Cheesecake is a multi-layered dessert treat. The thickest layer is constructed of soft fresh cheese (usually cottage, cream, or ricotta), eggs, and sugar. A bottom layer of crushed cookies (or digestive biscuits), graham crackers, pastry, or sponge cake is typical. Cheesecakes can be baked or unbaked and are usually refrigerated.
Because cheesecake contains large amounts of dairy products, eggs, and sugar, it should not be left out unrefrigerated or in a warm environment. If you leave it out, it will begin to melt and the cake’s components will begin to get rancid.
Cheesecake should be kept in the refrigerator and should not be left out for more than 4-6 hours. And leaving it out overnight is a big no-no!
You definitely do not want your favorite cheesecake to go rancid. Let’s get into more details!
How Long Can Cheesecake Be Left Out?
It’s best to err on the side of caution and not leave the cheesecake out for more than 4-6 hours. If it is a hot day (over 90°F), then six hours should be the maximum time it spends out of the fridge.
If you consume cheesecake that has been sitting outside for several hours, not only will the quality of your cheesecake begin to deteriorate considerably, but you also risk food poisoning and stomach difficulties.
There are various types of cheesecakes available. All of them have the same basic ingredients, which are cheese and eggs. None of them can be left out for more than 4-6 hours. But this may vary in countries or areas having a room temperature that is very cold.
The Risks of Leaving Cheesecake Out
Food safety experts say that when the cheesecake is left out for more than 4-6 hours, it starts to attract various germs and bacteria.
In general, do not leave potentially hazardous foods (such as a moist, sweet, delicious cheesecake) out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours (either above 135 degrees F or below 4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bacillus cereus, for example, might infiltrate the meal, proliferate for 4 hours, and then churn out diarrhea-causing toxins. Exceeding these limits is a breach of the health code in restaurants and constitutes a major health risk to clients.
Dairy and egg-based ingredients are highly prone to rancidity, which is the main cause of the cheesecake spoiling so easily.
LEARN MORE: How to Eat Chirashi Sushi?
Cheesecake Brownie: Can It Be Left Out?
Though cheesecake brownies are cheesecakes, they contain a lower concentration of cheese and eggs, making them less susceptible to rancidity than other cheesecakes.
Cheesecake brownies may be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, it must be carefully wrapped in cling film.
Leaving Cheesecake Out Overnight
If you went to bed without noticing your cheesecake was cooling on the counter, it’s best not to consume it. The actual maximum time you may leave a baked and cooled cheesecake out is around 4-6 hours.
It should be noted that cheesecakes can go bad within this time frame as well. If you see any mold or other signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the cake.
Save yourself the trouble of wasting that wonderful and creamy homemade cheesecake by putting it in the fridge as soon as everyone has finished their slices or it has cooled sufficiently after baking.
Leaving cheesecake out overnight is a bad decision. If you do so, the cheesecake will absorb bacteria and germs from the air, which can cause food poisoning.
LEARN MORE: Can Babies Drink Cold Milk?
Leaving No-bake Cheesecake Out
No-bake cheesecakes are a different version of the traditional cheesecake. It is refrigerated instead of baking.
Since no-bake cheesecakes are not cooked, they can spoil more easily than baked cheesecakes. Refrigeration is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Instead of baking, no-bake cheesecakes are chilled after preparation to allow them to set. If the cheesecake is taken out of the fridge after it has set, it should not be kept out for more than 4–6 hours, much like the other cheesecakes.
Does Cheesecake Melt When Left Out?
Cheesecake can melt when left out if the temperature is above 90°F. The high-fat content in cheesecakes can cause them to melt quickly. The texture of the cheesecake will change, and it will become runny and gooey.
To prevent your cheesecake from melting, it is best to store it in the fridge and not leave it out for more than four-six hours.
Cheesecake Storage and Refrigeration Tips
In order to save your cheesecake from spoiling, you need to know a few things regarding its storage, such as;
- If it is fresh out of the oven, make sure to let it cool before proceeding.
- Wrap your cheesecake tightly in cling film or aluminum foil.
- Place your cheesecake in an airtight container.
- For ease of serving, you can cut your cake into slices before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze your cheesecake unless it is a no-bake cheesecake.
LEARN MORE: Can Babies Eat Dragon Fruit?
Signs of a Spoilt Cheesecake
When a cheesecake begins to spoil, it will show certain signs, such as;
- The color of the cheesecake will change.
- The texture of the cheesecake will change. It will become runny and gooey.
- The cheesecake will have a sour smell.
- The cheesecake will taste sour.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to throw the cheesecake away.
Shelf-life of Cheesecake
All types of cheesecakes can easily be spoiled because of the ingredients used in it.
When left at room temperature, it lasts for about 4-6 hours. When refrigerated, it can last from a week to two weeks.
Baked cheesecakes can last in the freezer for up to six months, while no-bake cheesecakes can only last for a month in the freezer.
The USDA’s Food Keeper App recommends, eating cheesecake within 5–7 days of refrigerating it and 3-6 months if frozen from the date of purchase.
LEARN MORE: Can Bacon Grease Go Bad?
Conclusion
No matter what type of cheesecake you have, it is best not to leave it out for more than four hours. Cheese and egg-based desserts are highly prone to spoilage, so it is essential to take proper care when storing them.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, it is best to throw the cheesecake away. With proper storage, a cheesecake can last for a week to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
