Cheesecakes make for a tasty dessert that'll instantly liven up every dining table. But the key to enjoying this rich and creamy treat is serving it in the right condition. Cheesecake lovers say it should be at room temperature. But how about when you have a frozen cheesecake? How long will it take to thaw it completely so that you can serve it already to your excited guests? We've consulted the dessert experts regarding this concern and we'll share with you what they have to say.
You need to plan ahead when thawing this delightful dessert. Frozen whole cheesecakes can be placed in the fridge overnight or for 8 to 12 hours prior to serving. It'll take 4 to 5 hours to defrost completely when placed on the counter. Meanwhile, you can put individual cheesecake slices in the microwave where it'll only take them 30 to 50 seconds to thaw.
Hang on because we'll share with you how to defrost cheesecakes properly. We'll also tell you how to freeze this dessert, including the one that you bought at the Cheesecake Factory so that it's easier for you to thaw and serve it later on.
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How to defrost cheesecake
It takes a lot of planning when you want to serve the perfect cheesecake. Dessert experts say that cheesecakes are best served at room temperature. So whether you bought a ready-made cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory or baked your own then kept it in the freezer to preserve its quality, you have to give sufficient time for it to thaw completely before you present it with all the respect and dignity that all cheesecakes deserve.
Here's how to thaw your frozen cheesecake so it would be ready for serving. There are 3 ways to do this. You can put it in the fridge, on the counter, or use the microwave.
Putting in the fridge
Transfer your frozen cheesecake to the fridge. If it is fully covered with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, you can take off the foil. But keep the plastic wrap on to protect your cheesecake from getting wet due to condensation. It should be fully thawed overnight. Come serving time, remove the plastic wrap. You can put your favorite toppings such as fresh blueberries and strawberries to enhance its flavor and get extra points for presentation, too!
This method takes a long time but the advantage is that you can keep your delectable dessert in the fridge safely for 3 to 5 days before you serve it.
Putting on the counter
You can leave your cheesecake on the counter to thaw. Remove the foil but don't take off its plastic wrap. The ambient temperature will help it defrost. This process would take 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of your dessert. This method is faster than leaving it in the fridge overnight but it's best to consume this immediately after serving to avoid spoilage.
Using the microwave
This method is recommended when you want to thaw your cheesecake slices quickly. Dessert experts don't recommend putting whole cheesecakes in the microwave because they won't thaw evenly.
To thaw this delicious dessert in the microwave, remove the foil and plastic wrap. Put one or two slices on a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds.
Can you thaw cheesecake at room temperature?
If you don't want to wait overnight until you devour this rich and creamy dessert, you can leave it on the counter as mentioned earlier, and allow it to thaw at room temperature. It'll take you around 4 hours to defrost a frozen cheesecake. Keep in mind that the larger the cheesecake, the longer it'll take to defrost so adjust your thawing time accordingly.
How long does it take to defrost a slice of cheesecake?
We've all done it. We've kept a few slices of our favorite chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake in the freezer so that we can have this delicious treat anytime the craving strikes. And the good news is it's so much easier to defrost a slice of cheesecake than having to thaw a whole cheesecake. You can leave it on the counter for about 2 hours or defrost it in the microwave for less than 60 seconds. That's it, your rich and creamy dessert is ready for devouring!
How do you defrost a cheesecake quickly?
If you do not have much time until you have to serve your most requested cheesecake, the microwave is your best friend. Simply slice your cheesecake and put a slice or 2 inside the microwave. Defrost for 30 seconds or until you achieve your desired texture.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory?
Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes are shipped to different shops frozen. They are also kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the grocer's freezer. So you have to understand that you can't serve it right away after picking up your favorite flavor at the store. It takes some planning so you can enjoy it in all its splendor.
Frozen Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes take 8 to 12 hours to thaw completely in the fridge. The temperature should be between 36 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit for them to defrost safely. Keep the cheesecake covered to prevent it from being dry. It is recommended that you serve your thawed Cheesecake Factory cheesecake within 3 to 5 days for the best quality.
how to freeze cheesecake from cheesecake Factory
If you bought your favorite White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle cheesecake in advance from the Cheesecake Factory, you can store it in the freezer to preserve its premium quality. Here are the steps to freezing store-bought cheesecakes:
1. Take it out of the box and put it in a pan.
2. Flash freeze for 4 hours or until completely solid to ensure its firmness.
3. Remove the frozen cheesecake from the freezer.
4. Cover tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to seal in its freshness.
5. Label and put the date on it. Consume within a month to delight in its best flavor and texture.
How to freeze individual cheesecake slices
You may have leftover cheesecakes or prefer to freeze this dessert in slices. There are advantages to this because sliced cheesecakes are easier to defrost and you can just take the slices that you need to serve to avoid wasting this creamy dessert.
Freezing individual cheesecake slices starts with the proper slicing of the whole dessert.
How to cut a cheesecake into slices
- Use a warm thin steel knife for slicing the cake. Here's a tip: You can keep your knife warm by dipping it in hot water then dry it off using a paper towel. Repeat this after every slice to make sure that you have a warm and clean knife. This will make slicing the cake so much easier and smoother.
- Make a long diagonal cut across the whole cake.
- Cut it into quarters then cut each quarter into half. Cut again into half if you have a larger-sized dessert.
Freezing Cheesecake Slices
If you only have slices left, cover each one with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Put a label with the date on it before placing it inside the freezer. Your cheesecake slices will last for 3 weeks in cold storage.
If you have a whole cheesecake but like to slice it before freezing, put wax paper in between each slice. Then put the whole cake in a baking pan and flash freeze. Let it stay in the freezer until it's firm. Take it out of the freezer and cover the whole cheesecake with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then another layer of aluminum foil. It is important to put a label and the date of storage so that you will be guided regarding consumption. It will stay fresh in the freezer for 2 months.
Is it OK to eat frozen cheesecake?
Cheesecakes are usually served at room temperature. That's why dessert experts recommend thawing this delicious dessert completely. But if you can't wait until it has been fully defrosted, you can definitely eat your cheesecake frozen. It's a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy its firmer texture. Whatever suits you and makes your tummy happy, right?
Final Thoughts
You need sufficient time before you can serve your frozen cheesecake as it is best served at room temp so you can enjoy its smooth velvety quality. Thawing it in the fridge takes overnight while it'll take almost half a day to completely defrost it on the counter. You can also use the microwave for individual slices and it'll just take less than a minute. Make sure to plan ahead so that you can devour this creamy treat in its best flavor and texture.
