Cheesecake is delicious but what if you need extra time to make it?
If you want to get a head start on your baking, simply make a delicious cheesecake and then freeze it until you need it.
Can you freeze cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze cheesecake. This delicious dessert can take quite a while to bake and if you’re throwing the perfect birthday party, why stress yourself out by trying to cram in a baking session the night before?
Instead, make your cheesecake ahead of time, stick it in the freezer, and have it thawed right in time to blow out the candles.
Alternately, if you have cheesecake leftovers but don’t think you can eat any more dessert at the moment, you can also freeze pieces of cheesecake.
We’ll help you with step by step details on how to freeze cheesecake so that your life can be as sweet as possible.
Effects of freezing cheesecake
Flavor/taste
The good news is that the flavor of your cheesecake should remain the same after freezing.
The one flavor note to consider, however, is the toppings.
If you are making a whole cheesecake ahead of time, create the topping for the day when you will be eating your cheesecake.
This can add a bit of time to your day-of preparation, but the results will be a lot better than a frozen topping.
If you are freezing leftovers try to remove the topping, as well. In the case of chocolate sauce, this might be hard to do.
However, if the fruit was placed on the top of the cake, definitely remove this topping.
Fruit can be frozen, but it might not turn out as well as fresh.
If you are freezing a fruit topping, place it in an airtight container, label it, and then put it in the freezer.
Color
The color of your cheesecake shouldn’t change. You can expect the same creamy color as freshly-made cheesecake
Consistency
The consistency of your cheesecake may change, especially depending on how thawed you want it to be.
Some people actually prefer eating half-frozen cheesecake, which will definitely change the consistency and texture.
It’s best to only freeze your cheesecake once. Re-freezing cheesecake will most definitely change the consistency and even start to alter the taste.
How to freeze cheesecake
Whole
- Make sure the cheesecake has cooled completely
- Place the cheesecake in the fridge to make sure it is cool
- If using a springform pan, remove the sides but leave the cheesecake on the bottom pan
- Alternately, place the cheesecake on a round piece of cardboard for firmness
- Wrap the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap
- Then wrap the entire cheesecake in aluminum foil
- Label and date your cheesecake
- Place on a flat surface of your freezer
- Freeze for up to six weeks
Sliced
- Make sure the cheesecake has cooled completely
- Place the cheesecake in the fridge to make sure it is cool
- Slice the cheesecake into the sizes you want for later
- Wrap each individual slice in plastic wrap or in a freezer bag
- Then wrap each piece in aluminum foil
- Place all the wrapped cheesecake pieces in an airtight container to keep together
- Label and date your container
- Freeze for up to three weeks
>>Want a good way to store eggs? Read our detailed guide about freezing eggs here!<<
How to thaw frozen cheesecake
There are three ways to thaw frozen cheesecake.
If you have a lot of time, remove the cheesecake from the freezer the night before you want to eat it.
Take off the aluminum foil but leave the plastic wrap. Then, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
If you need to thaw the cheesecake in a few hours, remove from the freezer and place it on your counter.
Again, remove the aluminum foil but keep the plastic wrap on. Thawing in this manner will take two to four hours, depending on how large it is.
Finally, if you want to thaw one or two pieces right away, you can use the microwave.
Remove both the aluminum foil and the plastic wrap. Place the pieces on a plate and heat them for 30 seconds.
Other ways to store cheesecake
Fridge
Remarkably, cheesecake can last six to eight days in the fridge. This means you can enjoy your leftovers for quite some time.
For best freshness, wrap your cheesecake in layers of plastic wrap or an air-tight container.
The less exposure to air, the less chance of bacteria forming and more chance of a delicious taste remaining.
Room temperature
Cheesecake can be left at room temperature for six to eight hours.
Remember that the longer food remains in the open, the more time bacteria has to form on it.
If your cheesecake has been left out longer than eight hours, you may have to do the unimaginable and toss the entire cake.
The alternative could be a bad case of food poisoning.
Related Questions
Do cheesecakes freeze well?
Yes, cheesecakes freeze very well. Unlike some more delicate desserts, cheesecakes are solid and a lot more durable.
How long can you freeze cheesecake?
You can keep a whole cheesecake in the freezer for four to six weeks.
Individual slices can be kept in the freezer for three weeks.
Always place your cheesecake in the back or bottom of the freezer to ensure it is frozen as solidly as possible.
Can cheesecake be frozen twice?
Yes, once a cheesecake has been completely thawed, it can be frozen again. There aren’t any safety issues with freezing your cheesecake twice.
Just remember that re-freezing your cheesecake can alter the texture and the taste.
Therefore, unless it can’t be avoided, it’s best to only freeze your cheesecake once.
Does freezing cheesecake ruin it?
Freezing cheesecake allows for less wasted food and the opportunity to bake in advance. Freezing will not ruin cheesecake.
Follow all of the steps above, including proper freezing systems, and you can still enjoy the great taste of cheesecake at a later date.
Related Content: Can you freeze yogurt? Making yogurt last longer!
Conclusion
Cheesecake can definitely be frozen. This dessert is delicious but can also come in large amounts.
To savor this delectable dessert, take advantage of its freezing quality so that you get to taste every last bite.
