Method
- Preparation is Key. Let your cream cheese come to room temperature instead of using it out of the fridge – if it’s too cold it will be too difficult to mix.
- Bake Away. Try not to open the oven door part way through baking – the change in temperature inside the oven can cause the cracks to form.
- Be Cool.
Grease the pan. “Yes,even if it’s nonstick,” Catherine says.
How to bake cheesecake without cracking it?
The steam from the hot water will lift the cheesecake up slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of cracks on the surface. The slow and even steam baking method helps prevent the cheesecake from sinking back down as it cools. As you can read, taking a few extra minutes to prepare a water bath for your cheesecake is well worth it.
Why does cheesecake crack when it rises?
Cheesecakes are egg-heavy. Eggs need a moist and humid environment to properly rise and avoid drying out or burning. The steam from the hot water will lift the cheesecake up slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of cracks on the surface. The slow and even steam baking method helps prevent the cheesecake from sinking back down as it cools.
How do you keep a cake from cracking when baking?
Set your cake pan inside the water bath (it’s a good idea to wrap it in foil—even if it says leak-proof!) and fill the pan with boiling water. Then bake as normal. The water bath helps bake the cake more evenly and “it provides a moist atmosphere that’ll keep it from drying out and cracking,” says Catherine.
What causes cheesecake to crack on top?
As cheesecake cools, it contracts, and if the edges remain stuck to the pan, cracks form. Don’t overbake the cheesecake: take it out of the oven when still a little jiggly the center. Cracks form when the cheesecake gets too dry.
What does a water bath do for cheesecake?
A water bath, also known as a bain marie, is simply a pan of hot water that protects your delicate cheesecake while it’s baking in the oven. This method not only helps the cheesecake not crack on top, but also ensures the cheesecake will come out smooth and creamy.
Should I leave my cheesecake in the oven to cool?
Many recipes say to let the cheesecake sit in the turned-off oven with the door cracked for about an hour, then let it cool completely on the counter. It also needs to spend four hours, or ideally overnight, in the fridge before slicing and eating, to ensure the perfect velvety smooth texture.
How long should cheesecake cool before going in fridge?
The best thing to do instead is to let the cheesecake cool for about one to two hours before refrigerating it. This will help maintain the quality of the cake. However, cheesecake should not be left out for too long.
What happens if you don’t bake cheesecake in a water bath?
But it’s less possible to bake an excellent cheesecake without one. Big, showstopper cheesecakes baked without a water bath are more likely to overbake, which will give them a curdled texture, cracks in the surface, and lopsided tops.
How do you keep a cheesecake from cracking without a water bath?
Leave the cheesecake inside for about 1 hour. Again, sudden changes in temperature often cause cracking. Once the cheesecake is at room temperature, cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill 4-8 hours or overnight (my preferred length of time).
Should I put a pan of water in the oven with my cheesecake?
Cheesecakes are egg based, and they need low heat. Position baking rack in center of oven and place cheesecake in center of middle oven rack. Place a shallow pan full of water on the lower rack in the oven. The water will also help minimize cracking in the top of the cheesecake.
Should I cover my cheesecake in the fridge?
You want the cheesecake to be wrapped as air tightly as possible. Proper wrapping can prevent the cheesecake from drying out in the fridge or freezer. In addition, it will keep the flavor of the cheesecake in tact, blocking outside odors from being absorbed.
Why did my jiggly cheesecake crack?
This is because if it is not greased well when the cheesecake batter is about to rise, the batter will be pulled by the lining paper if it sticks to it and it causes the top of the cake to crack. Also, if the baking temperature is too high the cake can crack. Every oven is different, so knowing your oven is important.
What happens if you overbake cheesecake?
Overbaked cheesecake will cause unattractive cracks and a dry, crumbly texture. Because cheesecake is a custard, it won’t be completely firm when done. The easiest way to make sure you don’t overbake it is to give it a little jiggle. Take a wooden spoon and give the cake pan a gentle tap on the side.
Do you Cool cheesecake in springform pan?
If the recipe calls for the cheescake to finish baking in a turned-off oven, do so. However, if you are to remove it from the oven, do not leave it in to cool. 8. Do not attempt to remove your cheesecake from the pan until it has chilled overnight, at least 12 hours.
Can I freeze cheesecake to make it set faster?
Do not freeze the cheesecake to set it. The filling won’t slice and you’ll lose the velvet texture! You can put a no bake cheesecake in the freezer but make sure you check on it after 2–3 hours to see how it is doing.
Why does cheesecake need to be refrigerated overnight?
Cheesecake must be refrigerated even after it has been baked. No one enjoys throwing out delicious foods, but if it has been compromised, it is for the best. Both milk and eggs are high in protein and the moisture that makes cheesecake especially prone to growing bacteria quickly.
How do you prevent a cake roll from cracking?
How to Prevent Cracks in Cheesecake
It is possible that this content contains affiliate links.Please take the time to read my disclosure policy.I’ve compiled a list of my best techniques for baking a flawlessly smooth cheesecake.
Cheesecake has always been one of my favorite sweets, and it continues to remain so.Every year for Christmas, my mother cooked the most wonderful amaretto cheesecake.Rather than counting down the days until Santa arrives, I’d rather be counting down the days till that cheesecake arrives.Cheesecake is a classic dessert that is always beautiful and decadent to serve.Even though cheesecake appears to be intimidating and difficult, there’s nothing to be afraid of!
- Take your time with the recipe and make sure you have gone through all of the directions before you begin to prepare it!
- Simple methods and practices will help you prevent lumps and cracks in your next cheesecake, and they are as follows:
Preparing Cheesecake
- Make use of cream cheese that has been allowed to come to room temperature. It is more difficult to combine cold cream cheese, and lumps are more likely to occur.
- Make care to thoroughly combine all of the cheesecake ingredients (except from the eggs), removing any possible lumps in the cream cheese along the way.
- Eggs contain air in the batter, which can produce splits if the batter rises too much. As a result, once the eggs have been added, mix them as little as possible.
- Always use a springform pan and a water bath for your cake. This is the most effective method of avoiding cheesecake cracks. More information on my simple water bath approach may be found below.
