How long can I leave a freshly baked cheesecake out before it goes in the refrigerator?

Question

We just baked a cheesecake and are heading over to family's house for the rest of the evening. Is it ok to leave the cheesecake out for 6 hours or so before being refrigerated?

Answer

Referring to the quotes from the below links;

• “Baked cheesecake should be refrigerated as soon as it is cool or it may develop harmful bacteria from heat resistant spores.” http://www.canfightbac.org/cpcfse/en/cookwell/ask/dairy/#2085

• “Foods made with eggs and milk such as pumpkin pie, custard pie and cheesecake, must first be safely baked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 °F. Then, they must be refrigerated after baking. Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content and when these baked products are left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. It's not necessary to refrigerate most other cakes, cookies or breads unless they have a perishable filling or frosting.” http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Hotline_Answers_Panic_Button_Questions/index.asp

When to throw it out; a quote from the link below;

“Refrigerator Foods When to Save and When to Throw It Out
FOOD..................... Held above 40 °F for over 2 hours
Cheesecake............ Discard http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/keeping_food_safe_during_an_emergency/index.asp

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