How To Bake Cheesecake

Baking cheesecake the perfect way is an art. This ifood guide on how to bake cheesecake will help you to make a gentle cheesecake without any cracks. This guide uses graham cracker crust for preparing the cheesecake. Read on to know the simple steps for baking a delicious treat.

The Complete Guide On How To Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients

Cracker crumbs: This is the most important ingredient of any cheesecake base. You can choose graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafers for preparing the base. If you want a flavored base, then you can choose gingerbread, shortbread or anything resembling a cookie, including biscotti.

Butter or margarine: Butter or margarine brings in the smoothness and fluffiness in the cheesecake. For every cup of fine graham cracker crumbs, use ¼ cup of margarine or butter. You can use a combination of margarine and butter for a softer cheesecake.

Sugar: Sugar is used as the sweetener for base. For every cup of cracker, use 1 1.2 tbsp sugar.

Cream cheese: Use softened cream cheese for preparing the topping. For a base made with 1-cup graham cracker crumbs, you would require about 8 oz of cream cheese. Add ¾ cup of sugar for bringing in the sweetness.

Eggs: Eggs are added to the topping mixture to make it fluffy and soft. Add 3 eggs for 8 oz of cream cheese.

Instructions On How To Bake Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to the temperature specified in the recipe 15 minutes before baking cheesecake.
2. Choose spring form pan for baking cheesecake. Grease it line the pan bottom with baking parchment to prevent the batter from creeping through the sides and falling.
3. Bring cream cheese, egg, and butter to room temperature before creaming them. You can place the wrapped cream cheese package in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 40 seconds or until slightly soft. If the cheese melts, then refrigerate for few minutes to bring it to desired state.
4. Beat all the ingredients, especially the eggs, at medium speed. The mixture should become smooth. Add only one egg at a time, at the lowest speed, scraping the beater and bowl.
5. Avoid over-mixing the mixture to prevent beating air into it. Excessive air can cause cracks while cheesecake is being baked.
6. Cheesecakes are egg-based. Hence, it is advisable to bake them on low heat.
7. Place the pan in the center of the middle rack of the oven. In the lower rack, place a pan filled with water. The water will also aid in minimizing the cracks formed on cheesecake top.
8. Keep the oven door closed until the cake is completely baked. Opening midway can cause a crack in the cake.
9. Allow the cake to remain the oven once it is completely baked.
10. If you are unsure about the doneness, check whether the center jiggles when you shake it. Never use a teaser to check doneness.
11. Expect a slight shrinkage as it cools. If there is great shrinkage, you have baked it at too high a heat.
12. Cool thoroughly before refrigerating. Chilling a warm cheesecake will make it soggy due to the absorption of moisture.
13. Chill the cheesecake for 12 to 24 hours for attaining the perfect slicing consistence.
14. Gently, slide a knife around cake edges, loosen it, and then remove the sides of the spring form pan. Transfer immediately into a cake plate.

Now that you have learnt how to bake cheesecake in a simple way, throw a party to show off your baking skills.

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