Baking Cheesecake
- While the cheesecake is baking inside the oven, avoid opening the door or vent. Drafts and temperature variations are frequently responsible for large fractures
- avoid overbaking! Cracking is caused by this factor the most frequently. When the cheesecake is finished baking, there will still be a shaky region in the center of the cheesecake measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Additionally, the edges will be little puffy.
Cooling Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has finished baking in the oven, just switch off the oven and open the door a bit. Leave the cheesecake in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour. Cracking is frequently caused by abrupt temperature fluctuations, as was the case previously.
- Once the cheesecake has reached room temperature, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours or overnight (whichever is longer).
No-Bake Cheesecake
Trying to save time by skipping the baking and chilling process? Make my no-bake cheesecake for dessert.
What is a Cheesecake Water Bath?
- Water baths are frequently used in the baking of cheesecakes. The cheesecake is baked in its circular springform pan, which is then put into a bigger pan filled with boiling water. This is all there is to it. It is necessary to employ this procedure since cheesecake thrives in a moist environment! Cheesecakes include a lot of eggs. For eggs to properly rise and to avoid drying out or burning, they require a wet and humid atmosphere.
- When the cheesecake is lifted gently and evenly by the steam from the hot water, it reduces the likelihood of cracks appearing on the top surface.
- Slow and consistent steam baking helps to keep the cheesecake from sinking back down as it cools down.
Taking a few extra minutes to create a water bath for your cheesecake is definitely worth the effort, as you can see from the instructions above. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is!
How to Make a Water Bath:
- Wrap the bottom and edges of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent it from sticking.
- Place the cheesecake pan in a big roasting pan to prevent it from overflowing. Fill the cheesecake pan to the brim with the filling. After that, fill the roasting pan halfway with boiling water (approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep). I normally fill the roasting pan halfway with water once it is placed in the oven to bake since it is difficult to move a roasting pan full with water with a cheesecake inside of it into the oven without spilling
Alternate Water Bath Option
In case you don’t want to take the chance of water seeping into your springform pan, I have an additional water bath option that works fantastically.In fact, it’s exactly what I recommend when making my key lime cheesecake recipe.A big roasting pan will still be required, but it will be placed on the bottom shelf of the oven beneath the cheesecake while it bakes.
Bring a kettle of water to a boil.Make sure you have enough water in the roasting pan for the water bath, as you will need 1 inch of water for the water bath.Place a big metal baking or roasting pan on the bottom oven rack of the preheated oven (I generally use a 9×13 inch baking pan–do not use a glass baking pan).Fill the pan with hot water until it is approximately 1 inch deep.Place the cheesecake on the center shelf of the oven right away.
- Close the oven door to keep the steam trapped within.
This one-of-a-kind water bath delivers steam to the oven without requiring the cheesecake to be baked directly in the water.There’s nothing to be concerned about if your cheesecake has a few cracks in it.Using a fruity sauce or whipped cream to cover everything helps to hide the mess.
Now it’s time to make some cheesecake!Subscribe Making a Cake is a Piece of Cake Are you a first-time visitor to this website?Getting started with this email series is a terrific idea.I’ll take you through a handful of my most popular recipes and explain why they’re so effective in the process.
How to Keep Cheesecake from Cracking
Article to be downloaded article to be downloaded Cracks on the surface of cheesecakes are a well-known problem with this dessert.Aside from remembering to avoid overbeating and overbaking the batter, most cracks can be avoided by simply following the directions on the package.If you’re really concerned about maintaining the appearance of your cheesecake, you can take a few additional steps to achieve that smooth, pristine surface.
- 1 Lightly grease a baking pan. When a cheesecake is baked, it shrinks as it cools. It is possible that if you do not sufficiently oil the sides of your pan, the cheesecake will stick to the sides and rip apart in the middle as it shrinks. Using butter to grease the pan helps the cheesecake to peel away from the sides and shrink into the pan. Greasing the pan can be accomplished with cooking spray, butter, margarine, or shortening. It is generally recommended that you avoid using a dripping wet pan since the sides and bottom will seem shiny and feel greasy to the touch
- however, this is not always possible.
- A clean paper towel can be used to distribute shortening, spray, or butter evenly along the sides of the pan.
2 Lightly combine ingredients.Stop mixing the batter as soon as all of the ingredients have been well incorporated and the batter is smooth.Inadequately mixing the batter can result in air bubbles becoming trapped inside, and it is these trapped air bubbles that are ultimately the primary cause of fractures.
Inside the oven, the air bubbles that have formed in the batter have expanded and are attempting to escape.They rise to the surface of the cheesecake and break away, leaving a fracture or depression in the cheesecake’s top.
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- 3 Consider adding a starch to the batter to make it thicker. Along with the sugar, stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) to 1/4 cup (60 mL) of cornstarch or flour to the batter until well combined. The quantity of cracking that can develop is reduced by the use of starches. The starch molecules bind to the egg proteins, preventing them from over-coagulating and coagulating excessively. A byproduct of this is that the cheesecake shrinks less, resulting in fewer fractures.
- If you’re working with a recipe that already contains flour or cornstarch, you may not need to add any additional flour or cornstarch. It’s possible that the dish’s author has previously considered the issue of starch while creating the recipe.
- 4 Finally, add the eggs. Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients of the batter together, and as a result, they are the most important component responsible for trapping air bubbles within the cheesecake. Before adding the eggs, thoroughly combine the remaining ingredients to limit the quantity of air bubbles that may be trapped. Ensure that any lumps generated by the cream cheese or other ingredients are thoroughly beaten away before adding the eggs.
- After you’ve added the eggs, try to mix the mixture as little as possible.
- 5 Place the pan in a water bath to cool. While a warm water bath helps to maintain high levels of moisture in the oven, the most essential benefit is that it helps to keep the cheesecake from becoming too hot throughout the baking process. Before you begin, line the sides and bottom of the cheesecake pan with aluminum foil to act as an additional barrier between the water and the cake. If at all possible, use heavy-duty aluminum foil and cover the outside of the pan as tightly as you possibly can
- The cheesecake pan should be placed within a bigger pan. Warm water should be added to the bigger pan to a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm), or just enough water to cover half of the pan’s depth.
