Can You Freeze Costco Cheesecake? (Read This First)
The Store-bought Costco cheesecake is an all-time favorite for parties, get-togethers, and even dessert.
It is not just delicious and satisfying; it saves you the stress of baking it yourself.
Hence, there’s always a question of if one can buy it ahead of a celebration and freeze it. Or, in the case of leftovers, how best to preserve them.
You definitely can freeze Costco’s Cheesecakes to preserve them for a long time. And if you do it right, you won’t have to worry about losing its texture or quality. To learn more, read this article to find out everything you need to know about freezing and defrosting your cheesecakes.
How Long Does Costco Cheesecake Last In the Freezer?
Like most pre-baked goods, Costco Cheesecakes can stay for long periods if stored properly- up to 6 months.
But it’s safest to freeze and consume within two months because the longer the cake stays in the freezer, the more it deteriorates in taste, quality, and texture.
In addition, whole cheesecakes last longer when frozen compared to leftover slices.
Bearing this in mind, you should also check the packaging for the expiry date to be sure you don’t freeze it beyond that time.
Let’s also look at some more tips for freezing Costco Cheesecake.
- First, Costco cheesecakes are to be stored in a freezer, not in the freezing compartment of your refrigerator.
- A typical freezer is colder than a refrigerator’s freezing compartment, so your cheesecakes are preserved best in them.
- Store your cheesecakes in an airtight freezer bag or container.
- To avoid forgetting your cheesecake at the back of your freezer, ensure you label them with the date of storage.
- Labeling would help you track how long you should keep it and when you should defrost it. It is also especially helpful if you buy the cheesecake without an event.
- Another way to not forget is to set a reminder on your phone’s calendar.
- Ensure you take off the toppings from the cheesecake before you freeze it because cheesecakes last longer without the toppings.
- You can always add your preferred toppings when ready to serve them.
- Place the cheesecake where heavy food containers wouldn’t squash it.
How To Freeze Costco Cheesecake (Step By Step)?
You can freeze your Costco cheesecake in slices or as a whole for a party. For instance, a cheesecake slice works as a yummy gift or a dessert centerpiece.
In contrast, frozen slices are easier to defrost separately for personal snacking.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze Costco cheesecake
#1. Step 1
First, remove the toppings from the cake.
#2. Step 2
A quick hack to keep it neat and crumbless is to freeze the cheesecake for an hour to keep it firm. Then slice it with a knife dipped in hot water. You can also skip this step if you want to freeze it whole.
#3. Step 3
Wrap each piece tightly with a plastic wrap or bag. For whole cheesecake loaves, place the cake on cardboard and cover it with plastic wrap.
#4. Step 4
Next, wrap each piece with a layer of aluminum foil. Please note that wrapping your cheesecake helps protect it from freezer burn.
#5. Step 5
Label the cake with the date you are freezing it and any other detail.
#6. Step 6
Keep the freezer at a temperature of 0 °F or lower. This guide also applies to freezing freshly baked cheesecakes.
The main difference is that you must let the fresh cakes cool before you slice and wrap them.
How Do I Defrost a Frozen Costco Cheesecake?
When you’re ready to eat your cheesecake, there are several ways to defrost.
- At room temperature, remove it from the fridge until it eventually thaws.
- Defrosting your cheesecake in a microwave is the fastest way to thaw your cheesecake.
Please note that the best method of defrosting Costco’s cheesecakes is by transferring them to a fridge.
With this method, even if you have to host a party last minute, you can thaw your cheesecake overnight and still have it handy for your guests the next day.
On the other hand, the least preferable method is the microwave or oven method.
It ruins the texture and consistency of the cheesecakes, especially when you attempt to thaw the whole cake.
Still, if you need to defrost quickly, cut the cheesecakes into slices and pop them into the microwave one at a time for 40-50 secs, respectively.
Finally, once the cheesecake has defrosted nicely, you can add any toppings you wish to add and serve. Also, consume defrosted cakes within 1 or 2 days maximally.
Doing this shouldn’t be a problem because this Costco cheesecake is one treat everyone craves.
How Long Is Costco Cheesecake Good For Outside the Fridge?
Costco’s cheesecake can last only a few hours if not stored in a refrigerator or a fridge.
Cheesecakes contain dairy products like cheese, cream, eggs, etc., all of which have a very limited shelf life.
Combining these perishable ingredients with the cake’s high moisture content thus makes it an optimum ground for bacteria and mold.
Hence, you must store cheesecakes properly to keep them fresh and prevent bacteria contamination.
Refrigeration would, however, extend the shelf life of your cheesecake by about seven days.
Still, ideally, you should consume it within three days if you wish to enjoy its moistness and crunchiness.
Furthermore, if the packaging specifies a shorter time frame, you can work with that.
A summary of the shelf life of Costco Cheesecakes under different conditions is given below.
Conditions | Duration |
---|---|
At room temperature | Two to three hours |
Fridge | Five to Seven Days |
Freezer | One to Two Months |
Conclusion
You can freeze your store-bought Costco cheesecakes for personal consumption or a party.
You, however, should bear in mind that the longer it stays, the more it loses its unique texture and moistness and becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
So, if you have any Costco Cheesecake loaves or even leftovers, feel free to freeze them immediately.