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Cheesecake is a light and delicious dessert. It is loved by all people. Its heavenly taste and velvety smooth texture are simply irresistible. As you create this delectable treat, the tantalizing scent fills the air. And the best part? The flavor options are endless. Indulge in luscious chocolate, juicy strawberry, or tangy blueberry – the possibilities are mouthwatering. And don’t forget the toppings that add that extra touch of deliciousness.
Mastering the art of creamy cheesecake is an exciting journey. From beating eggs to achieving the ideal texture, each step plays a vital role. But knowing when it’s done is the game-changer that sets apart average cheesecakes from magnificent masterpieces. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to tell when the cheesecake is done. So, let’s get into it.
Jiggle Your Cheesecake
The firm yet soft, smooth texture of cheesecake makes it stand out from other desserts. Unlike other cakes, you can’t check the doneness of cheesecake by pricking it with a toothpick. Your toothpick will be wet unless it is overcooked. The best way to know about the doneness is by jiggling the cheesecake pan gently. Here are the steps to check its perfect jiggle:
Shake Your Cheesecake Gently
Hold the cheesecake pan with both hands and gently shake it. Use an oven mitten to hold it properly. You should see a slight jiggle in the center of the cheesecake. Avoid shaking the baking pan too hard, as it can crack the cake. Be more careful while shaking if you use a water bath for baking.
Check The Jiggle of the Center
When you jiggle the cheesecake, the central 2-inch area should move slightly. Only the center should move. If your whole cake is moving, the cheesecake is not done. If your cake is not shaking, you have overcooked it. Sometimes, you shake, and liquid seeps out from the center. It means that your cheesecake is not perfectly baked. You need to keep it in the oven for some more time. Jiggle again after 5-10 minutes and check if the center is set.
Look for More Jiggle in Cheesecake with Sour Cream Filling
Cheesecakes with sour cream filling are jigglier than other cheesecakes. Cheesecakes made with ricotta and cream cheese are not as jiggly as sour cream cheesecake. While observing softness in the center, pay attention to firm edges. Puffed edges mean that your cheesecake is done.
Taking your cheesecake from the oven doesn’t mean it will stop cooking. The cake keeps cooking as it cools down. On cooling, the center will become firm. If you keep it until it stops jiggling, the cheesecake will be overcooked.
Touch Your Cheesecake
It is another way of checking the doneness of the cheesecake. It might seem risky but don’t worry. Here are the steps to check a cheesecake by touch:
Clean Your Hands
Cleanliness is crucial for cooking. When you start cooking anything, your hands should be thoroughly washed. Any contaminants on your hand can risk the health of your loved ones. Use soap or handwash and warm water to wash your hands. Rinse properly to remove all the soap. Dry them with a paper towel.
Use a Finger to Touch the Center
Gently press the center of your cheesecake with your finger. The finger press should be light. If you use too much pressure, the cake will collapse.
Pay Attention to Firm Surface
To determine if your cheesecake is done, check for a firm surface in the center. It should still be soft. If your finger leaves a dent, bake for more time. If the cake sticks to your finger, it’s not fully cooked. Keep it in the oven for a few more minutes. Remember to check every 5-7 minutes. If the cheesecake feels too firm, it’s overcooked.
Check The Temperature of The Center
If you want a more reliable way, use this method. Employ a thermometer to check the temperature of the center. Follow these steps to check the temperature of your cheesecake:
Get an Instant-Read Cooking Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is a must-have tool for baking and grilling. It gives accurate results in seconds, unlike regular thermometers, which take a long time. To ensure its accuracy, make sure the thermometer is clean and free from contaminants. If you have a calibrated thermometer, you can calibrate it by filling a saucepan with water and inserting the thermometer into it. Dip it in water until the temperature reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insert the Thermometer in The Center
When checking the temperature of your cheesecake, avoid pushing the thermometer to the bottom. Instead, place it in the center. Dip it halfway into the cake. Be mindful not to test the temperature multiple times. It can crack the surface of your cheesecake.
Look for 150 °F Reading
When the thermometer reads 150 °F, your cheesecake is done. Take it out and let the cheesecake cool. If the temperature is not high enough, keep baking. Check again after 5 minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool down. Then, savor the creaminess of your delicious cheesecake.
Pay Attention to the Appearance of Cheesecake
When it comes to determining when a cheesecake is done, you can rely on its appearance. Baked cheesecake has a unique and easily recognizable look. Here is the way to determine the doneness by seeing the cheesecake:
Check for Puffing and Browning at The Edges
When the cheesecake is done, the edges of the cake will puff. You’ll also observe half an inch golden brown ring at the edges. Your cream cheese filling should be pale yellow. If the puffiness or golden brown ring doesn’t appear, keep baking.
Look for Firmness at the Edges
The edges become firm on baking cheesecake. The center might be a bit softer than the edges. But it should not be liquidy. If the edges are not firm, keep cooking it.
Look for Non-Shiny Surface
When you prepare the batter, a shiny layer appears. This layer turns into a non-shiny texture on baking. Undercooked cheesecake has a shiny layer. Keep cooking until the top has a non-shiny surface. The center should be soft and slightly jiggly. However, it shouldn’t be glossy for a perfect cheesecake.
Recipe for Delicious Cheese Cake
Making a cheesecake is not a complex task. Here is an easy recipe to prepare a delicious cheesecake at home:
Get The Ingredients Ready
You need cream cheese or soft cheese, sugar, eggs, graham cracker crumbs, butter, and vanilla extract for the cheesecake. You can use any kind of cream cheese that you prefer.
Make a Graham Cracker Crust
The graham cracker crust makes the base of your cheesecake. Add melted butter and sugar in graham cracker crumbs and mix them. You can also use Oreo cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers.
Take a 9 to 10-inch springform pan. The removable sides of the pan enable you to take out the cheesecake easily. The cheesecake can leak while baking if you don’t have a good-quality pan. Press your crust into the pan.
Prepare the Creamy Filling
Blend cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add eggs one by one and whisk them together. Add vanilla and mix it well. Pour this batter over your graham cracker crust.
Bake Your Cheesecake
Place your springform pan on a baking sheet to avoid any mess in case of leakage. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Open the oven door and place the pan with the batter in the oven. Bake it for about 40-45 minutes. Your cheesecake is ready when the center is firm but slightly soft. Look for other signs of doneness.
Let It Cool Down
After baking, let your cheesecake sit inside the oven to maintain its shape. Once it has cooled down, remove it from the pan. Refrigerate it for 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings or fresh fruits.
Conclusion
Indulge in the irresistible taste of cheesecake for a perfect ending to any meal. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment at home, cheesecake is the ultimate treat. Its smooth texture and luxurious flavor make it a delicious choice for any occasion. Just be careful not to over or undercook your cake, as it could affect its perfection. Follow the simple steps and achieve cheesecake bliss.
FAQs
Do You Toothpick Test a Cheesecake?
The toothpick test doesn’t work for cheesecakes. They’re supposed to be creamy and a bit wet. Your toothpick will always show it’s not fully cooked. It only comes out clean if it’s been overcooked. To check if your cheesecake is done, just look at the center. It should be a little soft.
What Color Should the Cheesecake Be When Done?
When your cheesecake is done, it should be golden brown on the edges. The rest of the cheesecake should be pale.
Is Cheesecake Done When Cracked?
No, cheesecake is not done when it cracks. When it is done, it becomes slightly soft in the center. The edges become golden brown and firm.
How Long Does Cheesecake Take to Set After Baking?
A cheesecake takes around 4 hours to overnight to set after baking.