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1 Preheat the oven to a low temperature.Bake your cheesecake at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results (160 degrees Celsius).Cooking the cheesecake at a low temperature can reduce the likelihood of cracking, while cooking it at a high temperature can increase the likelihood of cracking the cake.
If the recipe asks for it, you can bake a cheesecake at a lower temperature, but avoid baking it at temps greater than this.When cooked at high temperatures, the egg proteins overcoagulate, causing the cheesecake to crack on the surface and split apart.
2 Consider turning off the heat a little earlier than usual.Instead of leaving the oven on for the entire time, lower the temperature down to roughly 45 minutes after you’ve started cooking.Continue to bake the cheesecake for another hour or until it is done.
The batter should continue to bake in the preheated oven until it is done.Gently baking the cheesecake for the last hour keeps it from overbaking, which is crucial since overbaking can result in cracks forming in the cheesecake layer.
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- 1 Use an instant-read thermometer to determine whether the food is done. Near the conclusion of the cooking time, insert the tip of an instant-read cooking thermometer into the center of the cheesecake and check the temperature. After reaching a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), the cheesecake should be taken out of the oven and allowed to cool. While baking, the internal temperature of the cheesecake must not exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Using a thermometer will create a hole in the center of your cheesecake
- if you like a flawlessly smooth top, you may avoid this step altogether. Many individuals, on the other hand, believe that a hole is significantly less distracting than surface fractures. Due to the fact that the thermometer will allow you to monitor the doneness on a precise level, it is a significant instrument in the war against surface cracking and has several advantages
- 2 Be careful not to overbake the cheesecake. The cheesecake is finished when the outer perimeter is hard but the middle is still wobbly, which is 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) in circumference. It is important to note that while the center should appear fluid and wiggly, it should not appear runny.
- The center of the cheesecake will firm up as it cools
- but, if you bake the cheesecake until the center seems dry, you will end up drying up the entire cheesecake. Another element that contributes to surface cracking is the dryness of the air.
3 Run a knife down the edge of the pan to loosen any stuck-on food.After removing the cheesecake from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before moving it to a cooling rack.Afterwards, run a clean paring knife around the inner sides of the pan to loosen it from its pan and carefully lift the cheesecake from the pan.
Seeing as how cheesecakes shrink as they cool, this motion helps to keep the dessert from sticking to and breaking apart at the middle of the pan as it shrinks as it cools.
- 4 Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly. Permitting the cheesecake to cool at room temperature until the cake itself has reached room temperature is recommended. After removing the cheesecake from the oven, do not immediately place it in the refrigerator. Cracks might emerge as a result of the sudden change in temperature.
- As the cheesecake cools, place an inverted plate or baking sheet over it to keep the surface from cracking.
- After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for another six hours, or until it has completely solidified.
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- Question Add a new question Question Are all of these suggestions applicable to an Italian ricotta cheese cake as well? Yes, these suggestions will work for any type of cheesecake. It makes no difference what kind of cheesecake you make as long as you follow these guidelines to keep it from breaking. In order to remove the spring from the cheesecake, should I place a plate or cookie sheet on top of it? No. First, check to be that your cheesecake has completely set and has cooled before proceeding. Separate the cheesecake from the spring form by running a fine blade knife along the border of the cheesecake. Then, carefully remove the spring form and place your cheesecake on a serving tray to cool. Before baking, line your spring form pan with parchment paper to achieve the best results.
- Concerning the Question Instead of wrapping the pan in foil and placing it in a pan of water, may I simply place a pan of boiling water on the rack below the cheesecake while it bakes instead of using foil and water? No. If you want the water to cook the cheesecake, placing a pan of water beneath the cake would most likely result in it steaming rather than cooking. I overwhipped the ingredients, resulting in several cracks in the cheesecake. I used a Kitchen Aide mixer for this project. What is the ideal approach to combine components such that they are completely absorbed and cracking is minimized? Maggie Hamilton Provides a Community Response You may try mixing the mixture using a handheld utensil first, and then you could just mix it slowly after that. Keep a close watch on the mixture the next time you make it to ensure that it is properly blended. I baked a cheesecake, and it turned out beautifully. I made it a second and third time, following the recipe precisely as the first time, and both times the cake broke significantly. Will they be able to be sliced correctly or will they collapse when sliced? Since they’ve already been prepared, you may as well try to cut them into slices.
- If you cut carefully from the centre outwards, they might slice correctly.
- Cooking time for my chocolate chip cheesecake at 325oF is only 55 minutes, so I’m not worried about time. I want to employ the ″turn off the oven early″ approach, but I’m not sure how soon I should turn off the oven. After 45-50 minutes, turn off the oven and set it aside for a few minutes. Observe how it is doing at 55 minutes and remove it to cool. My cheesecake is encased in a puff pastry shell. Is it necessary to oil the cheesecake pan first, and then add the crust? Is it okay to place parchment paper on the bottom and do I need to oil the parchment paper? Yes, oil the pan first, then put the crust in it. Maybe even a little butter or oil on the crust to give it a little browning. And, yes, you can put parchment paper down and grease the parchment paper.
- Question I overwhipped the ingredients, resulting in several cracks in the cheesecake. I used a Kitchen Aid mixer for this project. What is the ideal approach to combine components such that they are completely absorbed and cracking is minimized? Piper Bruns Provides a Community Response You might use a hand mixer or a whisk so that you can feel when the resistance begins to build up and prevent the ingredients from getting overwhipped.
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- If your cheesecake continues to crack, you may conceal the crack by cutting the dessert from the crack as a starting point.
- In addition, you may conceal cracks by pouring sour cream or whipped cream on top of the cheesecake, or by drizzling the dessert with a topping or sauce.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, you may bake the cheesecake in a regular cake pan that has been coated with baking paper instead (bottom and sides). This pan is then placed into a larger pan, which is then filled halfway to the top with boiling water. When the cheesecake is finished baking, allow it to cool completely according to the manufacturer’s directions before inverting it onto a big plate (which should also be coated with baking paper so that the filling doesn’t cling) and re-inverting it onto a clean serving plate.
