Cheesecake, How To Freeze Cheesecakes, Questions and Answers

Questions & Answers - How To Freeze Cheesecakes

Question:
I have decided to make baked cheesecakes as Christmas gifts, but I am wondering about freezing them so that I can make them early. What is the best way to freeze them, and how long can they stay frozen?

Answers:
Yes - you can freeze cheesecakes. I do it all the time. I have frozen them over a month and they were great! This is the wonderful thing about cheesecakes, is that you can freeze them ahead and use later. Freezing for more than a month is not recommended to retain the best quality.

Cool the cheesecake completely before freezing.

To use bottom of springform pan - Remove the outer rim (sides) of the springform pan, leaving the cheesecake sitting on the bottom of the pan. I then wrap each cheesecake (with the bottom of the pan) with several layers of plastic wrap and then a layer over the outside with aluminum foil.

To use a cardboard bottom - After the cheesecake is completely cooled, use a knife to separate the cheesecake from the pan bottom. Slide it onto a foil-wrapped piece of heavy cardboard. Then wrap each cheesecake (with the bottom of the pan) with several layers of plastic wrap and then a layer over the outside with aluminum foil.

For a cheesecake with topping, such as fruit, always freeze cheesecake WITHOUT the topping and add the topping before serving.

Always thaw a cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator. When partially thawed, transfer it from the cardboard or springform bottom to a serving plate.

springform pan Check out all of Linda's tips and hints on baking cheesecakes:

Baking A Perfect Cheesecake
Baking Cheesecakes Ahead Of Time
Cracks in Cheesecake
Cutting Cheesecake
How To Freeze Cheesecakes
Traveling with Cheesecakes
Springform Pans

Question:
Do I freeze the cheesecake inside the spring form pan or do I take them out. If so, how do I keep them from falling apart. - Craig Bentley (8/02/06)

Answers:
I remove the outer rim of the springform pan and leave the cheesecake sitting on the bottom of the pan. Then wrap with several layers of plastic wrap. They do not fall apart if you do this. Also check out above on using a cardboard bottom.