How Long Should Cheesecake Cool Before Going In Fridge?
Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert and there’s nothing quite like it! It comes in various shapes, sizes, and tasty fillings, and it’s super fun to make at home.
While it is impossible for us to pick a favorite dessert, baked cheesecake does make a good contender.
Baked in an oven using a water bath, one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth, yet firm texture is allowing it to cool before keeping it in the fridge.
So, how long should a cheesecake cool before going in the fridge? A freshly baked cheesecake should be left on the kitchen counter for 1-2 hours before going in the fridge.
Read on to find out why it is so important to cool a freshly baked cheesecake before refrigerating it and some of the best ways to do it!
How To Cool A Freshly Baked Cheesecake
Cooling a freshly baked cheesecake before putting it in the fridge is just as important as baking it properly. It is a crucial, yet often overlooked, step that can affect the look and texture of the cheesecake if not done properly.
It’s important to remember to be patient and allow it to cool for a couple of hours at room temperature, and then for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator as well.
When a freshly baked, warm cheesecake is refrigerated, it causes condensation to occur, resulting in water droplets forming on the cake.
This may cause the middle part of the cake to become runny and the bottom part to turn soggy. A warm cheesecake exposed to sudden low temperatures may also contract and break.
The cooling process plays an important role in giving your cheesecake that beautiful velvety texture and you must resist the urge to keep in the fridge while it is warm or to cut it up instantly.
Here are step-by-step instructions for cooling a cheesecake at room temperature before putting it in the fridge:
- Turn off the oven once you’re sure that the cheesecake isn’t raw anymore.
- Leave the oven door open and let the cheesecake cool inside for at least 1 hour.
- After an hour, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack on the countertop.
- Place the wire rack in the coolest part of your kitchen if you live in a hot and humid area.
- Let it cool for at least 1-2 hours before transferring it to the fridge.
- After it has adequately cooled down, you can move it to the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour so that it can firm up.
Once the cheesecake has firmed up, remove it from the fridge and carefully take it out of the springform pan. Lift the sides carefully off the cheesecake and cover it in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container.
For the best results, let it cool overnight in the refrigerator since the longer it has to chill, the richer it will taste and have the perfect texture.
You can keep the securely wrapped cheesecake in the fridge for 5 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips For Cooling Cheesecake Quickly
All good things take time. The process of cooling a cheesecake cannot be rushed and requires patience on your part. There are, however, several easy ways to speed up the cooling process that include:
Placing A Fan Next To The Cheesecake
After you’ve taken the cheesecake out of the oven and placed it on a wire rack to cool, place a fan next to it, especially if you have a hot kitchen or are baking during summertime.
The gentle air from the fan will expedite the process and help cool it much quicker than normal.
Wrapping A Cool Towel Around The Cheesecake Pan
As a way to accelerate the cooling process, you may also try wrapping a cool towel around the springform pan as it will regulate the temperature of the cheesecake and reduce the heat, helping it cool down much faster.
Keep in mind, though, that cheesecakes are delicate desserts and must be handled with care.
If they are cooled down too quickly, the surface of the cheesecake could crack. Therefore, it is always best to not rush the process and let the cheesecake cool down at its own pace.
If you’re interested in making a “burnt” cheesecake, check out this recipe from Joshua Weissman!
