Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

We've got the answers for just how long cheesecake lasts at room temperature.

By

Sheena Chihak, RD

Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? (1)

Sheena Chihak is a registered dietitian, former food editor and current edit lead for BHG with over 17 years of writing and editing experience for both print and digital.

Updated on January 16, 2024

Fact checked by

Marcus Reeves

Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? (3)

Fact checked byMarcus Reeves

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? (4)

There's nothing like a decadent slice of classic New York-style cheesecake to end a delicious meal. Whether homemade or from your favorite bakery, it's best enjoyed chilled and served right out of the fridge. But does cheesecake need to be refrigerated? Sorry to break it to you, but the answer is yes.

Why Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated?

Whether you made it yourself or took home leftovers from dinner, we don't recommend eating cheesecake that's been left out for a long time. Creamy foods made with eggs and milk, such as pumpkin pie, custard pie, and cheesecake, must be safely baked to a safe internal temperature between 150ºF and 160°F. Then, they must be cooled at room temperature (about 1 hour) to set and refrigerated.

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

Test Kitchen Tip

It's unnecessary to refrigerate most other cakes, cookies, or bread unless they have a perishable filling or frosting.

While we wish we had better news, if you accidentally went to bed and left your cheesecake cooling on the counter, it's best to not risk illness by consuming it. When you have cheesecake that's already baked and chilled, the absolute max time you could let it sit out to avoid the USDA's "danger zone" is two hours. Save yourself the stress of wasting that by putting it in the fridge as soon as everyone's grabbed a slice or it's cooled enough after baking to chill.

How to Store Cheesecake the Right Way

If you've been practicing to perfect a rich and creamy homemade cheesecake, it's important to know exactly how to store your cheesecake so it stays fresh. Since cheesecake can absorb other odors, wrapping it correctly is key to ensuring the best flavor possible. We recommend wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in a storage container.

Use our Test Kitchen's complete guide to making cheesecake to know the proper times and temperatures for every step of the process.

Food Storage Tips

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

FAQs

Does Cheesecake Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

Yes, it is recommended to store cheesecake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor and to prevent bacteria growth. If you are keeping it at room temperature, ensure to eat it within 2 hours.

How long can cheesecake be left out of the fridge? ›

When you have cheesecake that's already baked and chilled, the absolute max time you could let it sit out to avoid the USDA's "danger zone" is two hours. Save yourself the stress of wasting that by putting it in the fridge as soon as everyone's grabbed a slice or it's cooled enough after baking to chill.

Does cheesecake have to be refrigerated overnight after baking? ›

Many recipes say to let the cheesecake sit in the turned-off oven with the door cracked for about an hour, then let it cool completely on the counter. It also needs to spend four hours, or ideally overnight, in the fridge before slicing and eating to ensure the perfect velvety smooth texture. Speaking of slicing…

Does no bake cheesecake need to be refrigerated? ›

Yes! No-bake cheesecake must be refrigerated when it is first made to allow it to set properly. It also requires refrigerating for storage and should not sit out longer than two hours for serving. Any leftovers should also be refrigerated.

Can you eat 2 week old cheesecake? ›

Prepared cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, per USDA food safety recommendations. We suggest storage in an airtight container, so it doesnt absorb any fridge odors.

How to know if cheesecake is bad? ›

Fresh cheesecake usually has smooth, even edges and is soft. If it is stale, it will have crusty and broken edges, and if it is spoiled, the cheese filling will appear rubbery.

Why does cheesecake have to sit in the fridge? ›

Yes, it is recommended to store cheesecake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor and to prevent bacteria growth. If you are keeping it at room temperature, ensure to eat it within 2 hours.

Do cakes with cream cheese need to be refrigerated? ›

Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.

How long can cream cheese sit out? ›

Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.

How long does cheesecake last unrefrigerated on Reddit? ›

I think the total time the cheesecake will be without refrigeration is roughly 6-8 hours.

Does cheesecake Factory cheesecake need to be refrigerated? ›

Once thawed, your cheesecake should be refrigerated at all times. We do not recommend freezing a previously thawed cheesecake, we recommend refrigerating it to enjoy within 5 days.

How long is Philadelphia no bake cheesecake filling good for? ›

Keep refrigerated. Do not freeze. For best quality, use within 7 days of opening. Best if used by date shown.

How long can cheesecake be unrefrigerated? ›

Cheesecake contains perishable items such as cream cheese and eggs. Under refrigerated conditions, cream cheese will keep for one to two weeks. Left unrefrigerated, you have about two hours before bacteria levels start to become undesirable.

Is cheesecake good for 7 days? ›

Once thawed, single slice cheesecakes have a refrigerated shelf life of 5 days.

How long is Costco cheesecake good for in the fridge? ›

Each cake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days (preferably in an airtight container) or frozen for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator one day in advance, or at room temperature for 3 hours.

How long can you leave cream cheese out of the refrigerator? ›

Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.

How long to let cheesecake cool before refrigerating? ›

Let the cheesecake cool on the wire rack until it reaches room temperature. This can take between 1-2 hours depending on the size of the cheesecake. Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 4 hours before serving.

How long can a cheese stick sit out? ›

How long can cheese sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat? For the best taste and quality, cheese should not be left out for longer than two hours at room temperature. Hard cheeses can be left out longer without becoming unsafe, but the quality and taste may change.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6369

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.