Buzz
Cheesecake, whether made in the New York style or the Italian version, is a soft and delicious dessert. Since it contains dairy or cream along with soft cheese, it can be tricky to tell when it's properly baked. However, there are a few ways you can check if your cheesecake is perfectly done, such as checking the temperature, gently shaking the pan, and touching the surface of the cake.
Steps
Shake the Cake
Gently shake the cheesecake pan. While the cheesecake is still in the oven, you just need to wear oven mitts and gently shake the pan. Don’t shake too vigorously while it’s still hot, as this might cause cracks. Make sure to shake the pan lightly. Be cautious not to let any water seep into the pan if you’re baking the cheesecake with a water bath beneath it.
Check the jiggle in the center of the cake. When you shake the pan and notice only a small, 5cm area in the middle of the cake gently wobbling, it means the cheesecake is properly baked. If the wobbling area is wider, or if liquid cracks the surface or spills from the edges, the cheesecake isn’t done yet. Bake the cheesecake for another 5 minutes and check again.
Cheesecakes made with sour cream wobble more than those made with cream cheese. If you make a cheesecake with sour cream, it will have a greater wobble than one made with cream cheese or ricotta. Typically, there will be a large soft spot in the middle; therefore, you should watch for a light brown color around the edges to know when the cheesecake is done. Also, keep in mind that the center will continue to set and firm up as the cheesecake cools.
- If you bake the cheesecake until the center is firm and no longer wobbles, it will be overcooked.
Touch the surface of the cake
Wash and dry your hands. Before touching the cheesecake, you must wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Be sure to rinse off all the soap and dry your hands completely.
Use one finger to gently touch the center of the cake. Gently press the center of the cheesecake with one or two fingers. Do not apply pressure! This will help you check the doneness in the center of the cake rather than near the edges.
Check if the top of the cake has set. If the surface of the cheesecake feels slightly sticky but firm, it's ready. If your finger sinks into the cake or touches cream, bake it for a little longer. Add about 5 more minutes and check again.
Observe the cake
Check if the edges of the cake have puffed up and browned. You can tell that the cheesecake is fully baked when the outer edges have turned light brown and puffed up by about 1cm. The filling should remain light in color. Avoid further baking to prevent overcooking.
Pay attention to the firmness around the edges of the filling. If the edges are still loose instead of firm and set, the cheesecake isn’t done. When the cheesecake is properly baked, only the center (about 5cm wide) should still wobble.
Take the cake out when the surface is no longer shiny. When the cheesecake’s surface has lost its glossy shine, it’s finished! Make sure the entire cake, including the soft center, has lost its shine before removing it from the oven.
- Some bakers prefer to let the cheesecake cool inside the oven. Turn off the heat and leave the oven door ajar about 2.5cm for an hour. Then, remove the pan from the oven, take the removable-bottom pan out of the water (if applicable), and allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing the pan.
Check the temperature
Buy a kitchen thermometer for quick results. You probably don't want to wait a few minutes for a thermometer to give you a reading, so opt for a kitchen thermometer that delivers fast results. Also, don't forget to clean the thermometer after each use.
- Occasionally, you should calibrate your thermometer to ensure accurate readings. To do this, fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, use the thermometer to check the water temperature—it should read 100°C.
- If the thermometer provides inaccurate readings, adjust the hex screw at the bottom of an analog thermometer. Refer to the user manual for calibrating a digital thermometer.
Check the temperature at the center of the cake. The edges of the cheesecake are usually warmer than the center. To determine if the cake is fully baked, you need to check the temperature in the middle. However, avoid pressing the thermometer all the way to the bottom of the pan—just place it halfway into the center of the cake.
- Keep in mind that inserting the thermometer might leave a small hole in the surface of the cake. Try to check the temperature once instead of multiple times. If you need to check again, use the same spot to avoid leaving additional marks on the cake's surface.
Ensure the thermometer reads 66°C. When the center of the cheesecake reaches 66°C, the baking process is complete! Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack until it cools down. If the cake hasn't reached the desired temperature, bake it for an additional 5 minutes, then check again. Repeat the process until the cake reaches 66°C.
Tips
- Avoid opening the oven door while baking the cheesecake. This can cause the oven temperature to drop, and the cake will not bake evenly.
Warning
- Do not check the doneness of the cheesecake by poking it with a toothpick or knife. This method is unreliable and may leave a hole in the surface of the cake.
