Baking cheesecake without cracks?

[jcapulet]

Is it possible to bake a cheesecake without it cracking on the top? Is there some secret?

I tried baking at a lower temperature (300 instead of 350) and I still get "craters." Any suggestions?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Did you use a waterbath?

Did you let it cool in the oven?

Having said all that, I'm not sure I've ever made one without a wrinkle.

Once it's cut, it's not a problem anymore!

[jcapulet]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Did you use a waterbath?

Did you let it cool in the oven?

Having said all that, I'm not sure I've ever made one without a wrinkle.

Once it's cut, it's not a problem anymore!

Hi Atkinsgal, thanks for mentioning the waterbath method. I've never heard of it so I googled, it...pretty interesting. I am definitely going to try this, I'm making a pumpkin cheesecake for a family Christmas gathering next week.

Thank you!!

edit: here's the website I found when looking up the water bath method. Good stuff

http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/bakingtips.cheesecakes/Cheesecakes.cfm

[d33na]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

um what I do....I assume we're talking a baked cheesecake? I make mine in a spring-form pan and as soon as its cooked....I run a knife arond the edge and unspring the springie thing (I love tech talk) and then let it cool in the oven...I think cooling while it is still bound by the tin causes the cracks...but one can always cover the cracks with whipped cream and a touch of nutmeg

[Sarina D]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Water bath works very well in preventing cracks in cheesecakes.....happy baking!

Sarina
----------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
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3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 169 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
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[EverLosing]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

While baking a cheesecake, it's very important NOT to ever open the door once it's cooking in the oven. The temperature fluctuation of just opening the door can cause cracks. The other thing I do is when it's time to cool....just turn the oven off and prop the door open. Leave it there for at least an hour. I've also heard many people say checking your actual oven temperature with a thermometer every now and then is a good idea. Oven temperatures sometimes need to be re-calibrated.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Tip: when you're wrapping the springform pan, make sure you use heavy duty foil. The only time I've had water leak into a cheesecake was when I only had regular foil.

And keep in mind that you can do everything right, and it can still crack.

Doesn't mean it won't be yummy though!

[not2late]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Cracking is from overcooking the cheesecake. A cheesecake is basically a baked custard. So you want to stop the cooking when it is set but still a bit wobbly in the center---you can insert a skewer in the center to make sure it comes out "dry", but the center should wobble slightly when the cake is jiggled.

[jcapulet]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Thanks everyone for your responses I will definitely let the cheesecake "cool off" in the oven so the temperature doesn't change so drastically. And will ask everyone at home to *not* take a peek at what's in there (the "usual" suspects ).

I don't have problems with cracks after baking, it's during the actual baking...about halfway or longer through. I didn't think 300 would be too high..but maybe the watherbath method will keep it from doing that.

Will also try not cooking it for quite as long as the recipe says, especially if it will stay in the warm (cooling) oven for a bit longer. Great tips everyone, I appreciate it!

[barrnone]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

now i'm hungry for cheesecake

[adreliluc]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Cracking is from overcooking the cheesecake. A cheesecake is basically a baked custard. So you want to stop the cooking when it is set but still a bit wobbly in the center---you can insert a skewer in the center to make sure it comes out "dry", but the center should wobble slightly when the cake is jiggled.

Exactly what I was going to say!! Mine cracks when I leave it in too long.
I also ALWAYS cook in a water bath. Just like making creme brule.

However, I WAY prefer the no-bake cheesecake on Linda's site. OMG it's good. Add a little lime peel and it's like a cheesecakey keylime pie! OMG!
With an almond nut crust....It's just heavenly. mmm.

[jcapulet]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

LOl Barrnone, me too

Adreliluc, I'll have to look up that no-bake one on Linda's site. Sounds yummy!

[dewolfe]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

I have heard if you put a pan of water on the rack below the cheesecake in the oven that this will help

[adreliluc]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

LOl Barrnone, me too

Adreliluc, I'll have to look up that no-bake one on Linda's site. Sounds yummy!

Girl, you gotta try it! It's so easy and so good.. dangerously good! hehe.

I say we all make a cheese cake an post pics!
hehe... MMMM

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Baking cheesecake without cracks?

Here's the recipe I think you're all referring to:

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes