I remember how amazed I was when I took the first bite of the cheesecake. Heaven is the word if I had to describe the feeling. It was everything that I was craving. A perfect blend of fresh cheese, milk, and cream. This perfect dessert was given to us by the Greeks. Initially, the cheesecake was just a coating of crumbs prepared for the monks.
But now, there are a variety of cakes available in the market which makes you wonder: how long does cheesecake last in the fridge?
A cheesecake lasts for about 3 to 4 days if kept in the fridge. However, it also depends if the cake is homemade or store-bought. Store Bought cheesecakes can last longer due to added preservatives.
There are a lot of factors that influence the taste and freshness of this dessert. So read along to know all about it.
How Long Does Cheesecake Last in the fridge?
The main ingredient present in this cake is cream and cheese. These ingredients have a short shelf-life and can spoil the cheesecake quickly. Apart from cream cheese, eggs and milk are also part of several recipes.
Baking cheesecake with the ingredients mentioned above? Ensure that you consume it in a day or two. You can also store the cake in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
Also Read: Does cornstarch go bad?
Have a store-bought cheesecake and don’t know how long before it goes bad? Usually, the store-bought cheesecake can last for a week and a day more. But it differs from company to company. So make sure to check the ingredients and the “best by” date before making your purchase.
Want the cheesecake to last for months? Deep freeze it, and you can have it for months without worrying about the cake going bad. A homemade cake in a freezer can last up to 1 month. A store-bought cake can last for more than 3 months due to the preservatives.
Point to remember: Want to freeze the cheesecake for the housewarming party? Freeze a cake slice before going forth with the entire cake. Repeat the entire process (freezing and thawing) with the cake slice.
Different Ways to Store a Cheesecake
Hogged down the cheesecake to the fullest, yet have some leftovers? Well, you can keep the cake aside for a few hours or refrigerate it to eat afterward. Below are a few ways and conditions that can keep your cake fresh.
At Room Temperature
I bought a cheesecake, ate some, and left the remaining at the kitchen top. If you were ever in a similar situation, finish it in 1-2 hours. It is because the ingredients present in it are delicate. Exposing it to room temperature can increase the risk of bacteria thriving. In comparison to other cakes, cheesecakes tend to melt quickly. Thus, leaving them at room temperature will make them unappealing. Therefore, leaving cheesecakes at room temperature is a big NO-NO.
In The Refrigerator
A cake becomes unedible at room temperature after 1-2 hours. Refrigerating a homemade cake can keep it fresh for 4-5 days. The refrigerator can extend its shelf-life to 6 or 7 days for a store-bought cake. The difference in the shelf-life for homemade and store-bought cheesecake depends on the preservatives. So don’t worry if you have to consume your homemade cake soon.
In The Freezer
Several dairy products, such as cream cheese and cream, do not thrive well in a freezer. Commonly, they lose their texture when put in a freezer. And once you defrost it, a cheesecake’s smooth and creamy texture is lost.
But that does not mean you can not freeze cheesecakes. Several cheesecakes can thrive in the freezer for up to 7-8 months. Make sure to freeze only those cakes that come with the freezing instructions.
To freeze a cheesecake, place it in an airtight container. You can also use a double layer of aluminum foil or put the cheesecake in a freezer bag. This will prevent the cake from having freezer burns or from drying out. One thing to keep in mind before wrapping the cheesecake- Don’t squash it. Wrapping it too tightly will blend all the cream and crust, making the cake unappealing.
Want to thaw/defrost the cheesecake? Put it in the fridge 24 hours before you want to serve it. Once done, place the leftovers in the freezer to prevent it from rotting.
Remember: When freezing the cake, make sure to remove the toppings. Only add the toppings when you are ready to serve the cake. This will keep your cheesecake fresh for longer.
Signs to Tell If the Cheesecake Has Gone Bad
Have a homemade cake lying on your kitchen top for over a week? Or a store-bought one that has been resting for more than 2 weeks?
Toss them aside. No questions asked.
Read further to learn easy ways to look for signs of spoilage
1. Mold
Mold marks on any edible item are a clear sign of spoilage. These molds can appear if you do not store them properly. If you see molds appearing on a cheesecake, it is time to throw it away. And no, do not think of cutting away the part that has the mold and consuming the rest. The mold must have infected the entire cake, making it poisonous.
2. Foul Smell
The fresh cake smells tempting enough to make you consume the entire cake. So, smelling a sour smell from your cheesecake is a clear sign of spoilage. Next time you eat a cheesecake, take in the sweet (or stale) aroma.
3. Discoloration
Another way to look for spoilage is the color. Cheesecakes usually have a pale yellowish tint. This color comes from the cream and cheese used to bake the cake. If you see your cake displaying dark yellow or brownish color, toss it. Remember, no cheesecake is worth a bad stomach.
4. Soggyness
No one likes a soggy cake, especially if that’s a cheesecake. So, if you see a soggy cake, it is time to throw it away.
Also Read: Does Almond Milk Go Bad?
What Happens When You Eat An Expired Cheesecake?
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a common symptom that occurs when you eat rotten food. Common symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, nausea, and weakness.
Stomach Pain
Gastritis is another issue that might arise if you consume bad cheesecake. Gastritis will cause inflammation in the inner lining of the stomach. This can also make you lose your appetite and will cause heartburn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can you eat cheesecake after 2 weeks?
Ans. If you have a store-bought cheesecake, it can easily last up to 5 to 7 days. If you store it in the fridge, it is safe to consume after 2 weeks. With homemade cheesecake, you must consume it within 5-6 days.
Q2. How long will a homemade cheesecake last in the fridge?
Ans. Homemade cheesecake can last up to four days in a fridge. And a store-bought cake will last for a week before it goes bad. Make sure to place the cheesecake in an air-tight container.
Q3. How long should I refrigerate the cheesecake?
Ans. A homemade cheesecake will be good if you refrigerate it for 5 to 7 days. A store-bought cheesecake will last for 2 weeks before it goes bad.
Q4. Can 10 day old eat cheesecake?
Ans. No. A 10-day-old cannot consume cheesecake.
Q5. Is cheese good after 3 weeks?
Ans. If you have cheese, store it in the fridge, and you are good with it for 3–4 weeks. Make sure to give it a quick look for mold if everything appears fine, it is safe to consume.
The Bottom Line
We hope we can quench your thirst for knowing all about cheesecake. Look for signs of mold or discoloration if you see a cake lying around. It is time to throw the cake away if you see these signs. If you need to freeze it, ensure you wrap it properly. This will extend the life of your cake from weeks to months. Lastly, don’t forget to give your cheesecake a whiff before taking a bite. Doing this will save your doctor visits and keep you healthy.
