As a seasoned chef who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants and hotels, I can attest to the importance of how long should cheesecake cool before going in the fridge!
After baking a cheesecake, it’s crucial not to immediately store it in the refrigerator as it is a perishable dessert.
Instead, let your cheesecake cool down to room temperature, which typically takes 1-3 hours before going in the fridge. This step is important for preserving the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the cheesecake.
In this article, I will delve into the reasons why it is crucial to let your cheesecake cool properly and provide guidelines for how long it should be left to cool.
Key overview
- Learn how long you should cool a cheesecake before putting it into a fridge.
- The importance of letting a cheesecake cool before refrigerating.
- How you can speed up the process of cooling your cheesecake.
How Long Should Cheesecake Cool Before Going in the Fridge?
You should let your cheesecake cool before going in the fridge on the counter for at least 30 minutes before placing it in the refrigerator. This gives the cheesecake ample time to set and reach a temperature that will not cause condensation to form.
For thicker cheesecakes or those made with additional ingredients such as fruit, it may be necessary to let the cheesecake cool for up to an hour.
This will ensure that the filling is fully set and will prevent cracking or other issues.
Why It’s So Important To Cool Cheesecake Before Refrigerating
When a cheesecake is removed from the oven, the filling is still quite hot and will continue to cook and set as it cools.
Here’s why you should avoid doing this:
- Condensation Build-Up: If you place a hot cheesecake straight into the fridge, it will cause condensation to form inside the cake, resulting in a soggy and unappetizing texture.
- Damaging Your Fridge: Putting anything hot into the refrigerator will increase the temperature inside the appliance, making it work harder to cool back down. This can lead to a shorter lifespan for your fridge and also negatively impact any perishable items you may have stored inside.
Therefore, it’s best to allow your cheesecake to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge for safe storage and optimal enjoyment.
If you were to immediately place the cheesecake in the fridge, the sudden change in temperature could cause the filling to crack and affect the texture of the final product.
Cheesecake needs time to cool down to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the filling. If condensation forms, it can cause the filling to become watery and compromise the flavor and texture of the cheesecake.
How To Cool A Cheesecake Faster
If you’re in a hurry to enjoy your freshly baked cheesecake, don’t worry. You don’t have to wait hours for it to cool down.
Here are 5 tips on how to quickly chill your cheesecake:
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing your cheesecake on a wire rack will allow 360-degree air circulation, which will speed up the cooling process.
- Use a Small Fan: Turn on a small fan and direct it towards your cheesecake placed on a wire rack (if possible) to speed up the cooling process.
- Make a No-Bake Cheesecake: Skip the cooling time altogether by making a no-bake cheesecake. Although it won’t require baking, it will still need to chill for 6-12 hours before serving.
- Use the Freezer: After bringing the cheesecake to room temperature, you can place it in the freezer to set and chill faster. However, be sure not to leave it in the freezer for more than two hours to avoid freezer burn.
- Place a Wet Rag Around the Pan: Wetting a rag with ice-cold water and placing it around the springform pan will bring the temperature down and help the cheesecake to cool quickly.
FAQs
Can I put warm cheesecake in the fridge?
No, you should not put a warm cheesecake in the fridge. Cheesecake should cool to room temperature, which takes around one to three hours, before being placed in the refrigerator.
Do you put cheesecake in fridge right after baking?
No, you should not put your cheesecake in the fridge right after baking. It needs to cool to room temperature first.
How do you cool down a cheesecake quickly?
To quickly cool down a cheesecake, you can use a wire rack for 360-degree air circulation, a small fan, place a wet rag around the pan, put it in the freezer but not for more than two hours, or make a no-bake cheesecake.
Summary
s a seasoned chef who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants and hotels, I recommend allowing the cheesecake to cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes to an hour before placing it in the refrigerator. This will give the cheesecake ample time to set and prevent cracking or other issues.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, taking the time to properly cool your cheesecake will result in a dessert that you can be proud to serve.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “how long should cheesecake cool before going in the fridge?” is crucial to ensure that your cheesecake has the best possible texture, flavor, and appearance.