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Things You’ll Need
- Cooking spray, butter, margarine, or shortening are all acceptable substitutes.
- Large pan with water
- paper towel
- cornstarch or flour
- heavy-gauge aluminum foil
- Cooking thermometer with instant read
- Knife for paring
- a plate or baking sheet
About This Article
Summary of the ArticleXCracks in cheesecake occur when the batter contains an excessive amount of air bubbles or when the cake shrinks during baking.To avoid these cracks, only lightly mix the batter and avoid overmixing, as overmixing will result in the formation of air bubbles in the batter.You may also experiment with adding a spoonful of cornstarch or flour to the mixture, which will help to keep the batter from shrinking after it has been baked.
Make sure to oil the pan completely before adding the batter.You may use cooking spray, butter, or shortening to do this.As the cheesecake cools, this will prevent it from pushing away from the pan and splitting as it does so.When you remove the pan from the oven, set it in a larger pan of heated water to soak for a few minutes.It will cool down more slowly as a result, and it will be less prone to break.
- Continue reading to find out how to remove your cheesecake from the pan without it splitting.
- Did you find this overview to be helpful?
- The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 168,464 times.
A big fear of every baker is a cracked cheesecake. Our Test Kitchen explains how to avoid these cracks (and how to patch them).
Cheesecake is one of our favorite sweets here at Taste of Home HQ, but it’s also one of the most difficult to make correctly (we’ve made lots of blunders in the past).If you make a single mistake, you might wind up with a massive fracture that completely wrecks your presentation.Not every baker’s worst nightmare, would you say?
Cracks in your favorite cheesecake recipe, on the other hand, are simple to avoid.For tips on making cracked cheesecake a thing of the past, I spoke with Catherine Ward, our prep kitchen manager and master cheesecake baker, on why cheesecakes are prone to cracking and how to prevent it.
What Causes a Cheesecake to Crack?
It is necessary to understand what causes cheesecake defects before you can prevent them.The primary reasons why cakes break, according to Catherine, are as follows: The first is that they have been overbaked and are now dry.Cakes that are too dry will not hold together in a single piece because they lack the necessary moisture.
It’s critical to avoid overbaking cheesecakes because they’re quite delicate.Split tops can also develop as a result of the cooling process.As the cake cools, it shrinks in size.Because it is shrinking and cooling, the cake might pull and split if any portion of it becomes attached to the side of the pan.
How to Prevent a Cracked Cheesecake
Taste of Home To keep your cheesecake from cracking, Catherine says there’s no single technique that’ll do the trick. Instead, she recommends a handful of techniques that help ensure success.
Grease the pan
Yes, even if it’s a nonstick surface, explains Catherine. Cheesecakes are prone to cracking as they cool and shrink. If any part of the cake adheres to the edge, it has the potential to pull on the edge of the cake as it compresses, resulting in a gash in the cake. Catherine suggests a little application of cooking spray to be on the safe side just in case.
Don’t overbeat the eggs
In the last stage, Catherine recommends waiting to add the eggs and just beating until barely combined—not more than that. She adds that the more eggs you put into the cheesecake batter, the more air you introduce into the cheesecake batter. The more air you have in your batter, the more probable it is that your cheesecake will expand, shrink, and eventually break.
Always use a water bath
Water baths are an excellent way to prevent cracked cake from occurring, even when the recipe does not call for this procedure.Every single cheesecake made in our Test Kitchen is baked in a water bath, and just look at how gorgeous they turn out!All you need to make a water bath (also known as a bain-marie) is a high-sided pan and plenty of boiling hot water.
Placing your cake pan inside the water bath (it’s a good idea to wrap it in aluminum foil—even if it says leak-proof!) and filling the pan halfway with boiling water is a smart idea.Then bake as you normally would.Using a water bath to bake the cake helps it bake more uniformly, and it also ″provides a moist environment that will protect it from drying out and breaking,″ according to Catherine.
Keep the cheesecake away from the top of the oven
Cracks can also appear when the top of the cake bakes too rapidly, which is a common occurrence.Catherine recommended that you move the cheesecake down a few inches in the oven to avoid it from becoming too brown on the top.It’s true that the middle rack is normally the best for baking, but with cheesecake, it’s vital to leave some breathing area between the pan and the oven.
According to Catherine, it is not necessary to slide your rack all the way to the bottom, but even a single rung from the middle can make a significant difference.
Don’t overbake
As with a regular cake, it might be tempting to bake a cheesecake until the center is set, but Catherine warns that once the center of a cheesecake is set, it has been overbaked, and overbaked cheesecakes are more likely to crack.A short wobbling test may be used to determine whether or not your cake is done.Use a wooden spoon to tap the side of your springform pan to get this effect.
If the cake starts to ripple, it isn’t there.Bake until it wobbles little and moves as a whole, at which point it is done.
Run a knife around the edge
After removing the cake from the oven and allowing it to cool for approximately ten minutes, Catherine recommends running a dull knife over the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. This will guarantee that nothing is stuck to the inside rim of the cake, which might cause it to break.
How to Fix a Crack in Your Cheesecake
Home Cooking at Its Finest A crack in your cheesecake, unfortunately, is not something that can be repaired; it is something that must be lived with.Fortunately, cracked cheesecakes still taste delicious, and you can simply conceal the cracks with a layer of frosting.Catherine advises sprinkling fresh whipped cream on top of your cheesecake before serving.
Fresh fruit, or even handmade chocolate ganache, may be used to hide a variety of defects, as shown in this mint-chocolate cheesecake.Furthermore, who doesn’t enjoy a bit extra cream, fruit, or chocolate on their dessert?
Quick Tips: How To Keep Cheesecake From Cracking
How can you make a luscious, creamy cheesecake that doesn’t crack when you bake it? With these fast instructions from Chef Eddy, you’ll learn how to prevent this common problem and maintain your composure in the kitchen. According to Chef Eddy Van Damme, there are a number of things you can do to keep your cheesecake from being cracked.
