When Is A Cheesecake Done Baking

By Zarah Grace, last updated on August 14, 2021

Cheesecakes are one of the perfect ways to end a meal. It is a light and delicious dessert. But, when is a cheesecake done baking? In addition to that, it contains the right amount of milk or cream and soft cheese. That is why it is such a delicious treat!

When Is A Cheesecake Done Baking? 

If you take out your cheesecake too soon, you will have soft and soggy results. In addition to that, it will not hold its shape when cut. Besides that, it can be unsafe to eat. 

In contrast, if you bake it for too long, you might risk a curdled texture or a burnt top. And keep in mind that it can be difficult to tell when it is ready. But there are few things that you can do to determine if your cheesecake is okay. Here are some methods you want to try.

How To Tell If Cheesecake Is Done Baking: Checking The Temperature Of Your Cheesecake

Have An instant-read Cooking Thermometer 

We do not want to wait for a long time for our thermometer to determine the temperature. So, opt-out to an instant-read variety of thermometers. With that, ensure to clean after every use.

Moreover, calibrate your thermometer occasionally to make sure that it is giving an accurate reading. With that, you can achieve it by filling a small saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Measure the water’s temperature. And it should indicate 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius.

For an analog thermometer, turn the hex bolt at the bottom to calibrate the temperature if the reading is incorrect. And for digital thermometers, consult with the manufacturer’s directions to calibrate.

Make Sure To Test The Temperature In The Center Of The Cheesecake

For the most part, the edges of your cheesecake may be warmer than the center. To determine if your cheesecake is ready, you will need to test the temperature in the center. With that, avoid pushing the thermometer down to the bottom of your pan. Remember, stick it halfway through your cheesecake.

Furthermore, sticking your thermometer into the cheesecake may cause it to crack. Try only to test the temperature once and avoid testing multiple times. If there is a need to test it more than once, stick your thermometer in the same hole. Doing this minimizes having cracks in your cheesecake.

Moreover, we are looking for a 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 66 degrees Celsius reading. Once the center of your cheesecake reaches that temperature, your cheesecake is okay. Then, take your cheesecake out of your oven. After that, allow it to cool completely in a cooling wire rack. 

If you checked and your cheesecake is not ready, put your cheesecake back inside the oven. Afterward, bake for another 5 minutes. Then, check the temperature again, and repeat until you have a 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 66 degrees Celsius reading.

Read more about How Much Does It Cost To Make A Cheesecake

How Can You Tell When A Cheesecake Is Done: Shaking Your Cheesecake

Shake Your Cheesecake Pan Gently

While your cheesecake is still inside the oven, use an oven mitten to jiggle your cheesecake pan gently. Remember, avoid being too rough with your warm cheesecake, or it will crack. Also, try to jiggle your cheesecake pan gently. With that, ensure that no water can get into the pan if you are baking with a water bath. 

Check To See How Much The Middle Jiggles

When shaking your pan gently, you observe a 2-inch or 5.1-centimeter area in the cheesecake’s center that slightly jiggles. It could mean that your cheesecake is okay if there is still a large area that jiggles. Or a liquid that breaks the surface over the cheesecake pan’s edges, which means that your cheesecake is not ready. With that, bake your cheesecake for another 5 minutes. And ensure to repeat the process to check for doneness.

Expect Cheesecakes With Sour Cream Filling To Jiggle More Than The Cream Cheese Filling

If you used a decent amount of sour cream for your cheesecake, it is jigglier. It is indeed observable when you compare it to a cheesecake filled with cream cheese or ricotta. Also, expect a large soft area in the middle; look for the slightly brown puffed-up edges in your cheesecake to indicate that it is done cooking. 

Take note that the center of the cheesecake will continue to cook and firm up as your cheesecake cools. You can observe this when you continue baking your cheesecake until the center is firm. And does not jiggle; your cheesecake will bake for too long.

How Do You Surely Know When A Cheesecake Is Done: Touching The Surface Of Your Cheesecake

Wash And Dry Your Hands

Meticulously wash your hands with warm water and soap before touching and handling your cheesecake. Rinse your hands properly to remove any soap residue and dry your hands completely.

Use One Finger To Touch The Middle Of Your Cheesecake

Using a finger, gently touch the middle surface of your cheesecake. In that regard, avoid pressing too hard. Check the doneness in the center of your cheesecake and not the area near the edges. 

Search For A Firm Surface

If your cheesecake’s surface is slightly soft but feels firm, then your cheesecake is ready. However, if your finger sinks into the cheesecake or some batter sticks to your finger when lifted. Then, your cheesecake needs more baking time. Because of that, bake your cheesecake for another 5 minutes before checking it once more. 

Looking At Your Cheesecake

Check For A Little Puffing And Browning At The Edges Of Your Cheesecake

Usually, you can distinguish if your cheesecake is okay. You will know when you can observe half an inch ring around the cheesecake’s edges starts to turn brown. And it puffs up slightly from your pan. In addition to that, the filling of your cheesecake should remain pale and not golden. When you can observe these signs, do not continue to cook, or your cheesecake becomes over-baked.

Search For Firmness Around The Edges Of The Filling In Your Cheesecake

If the edges are still fluid rather than firm and set, it indicates that your cheesecake is still not ready. Take note that the middle part of your cheesecake is the only part that should be jiggly. And not firm when you baked the cheesecake perfectly. 

Take Your Cheesecake Out When Its Surface Is No Longer Shiny

Once you observe that the surface of your cheesecake is no longer shiny, it means that your cheesecake is ready. Ensure that the entire cheesecake and the soft center do not shine or are not glossy. Make sure to check this before taking your cheesecake out of the oven. 

Moreover, some people may prefer to allow their cheesecake to cool inside the oven. If you are one of them, ensure that you turn off the oven’s heat. And let the cheesecake sit inside the oven. But, leave an opening in the door about an inch or 2.5 centimeters. Then, leave your cheesecake for an hour. 

After an hour:

1. Take out the pan from the oven.
2. Afterward, make sure to remove the springform pan from the water bath (if using a water bath).
3. Then, allow your cheesecake to cool completely before removing your cheesecake out of the springform pan.