How To Properly Store A Cheesecake

Learning how to store a cheesecake can seem daunting, however by following a few simple steps that are provided here, you can ensure that your cheesecake will be preserved correctly and turn out incredibly. It is crucial to store your cake correctly to keep the taste and texture the same, especially because we want to make and enjoy the absolute best cheesecake possible.

To store cheesecake, you will need to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place your cake in an air-tight container. Where you store your cake will greatly depend on how quickly you plan to serve it. If you plan to eat it soon, the refrigerator is the best choice. If you plan to eat it in a few days, placing it in the freezer to preserve it may just be your best option.

You may have other questions stirring in your mind, which all stem from making sure your cheesecake is kept appealing, both visually and based on taste. The ingredients used to make a cheesecake versus a regular cake vary greatly. Because of this, storing it correctly can make all the difference in how your cake turns out. So, please keep reading to learn all the best tips to keep your cheesecake fresh!

Cranberry Cheesecake - vintage effect. How To Properly Store A Cheesecake

How To Handle A Cheesecake After Baking

What could be argued as the most important aspect of making a cheesecake is ensuring it is completely cooked and cooled correctly before serving or storing. A perfectly cooked cheesecake will come out of the oven with a slight jiggle in the center. It is important to note that too much jiggle may mean it is not fully cooked. Knowing the cake should jiggle a bit is imperative to remember because it shows how important it is to cool the cake completely before serving.

Serving a cheesecake right out of the oven would ruin the taste and texture of the cake because it will not have had a chance to completely set before being cut into and eaten.

For best results, allow the cheesecake to cool on the counter at room temperature for about an hour before letting it set in the refrigerator for at least eight hours; although, overnight refrigeration is best. It is suggested that you do not place your cake in the freezer and expect it to set, it will not set in the cold conditions of the freezer, and the texture and taste will be ruined.

How To Wrap Your Cheesecake

The best way to preserve your cheesecake is to keep it air-tight when storing it in either the refrigerator or the freezer, whatever your choice may be. To keep the cheesecake air-tight, you will need to either completely wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place the cake in a container with a lid.

The freezer and refrigerator are very dry places. The dry air will ruin the texture of the cake if not stored correctly. One option to keep the dry air out is to wrap the entire cake in plastic wrap. The cake will need to be wrapped very tightly to keep it air-tight and make sure the entire cake is covered, including top, sides, and bottom. After covering the cake, it is suggested that the cake be placed in a plastic bag as well, as extra protection.

Many people may worry the cake will stick to the plastic wrap, therefore ruining the presentation. To fix this, use a few toothpicks around the cake to hold the plastic wrap a bit away from the edges of the cake.

Another option, instead of plastic wrap, is an air-tight container. This is any container with a lid and no holes that can keep the dry air away from your cheesecake. An air-tight container will protect your cake, although, once again, many professionals suggest plastic wrap instead.

Click to see Rubbermaid's cake storage container on Amazon.

Is It Best To Store the Cake Whole or Sliced?

Close-up Strawberry Jam cheesecake in Refrigerator

The answer to this question depends on how you plan to eat your cheesecake. If you plan to eat your cake at a party or a celebration, or you plan to decorate or garnish your cake, it is most likely best to store your cake whole.

However, if you plan to eat just one or two slices at a time, it may be best to cut and store each slice separately to allow for easy snacking later on. To store the cake sliced, it is probably best to freeze it since it will take longer to eat; because of this, you will have to take defrost time into account.

Do You Need To Refrigerate Cheesecake?

Yes, cheesecake needs to be refrigerated if it will not be cut and eaten within two to three hours. Refrigeration is necessary to preserve the taste and the texture that cheesecake is so famous for.

How Long Can A Cheesecake Sit Out?

Cheesecake can sit out at room temperature for a maximum of six hours at a time. However, cheesecake can only sit out for a maximum of three hours before many would argue the texture will change. As stated before, cheesecake texture also can change the taste; therefore, if the cake is not being served within three hours, refrigerating it will be your best choice, although it is up to you.

How Long Does a Cheesecake Last In a Refrigerator?

A cheesecake, when stored correctly as described above, can last for about three days in the refrigerator. After three days, the cake will no longer be the best quality texture and taste, although it does not go bad necessarily after three days. Once again, to make sure it lasts those three days, it is crucial it is stored tightly in plastic or an air-tight container.

Should You Freeze Leftover Cheesecake?

Delicious cheesecake in eco packaging, food and dessert delivery concept.

If you want your cheesecake to stay good quality for more than three days, it is imperative that it is stored in the freezer. Before placing it in the freezer, it is important to make sure it has cooled and set completely. To do this, place it in the refrigerator for an hour or two before storing it in the freezer.

In the freezer, a cheesecake can last up to three months and still taste just as amazing when thawed. To keep it fresh longer, cover the plastic wrap with aluminum foil to further protect the cake.

To defrost your cheesecake, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. If the cake is whole, it should sit in the refrigerator for upwards of eight to twelve hours. If the cake is sliced and packaged separately, it should take about an hour or two to defrost in the refrigerator, depending on the size of the slice.

In Closing

Cheesecake is a fantastic dessert that could arguably top any other dessert, but storing it comes with its own set of parameters that are very different from that of other types of cake. Learning how to store your cheesecake correctly can make a huge difference in many different aspects, including how long the cake lasts and making sure the texture and taste stay how they should. Preserving your cake correctly can be the biggest difference between regular cheesecake and incredible cheesecake.

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