What is Chicago-style cheesecake?
Eli’s is the definitive Chicago-style cheesecake. In 1980, Eli Schulman declared cheesecake would be the signature dessert for his legendary Chicago steakhouse, Eli’s The Place For Steak. His unconventional fast and hot baking method resulted in the creation of “Chicago-style” cheesecake, caramelized on the outside, creamy on the inside, baked on an all butter shortbread cookie crust. Over 40 years later, we’ve added more delicious sweet treats to the mix, handmade at our bakery in Chicago.
Where is Eli’s Cheesecake made?
All of our desserts are handmade at our family-owned bakery on the Northwest Side of Chicago!
Are your desserts Kosher?
Yes, unless noted otherwise. Our desserts are certified kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. The exceptions are: Double Marshmallow Crispy Bar, Lemon Mixed Berry Cheesecake, and Moscato Berry Tira Mi Su.
What are your dietary & allergen restrictions?
Gluten Free and Gluten Friendly: Our Double Marshmallow Crispy Bars are certified gluten-free. Our Salted Caramel and Hot Chocolate Cheesecakes are made with gluten free ingredients (made in a bakery that uses ingredients containing gluten).
Do you have a store I can visit?
Yes! Eli’s Cheesecake World, our bakery cafe and retail store, is located on Chicago’s northwest side. Shop the largest selection of Eli’s Cheesecake anywhere! Plus, enjoy free parking and free wifi. Call us at 773.205.3800 with any questions. We’re located at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago, IL 60634.
My Eli’s Cheesecake arrived and I’m ready to eat it! How do I thaw it?
Our cheesecakes arrive frozen or cool to the touch, depending on the season. It’s best to thaw your cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight. Please note: if you ordered Dippers® or Cuties they should be stored in the freezer and enjoyed frozen. Tira Mi Su should be stored refrigerated, as you would an Eli’s Cheesecake.
How long can I keep my cheesecake in the fridge once thawed?
Once thawed, cheesecake must be stored in the fridge, where it can be enjoyed for up to 5 days!
What if I don’t finish the whole cheesecake? Can I refreeze it?
Yes! Our cheesecake can be refrozen one time, tightly wrapped, at 0° F for up to 6 months. Pro tip: most of our cheesecakes and desserts are pre sliced, so it’s very convenient to defrost as many slices as you need, and keep the rest in the freezer.
What if I want to enjoy my cheesecake at a later date?
You’re in luck because Eli’s Cheesecake can be stored in your freezer, at 0° F, for up to 6 months!
I order a non-cheesecake item, how should I store and thaw it?
For cakes, brownies, and bars: thaw at room temperature for 2 hours. Once thawed, desserts should be stored at room temperature and can be enjoyed for up to 5 days! Desserts can be refrozen one time, tightly wrapped, at 0° F for up to 6 months. For Tira Mi Su, please store in the refrigerator (follow the instructions for Cheesecakes, above).
How many servings are in a cheesecake?
Generally, 7’’ and 8’’ = 12 servings, 9’’ = 14-16 servings. For exact serving size, please refer to the specific product page.
How will my cheesecake arrive?
All of our orders are shipped in custom packaging on dry ice, which can evaporate in transit. Please do not touch any remaining dry ice with your bare hands.
Why are your desserts frozen?
All of our desserts are handmade and decorated at our bakery in Chicago! As soon as they come out of the oven, they go through a cooling and freezing process to ensure that you get the highest quality, freshest desserts possible.
For your safety, do not handle dry ice with your bare hands and keep away from children. Allow leftover dry ice to melt and turn into gas in a well-ventilated area.
We ship within the contiguous United States! For orders to Hawaii and Alaska, please call us at 1-800-ELI-CAKE (1-800-354-2253) 8am-4pm Monday-Thursday, and 8am-3pm Fridays. At this time, we do not ship to Puerto Rico or internationally.
We do not, as FedEx requires a physical street address. We also cannot ship to AFO/APO addresses.
We do, and you’ll be the talk of the dorm! We strongly recommend you let the college student know a package is coming and that it might require a signature depending on the school’s mail room policies.
Standard Shipping (1-2 days): Eli’s Cheesecakes and desserts are perishable. Unless a future ship date is noted, orders placed Sunday through Wednesday by 8:00am CT will be delivered the same week. Orders placed Wednesday 8:01am CT through Saturday will be delivered the following week via FedEx. ORDERS DELIVERED BY 8:00PM LOCAL TIME. Please call 800-ELI-CAKE for overnight shipping.
Does someone need to be home to accept the package?
No. When sending to a residential address, it is standard practice to leave the package at the door if no one is home. Please advise the recipient a package is coming and to be on the lookout. When shipping to multi-unit buildings, packages may be delivered to an apartment office. ORDERS CAN BE DELIVERED AS LATE AS 8:00PM LOCAL TIME.
My items arrived damaged…what should I do? (Customer Care Policy)
At Eli’s Cheesecake, we pride ourselves on providing the best desserts and customer service to match! If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please give us a call within 15 days from receipt of the product(s) and we will be happy to replace/refund your order. Incorrect addresses provided to us are not applicable for replacements or refunds. Please do not send product(s) back to Eli’s. A photo may be requested for a replacement or refund. A photo may be requested for a replacement or refund. Please contact us at 1-800 ELICAKE (800.354.2253) Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM CT or email us at
customerservice@elicheesecake.com
I have more questions! How can I get them answered?