- It is important not to overmix the components. You’ll want to start with cream cheese that’s been left out at room temperature. You will be able to incorporate your components quite quickly without overmixing if you do it this manner. When the batter is overmixed, too much air is introduced into the batter, causing the cake to rise in the oven but then collapse and break when it is taken from the oven
- Don’t overbake your cake since it will get dry. If it becomes too dry, it may crack. For the sake of ″being safe,″ many people overbake their dishes. According to the golden rule, if the middle of the cake no longer trembles, it will set firmly in the refrigerator. Remove the cake from the oven if the middle has firmed up like jello and tap the pan on the sides to ensure that it has done so.
- Bake your cheesecake in a water bath for best results. After prebaking a graham cracker crust for approximately 10 minutes, cover the springform pan with two pieces of aluminum foil to ensure that no water seeps through. After you have finished preparing the cake in the springform pan, transfer it to a roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with approximately 1 inch of water before placing it in the oven to bake. This is the most effective method of baking cheesecake. It guarantees that the egg proteins are cooked softly and uniformly, resulting in the creamiest texture possible. This delicacy is essentially a custard-like version of creme brulee or flan, but with a lighter texture. These are likewise cooked in a water bath to allow the egg proteins to gradually set
Check out our recipes that call for the usage of a water bath. Cheesecake with a Blackberry Swirl Cheesecake with Chocolate and Peppermint Topping Cheesecake with gingersnaps and oranges To see this tip in action, take a look at our step-by-step, how-to video! PIN IT RIGHT NOW
How Do You Keep Cheesecake From Cracking?
Cheddar cheesecakes are notorious for cracking when they are baked.Do you have any idea why?The acidic component used in cheesecakes (cream cheese) combines with the alkaline ingredients (baking powder and bicarbonate of soda) to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles that burst when they reach the surface of the cake batter or the crumbs underneath it.
If the bubbles are large enough, they can produce fissures on the surface of your baked masterpiece as well as within it.?Sour cream should be used in order to prevent your cheesecake from breaking.
What causes a cheesecake to crack?
A: There are a variety of reasons why the cheesecake could crack. One explanation for this is if the cake has been left out for an extended period of time or if it has not been adequately chilled before being served. Another possible explanation is that the cake was overbaked, causing the proteins in the batter to lose their elasticity and become brittle, as previously stated.
How do you fix a cracked cheesecake with sour cream?
If you use a knife to cut the cake into smaller pieces, you can then cover them with sour cream.Alternatively, you may spread some sour cream on top of the cake and then throw it back in the oven for a few minutes to finish baking.Cheesecake is a delectable dessert that is commonly created with cream cheese and sugar as the primary ingredients.
It may be served either warm or cold, however it has been reported that if the cheesecake is allowed to cool too rapidly, it can break.The following is an example of a cheesecake that cracked while cooling.Take a Look at This Video:
Related Tags
- When cheesecake cracks on top, what to do with it
- why did my cheesecake crack when baking
- how to keep cheesecake from cracking without using a water bath
- Cracked cheesecake is still delectable
How To Keep Your Cheesecake From Cracking
Keeping your cheesecake from breaking is important.Even if this is something we can’t truly control, we can surely avoid or prevent it if we behave with caution and meticulousness in our actions.We conducted our investigation with expert chefs in order to provide you with all of the information and equipment you need to create a great cheesecake.
As you are aware, excellence is attained through perseverance and effort.Let us explain how it’s done.
Why Did My Cheesecake Crack?
Possibly, you are in the midst of making one right now, and you have come to the perfect spot to obtain tips and techniques for either before, during, or after the baking process.When you overbeat or overbake your cheesecake batter, you will get this result.Allow me to confess that I am a perfectionist by nature, especially when it comes to the kitchen.
If something goes wrong, I’m sure I’d be depressed, but that’s completely natural.Isn’t it true that even the finest cook may evaporate boiling water?We’ve compiled a list of the top 6 reasons why your cheesecake cracks:
- Overcooking is a problem. This is due to the fact that the cheesecake becomes overly dry.
- Excessive pounding and high temperatures The additional air in your batter causes the cheesecake to rise, fall, and break as a result of the rising and falling.
- Bubbles of air
- Technique with no water bath (bain-marie)
- cooling in a hurry
Keep Your Cheesecake From Cracking
Cheesecakes are extremely delectable and delicate desserts.As a result, a crack in the surface of a cheesecake is fairly frequent; thus, don’t be discouraged if yours looks to have one; it is not the end of the world, and the cheesecake will still have the same delicious flavor.However, if you’re like me and you’re concerned with the aesthetics of your dessert, you should read the next part.
We’ll go over seven techniques and tactics that you may use to keep your cheesecake from breaking in this article.
Tip1: Don’t Overmix Ingredients
- Begin with cream cheese that has been left out at room temperature.
- Pour in the sugar and blend on a moderate speed.
- Pour the eggs (one at a time) into the container.
- Scrape the bottom of the dish well.
- Pour in the cream and vanilla extract at the end, and whisk until the mixture is smooth
- remove from heat.
- Avoid mixing until the mixture is ″light and fluffy.″
Tip2: Eliminate Air Bubbles
- Air bubbles should be eliminated by tapping your springform pan on the counter or preparation table.
- Make sure you don’t skip this step since it is one of the primary reasons why the surface of the cheesecake cracks
- air bubbles allow air to readily permeate the surface of the cheesecake, causing it to crack.
Tip3: Bake Your Cheesecake In a Water Bath for Cheesecake
- Wrap your pan in two pieces of aluminum foil to prevent it from sticking.
- Placing your springform pan in the center of a roasting pan will help to prevent the cake from rising.
- Fill the roasting pan halfway with water (about an inch).
- This ensures that the baking is done softly and evenly.
Tip4: Don’t Overbake Your Cheesecake
- After baking for 30 minutes, tap the side of the springform pan to make sure the middle jiggles before removing it from the oven.
- Ideally, the exterior layer (about two or three inches thick) should be hard, while the middle should jiggle like gelatine. As a result, make sure it jiggles to assist prevent dryness.
- It is possible to verify the central temperature with a thermometer and guarantee that it is 150 degrees
- however, this is not recommended.
