Cheesecake has a reputation for being difficult to master. The elusive perfect cheesecake is considered a mythical creature in many households, as one attempt after another results in darkened tops, cracked surfaces, lumpy mix and caved-in centers. A great cheesecake is only difficult to make if you don't know a couple of baking secrets that will help keep these things from happening. With these tips for how to make a great cheesecake, you won't have to pay exorbitant rates for premade cheesecake anymore, or spend holiday preparation in terror that the pride of the dessert table will be ruined by these seemingly unavoidable issues.
Proper mixing
There are two things you don't want in a cheesecake: lumps and air bubbles. The first comes from under-mixing, the second from over-mixing. How do you find the happy medium? Quite simply, by premixing individual ingredients before adding them to the main concoction. In other words, make sure that your cream cheese is at room temperature, and even stir it in a separate bowl until it's smooth and creamy (don't whip it!). Beat eggs lightly before adding to the bowl. This ensures that all ingredients will blend together smoothly with minimal stirring.
Save the tops
Keep the top of your cheesecake from cracking or darkening unevenly by baking it in a steam bath. Place a pan filled with about one-half to one inch of water on the bottom rack in your oven, and then bake the cheesecake on the rack above it, roughly in the center of your oven. The steam will help the entire cheesecake bake evenly, regardless of how heat is typically distributed in your oven.
Don't let it fall
If you've managed to bake a great cheesecake that's free of lumps, air, cracks and discolorations, it's heartbreaking to see is the center fall in. To solve this: Instead of removing the cheesecake from the oven as soon as it's done, shut off the heat and open the oven door. Let the cheesecake sit untouched for about 15-20 minutes, and then move it to a cooling rack. Leave it on the rack until it's completely cool, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
That's all it takes to make sure your cheesecake comes out perfect!
This dulce de leche cheesecake recipe cuts out some of the complicated steps when making an authentic dulce de leche sauce. |
Treat your guests to a tropical adventure when you prepare this fruit custard recipe with toasted coconut. Serve this raspberry and passion fruit custard dessert at your next backyard barbecue or pool party. |
If you want a fun and delicious dessert to serve to your kids or party guests, try creating these simple cheesecake bars. |
If you're looking for a lighter cheesecake, you may want to learn how to make authentic Italian ricotta cheesecake. This delightful dessert has a light taste and texture and has a hint of citrus and cinnamon underlying the vanilla base note. |
This rich and delicious pumpkin cheesecake will be a welcome change from the same old pumpkin pie. |
If you're dreaming of digging into a scrumptious slice of turtle cheesecake, you're in luck. Crunchy pecans, dark chocolate, creamy vanilla and sweet caramel make this the best turtle cheesecake recipe. |
In the mood for a tangy, but creamy slice of lemon cheesecake? There are many variations of easy lemon cheesecake recipes available, but this basic recipe can be used both to make a lemon biscotti cheesecake and a raspberry lemon cheesecake. |
If you want to make a tangy key lime cheesecake, but you've been intimidated by past failures, try again. This key lime cheesecake recipe is simple to prepare and comes out beautiful. |
Dozens of recipes for New York cheesecake, italian ricotta cheesecake, tofu cheesecake and even cheesecake bars. |
The real secret of how to make cheesecake comes down to choosing the right recipe. Start with a basic recipe for classic cheesecake and then select the best quality ingredients you can find. |
Enjoy these creamy, key lime cakes for a perfect summer dessert. |
Longing for a slice of creamy vanilla cheesecake, complete with strawberry or cherry topping? Try creating your own with this perfect New York style cheesecake recipe. |
Longing for a slice of cheesecake, but can't tolerate dairy products? This tofu cheesecake recipe is tailored to create a rich, creamy dessert that will satisfy your cravings without upsetting your stomach. |
