The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Cheesecake

Cheesecake is one of the most luxurious desserts imaginable, with its decadent, silky filling and creamy-crusty contrast. And whether you're making one from scratch as a great way to use up that leftover block of cream cheese, or going for a convenient store-bought version (like one of the hidden gems in the Trader Joe's freezer aisle), a cheesecake stashed in the freezer may be better than money in the bank.

Yet thawing your frozen cheesecake can be a tricky situation — especially if you're pressed for time — because most important to this process is patience and — if possible — a little advance planning. The optimal way to bring your creamy creation from its solid state to a fork-tender iteration is to remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight.

While it may not be the fastest way to get your cheesecake fix, if you follow this protocol you can be sure your go-to dessert is at its absolute best texture and flavor when you're ready to serve. That said, there are a few other strategies if the dessert situation gets dire.

If you don't have the luxury of a full overnight thaw, you can settle for a slightly speedier process by setting your cheesecake on the counter for four to five hours. You'll want to be cautious when it comes to food safety and keep an eye on the ambient temperature. Since it's coming from the freezer, you have a bit more time than you would with a room-temperature cheesecake, which you shouldn't leave out of cold storage for more than two hours.

Another handy trick is to slice it up first, as smaller sections will thaw in a shorter time (closer to about 45 minutes). This is helpful if you don't need to present the cake in its entirety, or if a single serving will do the trick.

Once thawed, you can keep your cake in the fridge for up to five days, but make sure to cover it in between snacking so you don't end up with a dry, crumbly, cracking situation — or pieces that have soaked up other unpleasant odors. Double down on protection by wrapping in it plastic and then stashing it in an airtight container. No matter how you slice it, even if you've figured out how to avoid disastrous mistakes that will ruin your cheesecake, this defrosting tip will help ensure you never destroy a perfectly frozen masterpiece.