Does cheesecake need to be baked in a water bath?

Cheesecake batter is basically a custard. It’s delicate, so you want to bake it slowly and evenly without browning the top. The most effective way to do this is to bake it in a water bath. This water bath method bakes the cake very gently, so it won’t darken, curdle, or crack.

Is water bath necessary for cheesecake?

You can absolutely make a cheesecake without a traditional water bath. … The insulating cake strip helps insulate the cheesecake to ensure even baking across the cheesecake. The outer edges don’t cook and “set” too quickly or become over-baked (and prone to cracking) before the middle cooks!

Should I put a pan of water in the oven with my cheesecake?

Cheesecakes are egg based, and they need low heat. Position baking rack in center of oven and place cheesecake in center of middle oven rack. Place a shallow pan full of water on the lower rack in the oven. The water will also help minimize cracking in the top of the cheesecake.

What is the best temperature to bake cheesecake?

Most cheesecakes should be baked at 325°F. The target temperature, the internal temperature of your cheesecake, should be 150 to 155°F. At 325°F–with the same recipe, ingredients, and pan—there is a perfect baking time.

Does cooking cheesecake in a water bath take longer?

When you bake in a water bath, the water surrounding the pan will never get hotter than 212 degrees, no matter how hot the oven is. This gives the center of the cheesecake time to cook without overcooking the outside.

Can I bake a cake in a water bath?

Put pans in oven and pour hot water in large baking pan to reach 1 inch up sides of cake pan. Bake about 40 minutes until top looks firm and set. Cool cake in water bath for 15 minutes on a wire rack. Carefully remove cake from water bath and cool 1 hour more at room temperature.

Can I bake 2 cheesecakes at once?

You certainly can cook two cheesecakes at once, but you have to be more attentive and take steps to help them cook evenly!. … Halfway through the cooking time, switch them and rotate them a half turn, so that the edges that were close to the side and back are now somewhere in the center of the oven!.

How can you tell if cheesecake is done?

The secret to testing a cheesecake for doneness: Jiggle it. Define jiggle, you say. Gently shake the cheesecake (wearing oven mitts, of course). If the cheesecake looks nearly set and only a small circle in the center jiggles slightly, it’s done.