Cheesecake is a phenomenally fantastic food that I think needs no introduction. Making a real cheesecake from scratch however, can be tricky. However, if you successfully make a cheesecake from scratch such that it’s texture, appearance and taste give your guests the impression that you are feeding them food for the gods; you have arrived as a chef. Here are my tips and hints for a perfect cheesecake!
#1. Cooking your cheesecake in a water bath is essential for good texture. Put your spring form pan in no more than 1 inch of water.
#2. Wrapping the spring form pan with foil will make it water tight so that the water from the bath will not ruin the cheese cake.
#3. Cheese cake will always shrink a little while baking. To avoid having the top cracked, grease the sides of the pan first. This way it will shrink without cracking.
#4. Cooling the cheesecake properly will ensure a perfect cheesecake. When the cheesecake is done don’t open the oven door! Rather let the cake sit in the oven for one hour. Then let it finish cooling on a rack at room temperature for another hour. Then you can cover it with plastic wrap and stick it in the refrigerator.
#5. Don’t overcook the cheesecake. Since you should cool it in the oven first, bake it until the center is almost set and the edges are slightly brown.
#6. You must always use room temperature ingredients. Many people soften cream cheese by melting it in the microwave however, do NOT let it melt. If it melts, stick it back in the fridge before using it.
#7. Always bake a cheesecake on the center rack in the center of the oven. Cheesecakes are egg based and so they need low heat.
#8. When mixing the ingredients beat at medium speed just until combined. Over beating could cause cracks to form in the top while baking.
#9. For a super creamy cheesecake, add pudding mix to the batter.
#10. Cool completely before refrigerating. If you put the cheesecake in the fridge before completely cooling, it will get soggy.
Looking for the perfect cheesecake recipe? Need tips on entertaining? Or maybe you’re going to make a different dessert? Check out our recipe collection? If you make a cheesecake this week, make sure and let me know about it!