Tip5: Let It Cool
- Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool for one hour at room temperature, in the hot water bath. Please don’t be concerned, the core of your cheesecake will finish baking slowly.
- Remove it from the huge pan and set it aside to cool until it is warm.
- Each hour, use a knife to run along the inside edge walls of your cheesecake to loosen it up.
- Be patient and allow the mixture to cool slowly
- this is the key to achieving the proper texture.
Tip6: Refrigerate Overnight
- Once the cheesecake has been allowed to cool fully, cover the springform pan with plastic wrap. Don’t forget to do this task! It is a very important step because we do not want any foreign bodies or strange flavors to enter the mixture.
- Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- On the following day, remove it from the refrigerator, peel away the plastic wrap, and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving
Tip7: Know Your Oven (Avoid High Temperature)
- Learn everything you can about your oven. It is possible that certain oven thermometers are not reliable, and that you will be given a lower reading when it is actually a higher one.
- Purchase a dependable thermometer.
Cheesecake Craked?
As previously said, cheesecakes can crack for a variety of causes, but don’t worry, we can quickly solve the problem.Take a peek at this enchanted technique.Consider the following scenario: you followed all of the guidelines on your recipe and used all of the tips and tactics we shared with you previously, but you discover that your cheesecake broke during the cooling process.
What options do you have?A fast remedy is as follows: Using a bunch of fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, Nutella, caramel or whipped cream, cover the crack with an even layer of sweetness.
Repairing The Crack
Don’t get too worked up over it! You’ve arrived to the correct location. Fill in the fracture by following the methods outlined below.
- When it is chilly, waiting for the crack to shut is an excellent method for doing so
- it works better this way.
- To fill in the deep gaps, add your preferred ingredient, making sure to select an item that is complementary in flavor to the cheesecake
- Hands should be washed, and using clean fingers, push the cracks together as much as possible.
- Smooth the surface of the cheesecake using a damp spatula that has been warmed up. Repeat the process until you have a smooth and even surface.
Another filling option:
Fill the crack with a scoop of sour cream, a dash of vanilla essence, and a pinch of granulated sugar, and bake for 30 minutes. Combine the ingredients together and spread the mixture on the surface of your cheesecake. Make sure the mixture seeps into the cracks as well, and bake it for another 10 minutes.
Final Words
Occasionally, we proudly remove our cheesecake from the oven and it appears to be perfect.However, when it cools, a crack emerges, and you are unable to conceal it.The spatula method worked great for me, and it’s also the most straightforward.
Your cheesecake may not be perfectly round, but with a little ingenuity and individuality, you can make it look exactly as you want it to.Keep in mind that the most crucial strategy is to prevent overbaking the cake.If you’re wondering How Long Will Cheesecake Last In The Refrigerator, it can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator.Also, keep in mind that there is always a way out of any situation.
How To Prevent Cheesecake From Cracking
I’ve found that cheesecake is one of the most wonderfully simple sweets to prepare, but it’s also one of the most difficult to do wrong, leaving me perplexed as to what I did, or didn’t do.There are numerous various sorts of cheesecakes available across the world, with the New York cheesecake being the most popular of them all.The argument between baked cheesecake and no-bake cheesecake is one of my favorites.
In terms of personal preference, I like baked cheesecake since the density and texture are simply so appealing to me!I’ve also picked up a few tips and tactics along the road for preventing cheesecake from cracking as well.One of the most common reasons people avoid baking cheesecake is the fear of it splitting when baking!Here are some of the things I’ve learned about why my initial attempts at baking a cheesecake failed miserably.
Why does cheesecake crack?
Overbeating
Eggs are inherently airy, and if they are whisked too much, they will produce an excessive amount of rise during baking and an excessive amount of fall when cooling.Then, unavoidably, you’ll encounter a cheesecake that has broken!Only enough to blend the components in a smooth manner should be combined.
After there is too much air in the mixture, it will behave like a soufflé when cooking, and when it cools, the cracks will most likely form.
The oven temperature is too high
You should resist the temptation of increasing the temperature of your oven to speed up the baking process. This will cause your cheesecake to bake more quickly and dry out the exterior layer more quickly than the inside can set properly. It is advisable to bake at a lower temperature for a more uniform bake in order to reduce the likelihood of you screaming, ″Why did my cheesecake crack?!″
You keep opening the oven door!
Did you open the oven door while the cheesecake was baking to see how it was coming along? Avoid turning on your ovens, no matter how tempting it may seem! A sudden shift in temperature will increase the likelihood of a crack appearing on the surface of your cheesecake’s surface.
You’re not using a water bath
A water bath may appear to be a superfluous step, and many individuals choose to avoid it because they do not believe it is required.You can still prepare a wonderful cheesecake without using a water bath, but if you notice that your cheesecake cracks frequently, this is most likely the source of the problem.If you do not bake your cheesecake in a water bath, it is very possible that it may break in the centre.
How to keep cheesecake from cracking
Use a water bath!
The water bath technique is used to bake.Why?Because cheesecakes thrive in an atmosphere that is rich in moisture.
It is important to place the cheesecake in its spring form tray and carefully wrap it in aluminum foil during baking.This will prevent the cheesecake from drying out during baking and will assist the cheesecake to bake evenly.The steam created by the water bath during baking also helps to lessen the possibility of your cheesecake sinking when chilling in the refrigerator.Water bath approach is what I use to prevent cracked cheesecakes, and it works flawlessly every time.I hope this helps!
Bake low and slow
Select a low oven temperature and a long baking time for your baking.This is critical for the overall quality and beauty of the completed cheesecake, even if it does not have cracks.It is advised that you bake your cheesecake at roughly 325F/160C for approximately 1.5 hours to achieve the best results.
Yes, I realize that this is an extremely lengthy period of time to be waiting for cheesecake to bake!However, cooking the cheesecake at a low and steady temperature will result in a cheesecake with a velvety texture, a rich taste, and no cracks.In addition, baking a cheesecake at a low and moderate temperature prevents the eggs from becoming too coagulated.It’s not like anyone would want to eat scrambled egg cheesecake, is it?
Don’t open the oven!
No doubt about it, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again!Under no circumstances (under any circumstances!) should the oven door be opened during baking!Only open the oven door to check on the progress of the baking process when the baking time is nearly complete.
