freeze cheesecake

Can You Freeze Cheesecake? Unlock the Secrets of Defrosting

Quick summary: yes, you can freeze cheesecake, but only for up to a month and with proper storage methods.

A deliciously rich and creamy dessert, cheesecake comes in a range of types and flavors.  Whether you are baking your own cheesecake or buying a premade one, any cheesecake leftovers are definitely too good to waste.

Here is the ultimate guide on how to store cheesecake in the freezer to keep its texture, taste, and flavor as good as fresh.


Can Cheesecake Be Frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze cheesecake! Cheesecake can be kept in the freezer for up to a month if stored correctly. Freezing cheesecake for longer than one month is not recommended to ensure the best quality and texture.

Can You Freeze No Bake Cheesecake?

No-bake cheesecakes made without eggs can be frozen.

If eggs are used in a cheesecake recipe, the cheesecake should be cooked to avoid bacterial contamination. It is, therefore, best not to use a recipe that includes raw eggs when planning to freeze and thaw a no-bake cheesecake.  

When you freeze no-bake cheesecake, make sure it is completely set in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours before preparing it to go into the freezer. Do not add any toppings or garnishes before freezing.

This should only be added once the cheesecake has been thawed and is ready to be served.

You can also learn how to freeze cake batter.

How To Freeze A Whole Baked Cheesecake

Step 1: Cool Completely

Once your baked cheesecake comes out of the oven, you have to wait for the cheesecake to cool. The first step is to set it aside at room temperature until fully chilled. Then, place it in the fridge for a few hours to set the cheesecake completely. 

A fully set and well-chilled cheesecake will be easier to remove from the baking pan. Some cheesecake recipes will require the cheesecake to be left in a turned-off oven for an hour before cooling further at room temperature to avoid cracking.

Step 2: Remove From Tin

If you have baked the whole cheesecake in a springform pan, remove the tin’s outer rim and leave the cheesecake sitting on the bottom of the tin. Alternatively, use a knife to separate the cheesecake from the bottom of the baking pan and slide it onto a foil-wrapped piece of heavy cardboard to provide a firm base structure.

Step 3: Wrap in Clingfilm

Wrap the entire cheesecake, including the foil base or springform pan bottom, with several layers of plastic wrap.

Tip: If you like to slice the cheesecake before freezing, cut the cake into slices and place a piece of wax paper between each slice before reassembling the full cake on the tin base or cardboard round.

This allows slices to separate easily on defrosting. Once reassembled, wrap the entire cake with clingfilm layers.  

Step 4: Wrap in Foil

Wrap the entire cake again in a layer of foil. The less air comes into contact with the cheesecake, the better the quality will stay. If needed, label and date your wrapped cake before placing it into the freezer.

Bar fridges with freezer compartments may not be cold enough to keep the cheesecake well frozen. When you freeze your cheesecake, it is recommended to place it in a proper freezer as opposed to a freezer compartment.


How To Freeze Individual Cheesecake Slices

Your cheesecake will thaw faster if you cut it into slices before freezing. Freezing a cheesecake in individual slices also allows you to take only as many slices as you need from the freezer at a time.

Step 1: Refrigerate

Ensure that your cheesecake completely cools and has been refrigerated for a few hours before preparing it to go into the freezer. A cold cheesecake is firmer and easier to slice.

Step 2: Remove Toppings

Remove any toppings such as fruit or cream from the top of the cheesecake as these will spoil.

Step 3: Cut and Wrap

Cut the cheesecake into slices. Wrap each slice individually in two layers of plastic wrap and then in another single layer of foil.

Step 4: Airtight Container

Place slices in an airtight container or heavy-duty resealable (zip lock) bags and into the freezer. Label and date the container if needed. Ensure the slices are not damaged by other items pressing against them.

Tip: Make individual mini-cheesecakes in their own foil cups for easy freezing, defrosting, and serving. Prepare for freezing as you would with slices.  


How To Thaw Cheesecake

For the best results and food safety, cheesecake should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Here is exactly how to defrost frozen cheesecake to ensure it is as good as a freshly made one.

Step 1: Place in Refrigerator

Take the cheesecake out of the freezer and place it straight into the refrigerator.  Keep the plastic wrap on the cheesecake and leave in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: Transfer to Serving Plate

When partially thawed, you can transfer the cheesecake from the tin or cardboard base onto a serving plate if desired.

