By Zarah Grace, last updated on August 14, 2021
How long does cheesecake last unrefrigerated? Or how long can cheesecake sit out? But first, know that cheesecake is indeed a tasty dessert. In addition to that, it is a flourless cake. Because of that, there is something undeniably good about it.
Moreover, cheesecakes have a rich flavor with a hint of tanginess from the cheese. In that regard, it is incomparable with other desserts. And it has a smooth and creamy texture that makes it so enjoyable and exceedingly decadent. And since dairy-based, we all want to know how to store it properly. That is why you surely want to know many things about expiration, spoilage, and food safety.
How Long Does Cheesecake Last Unrefrigerated?
Normally, your cheesecake can sit at room temperature for a maximum of six hours. With that, exceeding six hours may pose several problems for you. The first problem is that the quality of your cheesecake will start to decline. And the second is that it may cause food poisoning. Likewise, digestive problems if you eat a cheesecake sitting outside for many hours.
Can You Leave Cheesecake Out Overnight?
You can’t leave a cheesecake out overnight because it has a high tendency that it might spoil. Again, you should not sit out cheesecakes for more than six hours at most, as stated earlier. It would be best if you stored cheesecakes inside the refrigerator or chiller.
Besides, refrigerating your cheesecake is necessary for two reasons. The first reason is that refrigeration aids a cheesecake to cool after baking. The second reason is that the refrigerator or chiller is the most effective means of preservation. For that reason, it ensures that your baked cheesecake keeps fresh and does not spoil.
How Long Can Cheesecake Be Left Out?
Essentially, you can leave out cheesecakes at six hours at maximum. And you can expect that your cheesecake to have no changes in terms of taste. But a cheesecake can last a week inside the refrigerator. And a maximum of 8 months inside the freezer. But it all lean on the type of cheesecake and how you store it.
Here are some types of cheesecake that will last six days inside the refrigerator and eight months inside the freezer. These include unopened fresh cheesecake, unopened frozen cheesecake, unopened homemade cheesecake, and opened cheesecake. Remember the temperature in your kitchen. And the weather in your region also affects how long you can leave your cheesecake outside. Besides that, the ingredients of your cheesecake will indeed affect this factor.
Is Refrigerating Your Cheesecake After Baking A Must?
One basic knowledge is that you must let cheesecakes cool down after taking them out of the oven. Remember, this principle also applies to cheesecake.
Moreover, refrigeration will help your cheesecake mature. It means that all the different flavors will blend and get to know each other. Also, refrigeration will help your cheesecake to have a better texture and consistency.
As the same principle with custards, low temperature can chill your freshly baked cheesecake. As a result, it can help it in becoming firmer and denser.
However, this does not mean that you would put your baked cheesecake in the refrigerator right after baking. Remember, there are guidelines that you need to follow in the process of cooling. With that, you can follow these guidelines to safe-keep your fresh cheesecake.
- After taking out your cheesecake from the oven, you will need to loosen it. You can do this by running a thin knife all over the edges of the cheesecake pan. This process will help your cheesecake to compact and prevent any formation of cracks on its surface.
- Allow your cheesecake to cool in your cheesecake pan. And into the cooling wire rack before placing your cheesecake inside the refrigerator. In addition to that, ensure that your cheesecake cools entirely and reaches room temperature. With that, this process may take as long as an hour.
- Once your cheesecake cools entirely, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap. And place it inside the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Remember, we can never be impatient when it comes to baking. So if you abide by all these guidelines, you can expect good results for your cheesecake.
Cheesecake Unrefrigerated: What About Leftover Cheesecake?
Bear in mind that a similar principle applies to leftover cheesecakes. The main reason we should refrigerate baked cheesecake is to avoid the cheesecake going to waste. Cheesecakes have several dairy products. That is why we should not leave it outside for too long. If you do so, it will likely spoil. And it may become a recipe for disaster. If you have leftover cheesecake, please put it in a covered container. Afterward, place it inside the refrigerator to make it last longer.
Cheesecake Unrefrigerated: How Can We Tell If Your Cheesecake Has Gone Bad?
I hope that we can never reach this stage. But we need to know the signs of spoiled cheesecake. Likewise, we should also consider that proper hygiene and food safety will help protect you from foodborne sickness. Use all your senses as they are the most reliable way to tell if your cheesecake has gone bad. Here are signs you need to look out for to tell if your cheesecake is about to spoil.
Change In Texture
For the most part, a fresh cheesecake has a distinct texture. It is usually creamy and moist. However, if it begins to turn bad, you will notice that your cheesecake will begin to dry out.
Change In Color
The cheesecake’s content has a slightly yellow or off-white color, excluding different flavors of cheesecakes like; strawberry, chocolate, or anything that has a different color. If your cheesecake begins to spoil or turn bad, you may notice some browning along your cheesecake’s edges. As a result, this occurrence clearly shows that you need to dispose of your cheesecake. In addition to that, it means that it is no longer safe for consumption.
Unpleasant Smell
Once your cheesecake has turned bad or gone past its shelf life, it will start to emit a not-so-appetizing smell. It happens even if the cheeses used to make cheesecakes are naturally aromatic. If your cheesecake does not smell good, you should dispose of it and avoid consuming it.
Read more about How Much Does It Cost To Make A Cheesecake
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are always made with the freshest ingredients, and her attention to detail shows in her beautiful and delicious creations. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.