Cherry Cheesecake

A store-bought, unopened cherry cheesecake can last for about a week beyond the sell-by date when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F. After opening, it should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best quality, but may still be safe to eat for up to 7 days if stored properly. If the cheesecake is homemade and depending on the ingredients used, it's usually good for about 5-7 days in the fridge. Should you wish to extend the cheesecake’s life, freezing is an excellent option. Properly stored, it will maintain the best quality for about 2-3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.

Determining if your cherry cheesecake has gone bad isn't too difficult. Common signs include a noticeable change in color or texture, a sour or unpleasant smell, and change in taste. If mold begins to appear on any part of the cheesecake, that is a surefire sign that it's no longer good to eat. If you aren't sure, it's best to error on the side of safety and discard it.

• Always store your cheesecake in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. • To prevent drying out, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. • If you need to store the cheesecake for longer periods, consider freezing it. Just make sure to properly wrap it in plastic and then in a layer of aluminum foil to keep out moisture and prevent freezer burn. • To thaw a frozen cheesecake, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. • Never leave cheesecake out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can start to grow at an unsafe rate.