But it’s less possible to bake an excellent cheesecake without one. Big, showstopper cheesecakes baked without a water bath are more likely to overbake, which will give them a curdled texture, cracks in the surface, and lopsided tops.
Do you have to bake cheesecake 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.
What does a hot water bath do for cheesecake?
With cheesecake, your primary goal is to bake it slowly and evenly without browning the top. 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.
What happens if you don’t use a water bath for cheesecake?
Big, showstopper cheesecakes baked without a water bath are more likely to overbake, which will give them a curdled texture, cracks in the surface, and lopsided tops.
How do you keep a cheesecake from cracking without a water bath?
Leave the cheesecake inside for about 1 hour. Again, sudden changes in temperature often cause cracking. Once the cheesecake is at room temperature, cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill 4-8 hours or overnight (my preferred length of time).
What is the purpose of a water bath when baking?
A water bath, also known as a bain marie, is simply a pan of hot water that protects your delicate cheesecake while it’s baking in the oven. This method not only helps the cheesecake not crack on top, but also ensures the cheesecake will come out smooth and creamy.
How do you tell if a cheesecake in a water bath is done?
When baking a cheesecake in a water bath, the directions are generally to bake at 325°F for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the top looks dry but the center still wobbles and jiggles like jello. It should not be liquidy at all.
Can I use Pyrex for water bath?
Pyrex cookware is meant to withstand baking, but it cannot be trusted for use over 425 degrees. This means that for recipes requiring higher temps you should use metal pans. … If you use modern Pyrex on a direct heat source, the result will likely be a cracked or exploded piece of glassware.
Does cheesecake rise when you bake it?
Baking a cheesecake is kind of like baking a souffle, except instead of encouraging rise, you combat it. Cheesecake doesn’t have the structure to sustain rising. Cream cheese can’t hold the air, so when it rises, it eventually collapses & cracks.
Is a springform pan necessary for cheesecake?
Springform pans are called for when making cheesecakes, cakes with loose toppings, and attractive tortes and trifles. This special pan makes it easy to get delicate cakes out of the pan without damaging them, but they aren’t a necessity, despite what any recipe says.
Why is my No Bake Cheesecake base soggy?
Baking the crust.
Trying to bake a crumb crust for a no-bake cheesecake will make for a soggy crust, as no-bake crusts have more fat. Trying to use a baked crust (even one with less butter) means your filling will ooze into the crust and make it soggy. … This makes for a sturdy crust when refrigerated.