If you landed on this page, you probably are in a bind and want to know how to defrost cheesecake properly/quickly?
This short guide will show the right way to do it, along with different options available.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Cheesecake?
There is no one answer for the above question, simply because the amount of time it takes to thaw/defrost a cheesecake really depends on many variables.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider, when you begin looking at the time it takes to thaw out cheesecake.
Slices will go quicker than whole cakes. With whole cakes, you have different sizes, some with multiple layers, ingredients and more.
Thickness
The thickness and density of the cheesecake is another variable to consider. Denser cakes will take much longer, compared to ones that are lighter.
To get your cheesecake thawed out in the best possible time, it is best to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, that way you can be 100% it is fully defrosted, regardless of size, thickness or density.
Overnight in the Refrigerator: The Best Way to Defrost Cheesecake
Cream-cheese cheesecakes freeze very well and you will find that makes them ideal to be made ahead of time for parties/functions, as they also defrost perfectly, with no real change to the cakes texture.
If you are looking for the best way to defrost a cheesecake, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator is by far the best option available.
The amount of time cheesecake takes to thaw in the refrigerator is about 8-12 hours (could be longer, depending on size/thickness).
This method is even recommended by the Cheesecake Factory with their popular cakes.
Steps
- Place the frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator a day before you plan on using it.
- Let the cheesecake thaw out for 8-12 hours overnight. More time might be needed, depending on its size and thickness.
- Once thawed out, cut and serve.
Let it Sit at Room Temperature: Cheesecake Thaws Quickly
If you are in a rush and need the cheesecake to be thawed quickly, you could always let it sit at room temperature.
This can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the cake (could be longer for bigger/thicker cakes).
The room temperature method is a good option to consider, if you have a function in the evening. You can always take it out a couple hours before and it should be ready
If you are in an ABSOLUTE rush and need the cheesecake thawed out sooner than later, then you can still use the room temperature method, but with a twist.
- Use a sharp knife and cut the cake into slices.
- Separate the slices and the let them sit at room temperature.
- The slices will thaw out much quicker, as opposed to a whole cake: Expect a thawing time of 45 minutes to an hour.
Microwave: Is This a Good Thawing Option?
While there is a small minority that advocate using a microwave to thaw a cheesecake, this is not recommended.
A microwave works by heating up food and even though many have a defrost setting, it is still heating the food up, at a lower setting.
Microwaves are notorious for uneven heating and you could find yourself with a ruined cake, trying to speed up the thawing process. Toppings could melt, excess water could cause it to be runny, etc.
Ideally, thawing out in the refrigerator or at room temperature are really the only methods one should consider when thawing cheesecake.
Wrapping it up
It is possible to defrost a cheesecake and this is actually done all the time, with no ill-effects to the cake, once done properly.
The two main options are letting the cake sit overnight in the refrigerator or let it thaw out at room temperature.
The microwave should not be an option, as there is a high probability of ruining the cheesecake as opposed to having it thaw out.
