Cheesecake is one of those products that generally does not have a long shelf life. Or at least that’s what I thought initially. Whenever there was an entire cheesecake in our kitchen, we were always encouraged to consume it in a few days to prevent it from going bad.
If you’re like me, you love baking and you also live alone, which makes it almost impossible for you to eat an entire cheesecake by yourself in just a few days. Which essentially leads to the question of preservation and quite naturally you ask – can you freeze cheesecake?
We answer that question below, as well give you some important tips to consider when planning on storing this baked delight.
Can You Freeze Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze cheesecake and it is an excellent way to lengthen the lifespan of an otherwise short lived baked product.
Not only is this a great idea for the home maker with a sweet tooth, but it can be very beneficial to the baker or restaurateur who finds him/herself with a surplus of the baked treat and is kitchen-savvy enough to consider preservation.
If you’re going to be hosting an event where the baked treat of choice is cheesecake, baking these products and freezing them beforehand is also a wonderful idea. You’ll find that baking and freezing a large batch of cakes for future use is also much cheaper than supporting the frozen foods section of your local supermarket.
The only unfortunate thing is that this frozen delight does not last indefinitely, food industry experts recommend that the frozen product is used within 6 to 8 months after freezing.
Related: How to Freeze Cupcakes
How To Freeze Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Contrary to popular belief in the food industry, cheesecake freezes rather well and actually maintains its taste and consistency if the correct procedures are followed when freezing. Once you’ve completed the baking portion and have your cooled cheesecake ready, follow the steps below for a perfectly frozen cheesecake.
Step 1: Prepare For Freezing
Place the cooled cheesecake on a baking sheet or tray. Place the uncovered cake in the freezer until it is firm. This should take approximately twenty minutes to a half an hour.
Step 2: Wrapping the Cheesecake
Remove the now firm cheesecake from the freezer. Use heavy duty aluminum foil to cover the cake, ensuring that there are no exposed sections.
Note: If preferred, you can cut the cheesecake into slices and wrap the portions separately. This will be beneficial if you do not intend to serve the entire cake and will be enjoying single slices instead.
Step 3: Placing in the Freezer
Place the wrapped cheesecake in a heavy duty freezer bag. Seal with an air tight finish and return the product to the freezer.
Note: Do not add toppings or garnish – cherries, berries, whipped cream and frosting etc – before freezing. These should be added prior to serving and after the thawing process is complete.
Related: How to Freeze Cream Cheese
Thawing Your Frozen Cheesecake
Read our in-depth How to Thaw Frozen Cheesecake Guide.
The thawing process should be completed overnight – or for at least 12 hours prior to use – for best taste and consistency. The cheesecake should be removed from the freezer and placed in the refrigerator for a slow defrost to prevent sogginess and a crumbly crust.
When the cheesecake is partially thawed, transfer it to a serving plate and return it to the refrigerator to complete the process. It might be difficult to move the cheesecake if it is allowed to thaw completely.
Cheesecake should never be thawed at room temperature or placed in a microwave.