How to Freeze Cheesecake (Plus Thawing Tips!)

Collage of photos showing how to freeze different cheesecakes.

5 from 1 vote

How to Freeze Cheesecake (Plus Thawing Tips!)

Whether slices, bars, minis or whole, this is your essential guide to How to Freeze Cheesecake! This is one of our most used kitchen hacks to make delicious desserts ahead of time and save us from wasting leftovers. Follow our easy step by step process to make sure the texture stays right and the outside still looks beautiful. Plus we include our top tips for thawing it perfectly when you're ready to eat!

Prep Time5

Freeze Time4

Total Time4 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 551kcal

Author: Misty

Equipment

Ingredients

Cheesecake (whole, slices, mini, or bars!)

Instructions

These instructions will work for whole, sliced, bars, or mini cheesecakes. Make your recipe according to the instructions. Allow it to come fully to room temperature, then chill completely in the fridge before moving on to the next step. Freezing it before it has cooled properly will make it crack and impact the texture.
Cheesecake
Place the cheesecake on a flat surface that fits in your freezer, such as a baking sheet. Freeze it flat and unwrapped for at least 2-4 hours, or until it is pretty firm.
*For a full cheesecake, you can also freeze it inside the springform pan with parchment on the bottom. Make sure to fully release it first to avoid any sticking on the sides, then re-latch it and pop it in the freezer uncovered.
After it is firm, remove it from the freezer and wrap very thoroughly in plastic wrap (two layers is best).
Add one final layer of protection! For slices, bars, or minis, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer storage bag. For a whole dessert, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil. Label the package with a sharpie, then return it to the freezer to store for 1-2 months.
*For thawing instructions, see the notes.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Avoid adding toppings until after you thaw it for best results.
Don't wrap it until it is truly firm. Otherwise it will end up squished, warped, or cracked.
The less time you leave it in the freezer, the better the texture and taste will be.

Thawing Instructions

For individual slices, bars, or minis, remove the plastic and allow them to thaw uncovered at room temperature for 25-45 minutes, or until evenly thawed.

For anything larger, such as a whole cheesecake, remove the foil and plastic. Place it on a serving platter or flat plate, or leave it in the springform pan. Cover it with a lid or layer of plastic just on the top (it's better if it is not touching the surface). Thaw in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.

*Nutrition Facts are based on 1 slice of our classic Cheesecake with Cream Recipe

Nutrition