interested in learning more about cheesecake storage, shelf life, freezing, and spoilage, keep reading.
How to Keep Cheesecake
Because cream cheese (or cottage cheese or ricotta) is the main ingredient in cheesecake, you’re probably aware that it should be kept refrigerated. According to FoodSafetyNews.com, soft cheese made from “raw” (aka unpasteurized) cheese is especially dangerous, increasing the risk of contamination by 160 times.
Obviously, you should keep it covered to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge and drying out. Use a cake carrier to cover it, or cut the leftovers into smaller pieces and store them in airtight containers. You can also wrap the cake in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
If you’re serving the cheesecake with a topping that doesn’t keep well in the fridge, it’s best to chill the cake without the topping and add the finishing touches right before serving.
Is it possible to freeze cheesecake?
How long does cheesecake last in the fridge? As you might expect, the cheesecake in the fridge only lasts a few days. So, if you want to keep it for a longer period of time, freeze it. And cheesecake is one of the cakes that freezes well, and many bakeries advise customers to freeze any leftovers.
Obviously, the way your cheesecake freezes is determined by the ingredients and the recipe you or your bakery use. In other words, not all cheesecakes are created equal when it comes to freezing. However, as a general rule, dense cheesecakes without delicate toppings usually freeze very well.
To achieve the best results, freeze the cake without any topping and add it just before serving the goodie.
The method for freezing the cake is extremely simple.
Basically, you need to wrap the cake in something freezer-safe to prevent it from drying out or getting freezer burn. An airtight container, a freezer bag, or a double layer of aluminum foil can all be used. Just be careful not to squash the pieces when wrapping.
Put the cake in the fridge the night before you want to serve it to thaw. At the very least, a few hours before you need it.
Last but not least, you can refreeze the cheesecake after it has thawed in the fridge.
Cheesecake is also an excellent way to use up frozen cottage cheese or ricotta that has been sitting in your freezer for months. Yes, ricotta (which freezes well) and cottage cheese can be frozen (which freezes okay).
How Long Can Cheesecake Last in the Fridge?
Cheesecake, as you may know, is made with dairy products, specifically cream cheese. Most recipes also call for eggs. Because these ingredients are so delicate, the cake does not keep its freshness for very long.
Unless the packaging label specifies a shorter period, store-bought cheesecake has a shelf life of 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
When it comes to homemade cheesecake, you shouldn’t keep it in the fridge for more than 5 days. Or shorter if the recipe specifies it or if there are perishable ingredients.
If you need to keep cheesecake for a longer period of time, freeze it. The cake will keep well in the freezer for at least a few months.
If you intend to freeze the cheesecake for your guests’ enjoyment, it’s best to test freeze a small portion of that exact cake ahead of time. This way, you’ll know what to expect after the cake has thawed and whether it’s good enough to serve to your friends.
Fridge Freezer Cheesecake (homemade) 3 – 5 days 1+ month Store-bought Cheesecake 5 – 7 days 3+ months
Please keep in mind that the times listed above are only estimates. As is customary, the store-bought variety lasts a little longer because preservatives are usually added, whereas the homemade variety is usually preservative-free.
How to Tell If Your Cheesecake Is Bad
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if cheesecake is bad.
Obviously, if there is mold, discoloration, or an unpleasant odor, it should be discarded. However, those signs usually appear after the cake has been stored for at least two weeks, if not longer.
That means the best way to avoid this is to simply discard homemade cheesecake after 5 to 7 days, and store-bought cheesecake after 7 to 9 days. Yes, even if it appears to be in perfect condition.
If you’re looking for a great pair with your cheesecake, read How to Make Caramel from Condensed Milk on our blog!