Step 3: Remove From Fridge

Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and place it at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours allowing it to thaw completely and keep the consistency intact.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Add toppings to the cheesecake if desired.  The cheesecake should be eaten within two days.

Tip: Do not microwave your cheesecake to defrost it. This will spoil the consistency.

Store-bought frozen cheesecakes are meant to be kept in the freezer. If you purchase a frozen cheesecake from the store, follow the packing instructions for defrosting and expiration date details.

Types of Cheesecake You Can Freeze

Although cheesecake comes in a variety of flavors, from fruity, caramel, and chocolate to vanilla and pumpkin, there are three main ways in which one can prepare a cheesecake.

#1. Baked Cheesecake

This version is cooked in the oven and then left to cool at room temperature and further set in the refrigerator before ready for serving. Baked cheesecakes can be made with or without a crust.

#2. No-bake Cheesecake

No-bake cheesecake is a mix of creamy dairy ingredients that are left in the refrigerator to set, without baking. These may or may not include eggs or sour cream. Most recipes include a graham cracker crust, however, it can also be served in a glass or dish without a crust.

#3. Cheesecake With Toppings

Cheesecakes with toppings can be either baked or no-bake. These delicious recipes include a layer of fresh fruit topping added to the dessert once cooled, just before serving. Other toppings include chocolate ganache, caramel, whipped cream, a layer of fruit jelly, and nuts.


FAQs

Can you freeze mascarpone cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze mascarpone cheesecake by following the same steps as required for freezing regular cheesecake. 

Can you freeze cheesecake batter before baking, and then bake it later?

It is best to bake your cheesecake first, and then freeze it. Freezing cheesecake batter which contains raw eggs could be a health risk. Freezing the raw batter could also cause ingredients to separate once they have been thawed, compromising the consistency of the baked product.

Can you refreeze cheesecake?

A defrosted cheesecake should never be refrozen. This will result in texture change, cause the cheesecake to spoil, and cause food contamination.

Can you place a cheesecake directly from the oven into the freezer to speed up the process?

No. Cheesecake needs to cool completely to room temperature and further in the refrigerator before freezing to ensure that it sets properly and to prevent the consistency from spoiling.

Can you freeze the cheesecake crust?

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake crust with or without the cheesecake filling. Ensure that it is properly wrapped in clingfilm and foil on freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Can you freeze a cheesecake with toppings?

Always freeze a cheesecake without any toppings and add the toppings once fully thawed, just before serving. Fruit and cream toppings especially do not freeze well and will spoil on thawing.

How do you store cheesecake?

A cheesecake should never be left out and should always be stored in the fridge or freezer. Leaving a cheesecake out at room temperature for too long instead of storing it in the fridge will likely cause foodborne illness due to the nature of the ingredients used.

How long does cheesecake last in the fridge?

Cheesecake cannot be kept in the fridge longer than three to five days before going bad.  When refrigerating cheesecake, always ensure that it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This will allow it to last for up to three days in the fridge.

Additionally, placing the wrapped cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator will increase its shelf life for up to five days. Although you can freeze cheesecake for up to three months, cheesecake will last in the freezer for one month with optimal flavor before the quality slowly starts to decline .

Can you freeze cheesecake in the pan?

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake in the pan, but it depends on the type of pan you use. And make sure to let the cheesecake cool completely and chill in the refrigerator before freezing it.

Conclusion

Whether one large cheesecake, mini-cheesecakes, slices, New York style cheesecake or any other type, this is a very versatile dessert and can last for up to one month in the freezer. Since cheesecake freezes well, you can save your delicious leftovers and keep the texture, consistency, and flavor intact by simply ensuring that it is well-wrapped. Similar to freezing cupcakes, make sure to keep air out and store it at a consistent frozen temperature. If you want to freeze no bake cheesecake, use the same method as for baked cheesecake.

The best part about freezing individual leftover slices or mini-cheesecakes is that you can add different toppings whenever you decide to indulge in a piece of sweet cream cheese decadence. You can also make your cheesecake recipe in advance if you know you are going to be tight for time, and be assured your guests won’t even know it was in the freezer. Bon appétit!

Up Next: Can You Freeze Angel Food Cake?

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