This reduces the likelihood of dramatic temperature decreases and, you guessed it, the likelihood of fractures forming.In addition to improving the beauty and texture of the finished product, allowing the cheesecake to cool fully will assist to prevent cracks from developing.If possible, leave the cheesecake in the oven to cool down while the oven is turned off and the door is slightly ajar, as described above.This will prevent the cheesecake surface from cracking.
How to fix a cracked cheesecake
- In order to hide a crack in your cheesecake, the most apparent solution would be to decorate it! In order to avoid adding too much weight to the fragile construction, whipped cream would be the lightest choice to consider. Unless the crack is located in the centre of the cheesecake (where the structure is at its most vulnerable), it’s generally better not to put your disguises on top of one another in case the cheesecake rips entirely apart! The inclusion of some light and attractive fruit, such as berries, might give the impression that it was planned! In order to get a perfectly level cheesecake with no visible cracks, you may use a creative technique to level the surface and patch any fissures. Once the cheesecake has been allowed to cool fully in the refrigerator, begin by soaking an offset palette knife in hot water and wiping away all of the extra water from the knife. The key here is to use a warm palette knife to gently push and spread the top of the cheesecake until it is smooth and the crack has been filled. Once you have mastered how to mend cheesecake cracks, you can go on to the next step. If you want to understand how to prevent cheesecake from cracking, there are a variety of things you can do (and avoid doing). For example, maintaining a low oven temperature to achieve a uniform bake and not opening the oven door too soon (no peeping!) are constants. You may also bake your cheesecake in a water bath, which will assist to keep your cheesecake wet and bake it uniformly while also keeping it moist. If you have followed all of the instructions to the letter and the cracks still show at the last hurdle, rather of wasting your time and energy, you may attempt a repair using the approach outlined in the previous section. Alternatively, you may use your artistic side and arrange some fruit and cream in a stylish manner over the crack to create a very appealing disguise! (Don’t tell anyone
- no one will ever find out!) Best of luck with your baking! You might also be interested in these articles: How to detect whether a cheesecake is undercooked
- Suggestions for baked cheesecakes
- tips for no-bake cheesecakes
How to Make an Easy Water Bath for Cheesecake
The recipe for cheesecake that I’ll be showing you today is a water bath! I aim to dispel your fears about this much despised baking method by demonstrating how simple and effective it is! I’m also going to share with you all of my professional tips and the cheesecake baking equipment that you absolutely must have!
How to Make a Cheesecake Water Bath
Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts, and it’s no mystery why!It’s without a doubt my favorite dessert!And, without a doubt, the thing I bake the most frequently.
During my late teens and early twenties, I even had the opportunity to work at the storied CCF!In short: cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts.Fortunately, you enjoy it as well!As proof, my Extra Rich and Creamy Cheesecake is the most popular recipe on my website.My Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake and New York Style Cheesecake came in second and third, respectively.
- And I have to admit that you guys have excellent taste because all of those songs are among my favorites as well!
- In fact, I always freeze a few slices of each to ensure that I have a variety to select from when the need comes.
- Yes, you read it correctly – cheesecake can be frozen!
- For a period of up to 2 months!
However, I’m not going to share a cheesecake recipe with you today.As a substitute, I’d want to spend some time talking with you about the dreaded water bath!and the reasons why why I believe that you should always use one while making cheesecake!Alternatively, while you’re creating a full-size cheesecake, I should mention.Because mini cheesecakes and cheesecake bars don’t actually require a pan to be baked!
So that’s an excellent alternative if you’re determined to never take a bath in water again!
What is a Water Bath?
We’ll start with what I’ll refer to as ″water bath 101″ for the rest of us, though.For starters, I’ll simply describe what a water bath is and how it works.If you’re unfamiliar with the term ″bain marie,″ it simply refers to a large saucepan filled with boiling water that is used to preserve fragile cheesecakes while they bake in the oven.
This procedure not only prevents the cheesecake from cracking on the top, but it also assures that the cheesecake is smooth and creamy when finished.Any rubbery or curdled cheesecake you’ve had in the past was almost certainly made without using a water bath during baking!
Why use a Water Bath?
- If you bake your cheesecake in a water bath, you almost ensure that it will be: lusciously smooth and extremely creamy
- beautiful and crack-free
- not overcooked and gummy.
- In addition, it does not brown or puff up excessively in the oven.
What do I need to build a Water Bath?
To construct a sturdy water bath, you’ll need a few supplies. Fortunately, these are ingredients that most bakers already have on hand or can readily obtain from a grocery shop.
- Pan for Springform Cakes: I have a large collection of springform pans, but this Circulon Non-Stick Springform Pan is the one that sees the most action in my kitchen. Cleanup is straightforward, and my cakes and cheesecakes come out with ease. Having said that, I’ve literally never had a springform pan that didn’t leak just a smidgeon, and this one isn’t an exception. It’s unquestionably the finest I’ve tested so far, although it still leaks a little. This takes us to the next thing you’ll need, which is listed below.
- Aluminum Foil for Heavy-Duty Applications:
- My experience with hundreds of water baths over the course of my life has shown me that heavy-duty foil is the best option. Reynolds Wrap is the only one I use since it completely covers the whole surface of the pan and extends all the way up and around all of the sides. This means that there are practically no openings for the water to soak through! Having saying that, I still apply 2 to 3 layers just to be on the safe side.
- Grease and flour a large roasting pan, baking pan, or skillet:
- Your springform pan will need to be placed within something large enough to accommodate the springform. The skillet I use is a heavy-duty 12-inch skillet, but you may use a roasting pan or cake pan that is large enough to accommodate your pan.
- Oven Bags: If you’ve been burnt by aluminum foil leaking in the past and don’t want to take any chances, you may go the additional mile and place your foil-wrapped pan into an oven bag before baking. Personally, I don’t use this since I’ve never had a problem just covering my pans with heavy-duty aluminum foil, but I wanted to provide it as an option for those who might be interested.
