My family loves making cheesecake, whether a delicious pumpkin variety for Thanksgiving or a light lemon raspberry option during summer break. Regardless, we make cheesecakes quite often, so knowing how to store them – and how long they last – is crucial.
Hey, there, cheesecake lovers! My name is Michelle, and if you don’t know by now, I’m obsessed with baking. It really is my passion, and I’ve been overjoyed with all of the new things I’ve learned and created. More so, I love sharing all my knowledge with you all!
Today, we’re talking about how long cheesecake lasts in the fridge. The quickest answer is that homemade cheesecake can last in the refrigerator for up to four days when properly stored. Store-bought cheesecakes will typically last up to seven days in the fridge.
Let’s dive into this fun topic!
Contents
How Long Can Cheesecake Last in the Fridge?
Well, that mostly depends on whether you made homemade cheesecake (I highly recommend giving it a go!) or if you purchased it from the store.
| Homemade Cheesecake | Up to 4 Days |
| Store-bought Cheesecake | Up to 7 Days |
Needless to say, whether you made your cheesecake or bought it pre-made, cheesecake doesn’t have too long of shelf life. You will want to gobble it up as soon as possible or freeze it (more on this in a bit – keep scrolling!).
Does Cheesecake Need to be Refrigerated?
While some cakes, like German Chocolate Cake, don’t need to be refrigerated, cheesecake does. In fact, cheesecake should not be left out for more than two hours. So, once your cheesecake has cooled, you will want to store it in the fridge to preserve it.
But why? It’s all thanks to the combination of ingredients, mainly dairy products (cream cheese, sour cream) and eggs. These are highly perishable contents that must be refrigerated.
How to Store Cheesecake
Cheesecake cannot be stored at room temperature. It must be placed in the refrigerator or freezer. However, regardless of where you’re placing your cheesecake, it’s critical to store it correctly for maximum freshness and flavor. Here’s how.
In the Fridge
The refrigerator is the best place for your cheesecake. Not only will it remain fresh for up to four days, but it will also be quicker to thaw. Who wants to wait around for their cheesecake to come to room temperature? Not me.
Here’s how to store cheesecake in the refrigerator:
Step 1: Allow the cheesecake to cool entirely.
Step 2: Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 3: Place inside of an airtight cake server or another airtight container.
Step 4: Store toward the back of the refrigerator where temperatures remain consistent.
When you’re ready to eat the cheesecake, let it sit on the countertop for about 30 minutes. Or, you can eat it straight out of the fridge. Honestly, I love slightly chilled cheesecake, so I don’t mind plopping a piece onto my plate and consuming it right away.
In the Freezer
Four days is not a whole lot of time. If you know you’re not going to be able to eat it all within four days, consider freezing it! Cheesecake lasts up to two months in the freezer, making it the best choice for longevity.
I prefer to cut my cheesecake into single-serving portions when storing it in the freezer. That way, I don’t have to worry about thawing the entire cake just to get a single slice.
However, if you’re freezing a whole cheesecake to decorate and serve at a later date, you will want to keep it intact.
Step 1: Allow the cheesecake to cool entirely.
Step 2: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Step 3: Wrap in an additional layer of tinfoil.
Step 4: Place inside a large, resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Step 5: Store in the freezer for up to two months.
When you’re ready to eat your cheesecake, you have two choices. You can leave it in the fridge overnight, then leave it on the countertop until it’s ready to go. Or you can place it on the counter directly from the refrigerator. It will take about two hours before it’s ready to be consumed.
If you’re in a rush, you can also zap the frozen cheesecake (slices, not whole cheesecake) in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.
FAQs
Clearly, finicky cheesecakes don’t last very long unless they’re stored in the freezer. Regardless, they must be refrigerated and typically last up to four days. Here are a few more questions you might be pondering.
Is cheesecake still good after five days?
Your cheesecake might be good after five days, but in my opinion, that’s risking it – unless it’s a store-bought cheesecake. Check for signs of spoilage such as a change in texture, discoloration, mold, or unpleasant odor.
How do you know if cheesecake is bad?
Cheesecake that has gone bad will develop discoloration and a rock-hard texture. It may also emit a foul odor. You may even notice mold, which can vary in colors ranging from white to green, gray to black. Discard spoiled cheesecake ASAP.
Is cheesecake good after six days?
Store-bought cheesecake should be good at the 6-day mark, but homemade varieties may not be. Check for signs of spoilage. Although homemade cheesecake may still be “safe” to consume, it won’t have the same level of quality or flavor.
Can you get food poisoning from cheesecake?
Due to the highly perishable ingredients found in cheesecake, it is more susceptible to contamination that can cause food poisoning. To avoid this, ensure you’re handling your ingredients correctly, following the recipe closely, and storing them appropriately.
Final Words
Cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator and will last up to four days if homemade and seven days if store-bought. Proper storage will ensure your cheesecake stays moist, fresh, and tasty. Wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it inside an airtight container. Store toward the back of the fridge.
Do you store your cheesecake in the refrigerator or the freezer? How do you do it? Share with us below (and paste your favorite cheesecake recipe for us to try, too!).
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