Cheesecakes are one of the world’s most popular desserts. As delicious as they are, one slice is usually decadent enough to satisfy your craving for something creamy, cheesy, and sweet. So, keeping a whole cake (or two) in your fridge is the only way to ensure that you can have a slice when the midnight cravings hit! So it is essential to know— how long does cheesecake last in the fridge?
What is a classic cheesecake?
Cheesecake dates back to the Grecian Era but has evolved into the dessert we know today during the 18th century. Classic cheesecakes are baked. However, there is a modern-day way of making them without using an oven. No-bake cheesecakes are made by freezing the cake instead.
Cheesecakes are usually made of two layers; the base and the cheesecake layer. The base is generally made from crushed cookies, graham crackers, digestives, or a simple sponge cake. The thick, creamy layer is a mixture of cream cheese with eggs and sweeteners. This simple blend allows bakers to infuse their favorite fruits, berries, or confectionery flavorings to make it even tastier! Some cheesecakes even come with a third layer- the topping!
I like making my Sweet Potato Cheesecake and Oreo Turtle Cheesecake when I know I will have guests over.
How long is cheesecake good for?
The storage life of cheesecakes depends on several factors. Mainly where you bought the cheesecake, how it is made, and where you store it.
Store-Bought: Should last for up to seven days in the fridge and six months in the freezer. Take note, though, that frozen cheesecake will not have the same quality as freshly made ones. But if you don’t mind the textural change, freezing is a great way to keep them longer.
Homemade: You can keep your cheesecake in the fridge, tightly sealed, for up to five days. You can freeze the cheesecake for one to two months.
Baked Cheesecakes: Baked cheesecakes contain eggs, so they spoil faster than no-bake, which are mainly made of cream cheese and heavy cream.
Tips to help your cheesecake last longer!
Have you ever looked forward to going home because you know a piece of cake is waiting for you there? You watch the clock and go home as fast as possible, only to see spoiled, moldy cake—the tragedy! Here are a few things to note to make sure that does not happen to you!
- Store your cheesecake in tightly sealed containers, plastic wraps, aluminum foil, or a cake box to keep them fresh longer. Do not leave your cheesecake open in the fridge. Other food items will affect its taste and might contaminate the cake.
- Make sure to store your cheesecake at a constant temperature. It is always better to place it at the back of the fridge or freezer. This ensures temperature drop does not affect it much when the door is opened.
- If you are making cheesecake from home and are planning to add fresh fruits and berries as toppings, add them right before serving. Fresh toppings can spoil faster than the cake itself. Plus, they will look more presentable!
- If you intend to freeze your homemade cheesecake, always write down the date it was made on the container to keep track of how long it has been there.
How long is cheesecake good for out of the fridge?
Any type of cheesecake should not be out in the open, at room temperature, for more than 2 hours. Aside from the cake melting, it will also be vulnerable to bacterial contamination, especially since they contain dairy products.
I advise keeping your cheesecake chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve it. Once you take out the slices you need, place the cake back in the refrigerator.
How to tell if cheesecake is bad?
If you think your cheesecake might be past its expiration date, check for the usual signs of spoilage. These signs include:
- molds
- discoloration
- liquids oozing out of the cake
- unpleasant smell
If you notice any of the following, throw the cake out immediately. An expired cheesecake cannot be fixed! Food poisoning is no fun.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Now you can plan on how much cheesecake to make or buy and how to keep them fresh. It is always great to have something sweet in your fridge to cheer you up when you need it, right?
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