- Water that has just been boiled:
- While it is technically possible to boil water in a pot or pan, a kettle is the most efficient method for this purpose. The reason for this is that the spout will make it much simpler to pour water into the pan without it spilling over the cheesecake batter
- and
How to make a Water Bath Step-by-Step:
- Prepare your cheesecake crust and then push it into the cheesecake pan to form a cheesecake. Bake for a few minutes before serving if the recipe calls for it. Then take the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool until it is safe to handle.
- Place a thick sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil behind the pan to prevent it from sliding around. Using a sharp knife, cut a sheet of parchment paper large enough to completely cover the bottom and sides of a spring form pan.
- Gently push the aluminum foil up and around the sides of the pan to seal it in place. This procedure should be repeated at least twice more to verify that there are no holes where water can leak in. Personally, I use three layers of aluminum foil.
- Alternatively, you may place your foil-wrapped pan inside an oven bag.
- After that, fill a kettle halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
- Pour your cheesecake batter on top of the partly cooked crust that has been allowed to cool. Incorporate your spring form pan into your bigger roasting pan after that
- Place both pans on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. then pour a few inches of hot water into the bath pan with extreme caution (the pan outside of the cheesecake pan). It simply takes 2 to 3 inches of water to complete the task. The water should be half-way up the side of the cheesecake pan, in my opinion, and then I stop pouring. Essentially, you want enough water so that it doesn’t quickly evaporate during the baking process, but not so much that it splashes up or comes into contact with the cheesecake batter
- and
- Gently place the cheesecake and water bath in the center of the oven’s rack, shut the oven, and bake according to package directions.
A few Pro-tips for Perfect Cheesecake:
- Make sure not to overbake your cheesecake! Because, even if you use a water bath, overbaking might result in cracks and cheesecake slices that aren’t quite as creamy. The cheesecake should be removed from the oven when the top is dry and set, but the middle is still jiggling quite a little, as shown in the photo. If you bake your cheesecake until it’s solid in the centre, you’ll be dissatisfied when you slice into it later. So don’t be afraid of the jiggle
- just let it cool in the oven for a few minutes beforehand. This is something that all of my cheesecake recipes ask for in the directions, but what you’re really doing is letting the cheesecake to cool down gradually rather than exposing it to a temperature shock by bringing it from 300 degrees to room temperature all at once.
- While you should take the spring form pan from the water bath pan, you should NOT remove the cheesecake from the spring form pan until it has completely cooled and chilled in the refrigerator. Otherwise, it will erupt like lava, resulting in a full catastrophe.
- Please allow time to cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing the cake. Generally speaking, most full-size cheesecakes require at least 6 hours of chilling time, however I have found that chilling in the fridge overnight produces the nicest texture.
Best Cheesecake Recipes:
- Styled in the manner of New York Cheesecakes such as Oreo Cheesecake, Key Lime Cheesecake, Creamy Italian Ricotta Cheesecake, Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake, White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, and Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake are all popular choices.
Rikki Snyder took all of the images of me that you see here! This post contains affiliate links, which simply means that if you purchase something after clicking on one of the links on this page, I will receive a tiny compensation at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support of Baker by Nature!
Cheesecake – Do’s and Don’ts
Even though cheesecake is the epitome of decadence, the thought of making one at home can be downright terrifying. With so many processes and potential pitfalls, most home chefs shy away from the process altogether. Anyone, however, can master this elegant dessert by following a few simple dos and don’ts.
Room Temperature
Bring your ingredients to room temperature before using them. If you want your cake to have a completely smooth texture, allow all of the ingredients to get to room temperature before beginning to bake it. Allow everything, including the eggs, butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, to sit out for at least two hours on the counter.
All In the Crust
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CRUNCHY.Often, the graham cracker crust that is pushed into the cake ends up being significantly thicker at the bottom of the cake than at the top.This slumped-down crust may be corrected by pressing the crust firmly into the bottom of the pan and up the edges of the pan with a straight-sided measuring cup or a glass.
Then, make certain that the crust has completely cooled before adding the filling to the pan.
Food Processor
REMEMBER to include the crust in your recipe.Frequently, the graham cracker crust that is pushed into the cake ends up being somewhat thicker at the bottom of the cake than at the top..If your crust has sunk down, use a straight-sided measuring cup or glass to firmly press it into the bottom of the pan and all the way up the edges of the pan to correct the situation.
Afterwards, make careful to allow the crust to cool fully before putting the contents in the pan.
Don’t Skimp
DO be sure you’re using the right ingredients. Whatever you do, make sure to use full-fat cream cheese. Cheesecake is not a place to cut corners when it comes to calories.
Water Bath
MAKE SURE TO USE A WATER BATH.A water bath aids in the gentle cooking of the cheesecake while also generating a steamy atmosphere to prevent the surface from becoming too dry.Wrap the exterior of the springform pan with a double layer of aluminum foil, starting from the underneath and working your way up to the top of the pan.
The foil acts as a barrier to prevent water from seeping into the pan.Place the cheesecake pan in a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with boiling water until it comes halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
Avoid Overcooking
DON’T OVERBAKE THE PIECE. Cracks on the surface of a cheesecake might result from overbaking it. Cheesecake should still have a wobbling core, the filling should be pale, and the outside ring should be somewhat puffed and hard after it has finished baking. As it cools, the cooking will continue, and the texture will remain smooth and rich.
Practice Patience
DO exercise patience.Cheesecake requires a significant amount of time.Many recipes recommend allowing the cheesecake to rest for approximately an hour in the oven with the door cracked before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool entirely on the counter.
It should also be refrigerated for at least four hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving in order to get the ultimate velvety smooth texture.Speaking of chopping and dicing…
Art of Slicing
- DO a superb job of slicing. In order to prevent making a mess when slicing your cheesecake, immerse your knife in hot water and wipe it clean before each cut. If you put in the extra effort, your cheesecake will come out picture-perfect every time. Kitchn, thekitchn.com
- Natasha’s Kitchen, natashaskitchen.com
- Bon Appetit, bonappetit.com
- The Kitchn, thekitchn.com
Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (optional) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. 12 whole graham crackers
The Filling:
- 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin pie mix or puree (or well-drained homemade puree)
- 3 8-ounce packages cream