First, wrap the outside of the springform pan in a double layer of foil. Covering the bottom and sides of the pan only from the outside will prevent the cheesecake from water leaking in.
Next, place the prepared springform pan in a large roasting pan that is deep enough to add water to it. Afterward, pour HOT water into the roasting pan, about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Next, transfer the pan to a pre-heated oven and bake the cake, until the center jiggles slightly like Jell-O, and the sides are puffed and are light golden brown in color.
Keep in mind that the residual heat will cook the center of the cake even after you turn off the oven.
Also, if your cake doesn’t wobble in the center, it means it has been over-baked, and most likely will crack. Hence pay extra attention when baking.
Finally, cool it in the oven with the door slightly cracked for one hour.
How do i know when my cheesecake is done baking?
First, gently shake the pan, if the cheesecake looks nearly set and only a small area in the center jiggles slightly, it is done.
The center will firm up during the cooling time, as it will cook from the residual heat. Therefore, make sure you don’t overcook it, since it will also cook later from residual heat.
How to fix a cracked cheesecake?
There are a few easy ways to hide or fix a cracked cheesecake top, here are my favorites:
First, cool it completely and refrigerate it for at least 6-8 hours. Only when you have a COLD cheesecake on your hands, you can start fixing the cracks. This technique will work on small to medium cracks. If the crack is too deep, imagine splitting the cheesecake in half. I would recommend using this method to fix the crack as much as possible, and after that, continue by adding some topping to it.
You will need: 1) a small offset spatula 2) hot water 3) a kitchen towel.
Now into fixing it: dip the spatula into hot water (or you can use your fingers, wet them in hot water first) and gently use it to push and press down in the area of the crack and spread to fill in the crack until the top is smooth.
Clean the spatula with the towel as needed. In the end, clean the offset spatula with the kitchen towel again, and dip it again into warm water and smooth the top of the cheesecake until you are happy with how the crack has been covered. Do NOT rush through this process.
Another option is to add a thin layer of sour cream topping if the cracks are small.
Or you can add a layer of whipped cream topping and garnish the cheesecake with fresh fruits.
How to remove a cheesecake from the springform pan?
Keep in mind that the cake should be removed from the pan only after it has been properly refrigerated.
Start by carefully running a small knife around the inside edge of the pan. First, starting all the way up the side and working your way down. This is how you loosen the bits that stuck to the pan.
After you feel like you have unstuck the cake from the pan, unbuckle the springform pan and remove the circular band.
Similarly, to transfer it to a serving dish, run a long, thin spatula or knife between the crust and the pan bottom, and gently slide the cheesecake onto the serving dish.
How to slice a cheesecake:
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