How long can Cheesecake be left out before is needs to refrigerated?

Cheesecake should be refrigerated within two hours of being taken out of the refrigerator.

Here's why:

* Food safety: Cheesecake is a dairy product, making it susceptible to bacteria growth at room temperature. Leaving it out for too long can lead to spoilage and potential foodborne illness.

* Quality: Cheesecake will start to soften and become less appealing after being out for a while. The flavors can also become muted.

Exceptions:

* Unbaked cheesecake batter: Unbaked cheesecake batter can be left out for up to 30 minutes while you prepare the crust.

* Cheesecake with a fruit topping: If you're serving cheesecake with a fruit topping, you can leave it out for up to two hours as long as the fruit is kept chilled.

To be safe, always err on the side of caution and refrigerate your cheesecake as soon as possible.