Should You Freeze No-Bake Cheesecake?

No-bake cheesecake is a popular dessert, which makes sense given how much quicker and easier it is to make compared to it's traditional counterpart. The base is typically made from cream cheese, whipped cream, or condensed milk, sometimes thickened with gelatin or other setting agents so that it firms up in the fridge. While it's a straightforward treat to prepare, one question that comes up often is whether or not you can freeze it. Freezing seems like an easy solution to make it last longer, but is it a good idea? The answer isn't exactly straightforward, because, while you certainly can freeze no-bake cheesecake, you may not want to.

The ingredients in a typical no-bake cheesecake make freezing tricky. Baked cheesecakes generally freeze well, but the no-bake variety can suffer from texture changes when frozen. Whipped cream and gelatin, for instance, don't always hold up in the freezer and can result in grainy or icy cheesecake when thawed. And any ice crystals that form can make the treat denser and overly moist. That said, some recipes do specify that their no-bake cheesecake can be frozen, as certain ingredients and proper storage can help preserve its texture. Still, even with proper freezing, keep in mind that the taste and texture just might not be as satisfying the next time you go to eat it.

If you want to freeze your no-bake cheesecake, and you're willing to risk the possible texture changes, there are some things to keep in mind. Different types of cheesecake will freeze better than others, so check the notes of the recipe you're following. Cheesecakes with less whipped cream or gelatin tend to hold up better in the freezer. Those that incorporate ingredients like Cool Whip, sour cream, or mascarpone might also freeze more successfully since these ingredients are generally more stable when frozen. Cream cheese pie might also be worth looking into if you're set on making something you can freeze for later. And always consider how any toppings will hold up — fresh fruit and whipped cream should generally be removed before prepping for the freezer.

Also, make sure your cheesecake is fully set and firm. Consider slicing it into individual portions before freezing, so you can thaw only what you need at a time. To keep air out and prevent freezer burn, wrap the cheesecake tightly in a couple of layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. No matter how well you wrap it, remember that your frozen cheesecake should be consumed within two to three months; so be sure to thaw and serve it sooner rather than later for the best flavor and texture.