Perfect cheesecakes every time: Avoid common baking mistakes
Are you already starting to think about cheesecake? That means Christmas is getting closer. This dessert often appears on holiday tables because its velvety texture and delicate taste make it unrivaled by any other baked good. However, it's not always perfect, so we suggest some tips to avoid underbaked cheesecakes.
Cheesecake is a unique dessert in many respects. In its case, the method often recommended after baking a cake does not work. Of course, we're talking about the famous toothpick test to see if it’s done in the middle. It’s better not even to poke the cheesecake because it won't help.
Not too long, not too short
Cheesecake needs to be baked just right. If it stays in the oven too long, it will become dry and lose its velvety texture. On the other hand, an underbaked cheesecake is an even bigger disappointment. How can you avoid this? Many people instinctively reach for a toothpick to check if the cheesecake is ready. However, even if it was in the oven for the time specified in the recipe, the cheese is still moist, which will always be shown by the toothpick test. Then, fearing the cheesecake is underbaked, we often add more time and end up overbaking it. So, how should we handle baking a cheesecake?
A good recipe is key
Baking a cheesecake from a trusted recipe makes it much easier. Follow the recommended bake time closely. Once it’s done, turn off the oven, but leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open until it cools down completely. The cheesecake must settle in the warmth. Another factor is color. The cheesecake shouldn’t be pale, as this might indicate it’s still underbaked. Some culinary experts also suggest that once the cheesecake has cooled a bit, you simply jiggle the pan. The cheesecake is ready when the cake pulls away from the edges, and the center has a slightly jiggly consistency, though not liquid.
Important!
You must also control the baking temperature to ensure the cheesecake comes out perfectly. The optimal temperature is between 320 and 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Water bath baking works well, ensuring even baking and the proper moisture level in the cake. This technique prevents the cake from collapsing and helps it retain its fluffiness even after cooling.
