How long does cheesecake last?

Checked 25 Oct 20263 official publishers, 3 sources

Opened: 5-7 days in the fridge.

Storage times for cheesecake by state and place
StateCounterFridge 40 °FFreezer 0 °F
Opened 2 hours max CDC 5-7 days FoodKeeper Not stated
Purchased Not stated Not stated 3-6 months best quality FoodKeeper
Homemade, leftovers 2 hours max CDC 4 days Extension Not stated
Times assume continuous refrigeration at 40 °F or below. When in doubt, throw it out. Freezer times are for quality: “Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.” FDA

Sources compared

SourceStateCounterFridgeFreezer
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Opened-5-7 days-
CDC 2025Opened2 hours--
USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper) 2018Purchased--3-6 months
CDC 2025Homemade, leftovers2 hours--
Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine)Homemade, leftovers-4 days-

A dash means that source gives no time for that place.

Handling and freezing notes

  • “Allow plenty of time for the cheesecake to cool on the counter before refrigerating, 2 ½ to 3 hours.” Extension
  • “When cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold and firmly set, at least 6 hours (overnight is best).” Extension
  • “Let the cheesecake stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.” Extension

What the sources say

FoodKeeper gives cheesecake 5 to 7 days in the fridge after opening.1

For the freezer it lists 3 to 6 months, counted from the date of purchase.1

For a cheesecake baked at home, Iowa State University Extension says leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in a tightly covered container, a shorter window than the FoodKeeper time for an opened cheesecake.31

Its AnswerLine advice starts before the cake reaches the fridge: let it cool on the counter for 2 ½ to 3 hours, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.3

The wrapped cake then goes into the refrigerator until cold and firmly set, at least 6 hours and best overnight, which Iowa State says makes it easier to cut and gives the flavors time to develop.3

Because the whole process takes at least 12 hours including chilling, it recommends making the cheesecake a day ahead of serving.3

When serving, Iowa State suggests letting the cheesecake stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.3

Rules that apply here

Freezing and refreezingFridge and freezer temperature
Cream cheeseCheese

Sources

  1. USDA FoodKeeper data v128, product 198: Cheesecake. USDA FSIS (FoodKeeper). Dated 2018-09-06. Checked 2026-10-24. Cheesecake. Refrigerate_After_Opening: 5-7 Days; DOP_Freeze: 3-6 Months
  2. Preventing Food Poisoning | Food Safety | CDC. CDC. Dated 2025-11-24. Checked 2026-10-24. Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).
  3. Cheesecake! It’s What’s for Dessert! • AnswerLine • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Iowa State University Extension (AnswerLine). No date on the page. Checked 2026-10-25. Should there be leftovers, refrigerate for up to 4 days in a tightly covered container.Allow plenty of time for the cheesecake to cool on the counter before refrigerating, 2 ½ to 3 hours.When cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold and firmly set, at least 6 hours (overnight is best).Let the cheesecake stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  4. REFRIGERATOR & FREEZER STORAGE CHART. FDA. Dated 2018-03-01. Checked 2026-10-24. Because freezing 0° F (-18° C) keeps food safe indefinitely, the following recommended storage times are for quality only.