Decadent, sweet, and delicious, cheesecake makes the perfect treat for parties, coffee dates, and special occasions. But I like my refrigerator stocked with cheesecake for no reason because why not?
This brings us to the question – how long does cheesecake last? Cheesecake has a shelf life of one week when stored in the refrigerator and up to 6- 8 months in the freezer. However, proper storage methods should be followed to extend its shelf life.
Cheesecake is a delicious combination of dairy products like fresh cheese, cream, milk, and eggs. This makes the shelf life of cheesecake short and it requires proper storage.
So, if you are planning to make cheesecake at home or are stepping out to buy one, this article will tell you all about the shelf life of cheesecake, signs that tell it has gone bad, and how to store it the right way.
How Long Does Cheesecake Last In The Refrigerator?
| Types | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade cheesecake | Less than 2 hours | 3 to 5 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Store-bought cheesecake | Less than 2 hours | 5 to 7 days | 6 to 8 months |
Cheesecake doesn’t last for long as it is made from dairy products. However, if you store it properly, you can enjoy your favorite cheesecake for a bit longer.
Typically, the shelf life of homemade or store-bought cheesecake is 5-7 days when refrigerated. However, it can be extended by placing it in the freezer. If stored properly, cheesecake can be frozen for 6-8 months in the freezer.
Although cheesecake can be frozen, it should be noted that upon freezing, the texture of cheesecake may change, and it may lose its creamy feel. If you still decide to freeze your cheesecake, continue reading to find out how it should be stored.
Do You Need To Refrigerate Cheesecake?
Refrigerators have become the most important part of our lives and our kitchen as it helps to preserve many food items.
We also tend to store things that may not require refrigeration just to keep their quality intact. However, many food items just can’t do without the cooling of a refrigerator. These include all our dairy products.
Since cheesecake is made using dairy products, it should be kept refrigerated at all times. Leaving it outside will accelerate the process of spoilage due to the growth of bacteria.
Thus, the only ideal storage place for cheesecake is the refrigerator or freezer.
How To Tell If Cheesecake Has Gone Bad?
Cheesecake is a truly delectable dessert to indulge in. However, despite storing it the right way, it can go bad because of various reasons. These include the quality of ingredients used to make the cheesecake, their freshness, keeping it beside a spoilt food item, or exposure to air, moisture, or heat.
Thus, it is important to check the quality of cheesecake stored in the refrigerator to determine whether it is safe to eat. Let’s take a look at all the signs that indicate spoilage in cheesecake.
1. Appearance
The most common indicator of spoilage in any food item is the presence of mold. If you find any green or black spots on your cheesecake or any discoloration, it is a clear sign that it has gone bad.
2. Smell
Trust your senses and take a sniff. You know how a good cheesecake of your favorite flavor should smell. But if your nose detects a sour, rancid, or off-putting smell, it’s time to discard it, as it has likely gone bad.
3. Texture
The texture of cheesecake should be creamy and smooth. However, if your cheesecake feels slimy, sticky, or has a strange texture, it is a sign of spoilage.
4. Taste
Lastly, if all the above-mentioned factors seem fine, but your cheesecake tastes off or sour, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Storage Tips To Keep Your Cheesecake Fresh For Longer
Storing cheesecake the right way can extend its shelf life. Let’s take a look at how to store cheesecake.
- Refrigerate: Cheesecake should always be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent loss of moisture. This will also prevent the cheesecake from picking up other flavors or odors from the fridge.
- Use Airtight Containers: The best way to retain the quality of your cheesecake is by storing it in an air-tight container. This will not only protect it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge but also help maintain the temperature.
- Avoid the Door: While storing cheesecake, place it in the middle or lower shelves of the refrigerator. This will ensure it stays at a constant temperature. Do not store cheesecake in the door as the temperature in this part of the refrigerator fluctuates more than the other parts of the fridge, which can affect the cheesecake’s texture and freshness.
- Freeze: If you need to store cheesecake for an extended period, it’s best to freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
Cheesecake is a delicious dessert made purely from dairy products. Thus, it requires proper storage to be enjoyed thoroughly. Cheesecake should be kept refrigerated at all times. It has a shelf life of 5-7 days in the refrigerator and up to 6- 8 months in the freezer.
So, now that you know the shelf life of cheesecake and how to store it, get yourself one or bake it. Enjoy your slice of cheesecake and come back for more information on other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does cheesecake last?
Cheesecake lasts for 5-7 days in the refrigerator and for 6-8 months in the freezer if stored properly.
Can cheesecake be left at room temperature?
Cheesecake should not be left at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
What part of the refrigerator should we store cheesecake?
Cheesecake should be stored in the middle or lower shelves of the refrigerator.
Can we freeze cheesecake?
Cheesecake can be frozen for 6-8 months. However, its texture may change.
