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How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

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Learn 10 secrets to achieving a perfect cheesecake every time!how to make a perfect cheesecake 1 680x1024 How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

The perfect cheesecake should be:

– smooth

– creamy

– melt in your mouth with every bite

– with no crack

– with no crumbling crust.

It has to look fabulous and taste absolutely amazing.

It took me a few years and many, many cheesecakes to finally learn all the secrets to creating the perfect one each and every time. Mind you, even if there is a crack or crumbling crust – your cheesecake will still be delicious. But if you are committing your time and money to such a time consuming and decadent dessert – might as well make it perfect.

Have you ever had a pleasure of baking a cheesecake and pulling out a no-crack-top beauty out of the oven? It’s like angels sing and confetti is flying around you! Definitely a baking success worth bragging about and showing off!!

Because cheesecake is made for a show. You can hear the flutter of hearts, the oooh’s and ahhh’s when presenting a perfectly baked cheesecake. And what happens after a first bite is pure bliss! It should make you weak in your knees! It should be smooth and creamy and literally melt on your tongue.

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NOTE: I am using photos of my chocolate cheesecake as an example. You can make a vanilla cheesecake by simply skipping the chocolate in the recipe on the bottom of the post.

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So what are the secrets to a perfect cheesecake? Well, let’s go through all 10 of them. I promise it’s easier than you may think!

RULES FOR MAKING A PERFECT CHEESECAKE EVERY TIME:

1. Baking the cheesecake in a water bath.

This is the secret to a no-crack top! It will require you to add about 5 minutes to a preparation time but it is so so worth it. Line the springform pan with two sheets of aluminum foil and place the pan in a roasting pan. Boil 2 cups of water and when the cheesecake is ready for baking, pour enough water into the roasting pan to come up at least an inch up the sides but not too high so it won’t go over the foil and flood your cheesecake. You can refill the water after first 40 minutes of baking.

how to make a perfect cheesecake 3a How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

2. Always use a springform pan.

I can’t imagine trying to get the cheesecake out from a regular cake pan or a pie pan. It would be a mess! A springform sides help you release the cake from the pan so you can show off the cake and also perfectly slice it. I like to bake cheesecakes in my 9″ pan. In my opinion, the 8″ pan is great for no-bake cheesecakes and desserts (like this Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake) when you want a tall showstopper. The 9″ pan decreases the chances for under-baked cheesecake and cracked top.

springform pans How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

3. Preparing the crust and cream cheese filling in the food processor.

This is your secret for a perfect flat crust and smooth filling. Preparing the cookie crust in a food processor prevents from big chunks of cookie in it. It will make it harder to make a uniform and flat crust that comes of easily of the pan with a slice and not brake.

crust How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

The food processor is absolutely crucial in making the creamy and smooth filling for the cheesecake. It will mix all the ingredients perfectly without any chunks of cheese or unmixed eggs. If you are making a chocolate cheesecake, it will help you to mix in the chocolate evenly so there are no streaks in the batter.

filling How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

I used my food processor in making the crust and filling shown above.

4. Cream cheese to eggs ratio.

If you look at all the great cheesecake recipes, you will notice that the cream cheese to eggs ratio is 1:1. Which means that if you are using 3 8oz. packages of cream cheese – you should use 3 eggs. This is your secret to a perfectly rich, dense and creamy cheesecake!

5. Perfect cookie crumbs to melted butter ratio and pre-baking the crust.

This is your secret to a perfect flat crust that will come of in one piece when slicing the cheesecake. You do not want half the crust from your piece to be stuck to the pan. You want the crust to be perfectly flat (no hills) to make an ideal base for the filling. For every 1 and 1/2 cups of cookie crumbs (traditionally graham cracker crumbs, but also gingersnaps, Oreo’s, even Ritz crackers!), you should use 1/2 cup of butter, melted. I highly recommend this ratio for 9″ cheesecakes. In years of experimenting, I find it to be perfect. It’s not too much to be stuck in the corners and enough to make a sturdy base for your filling. Pre-baking the crust for 7 to 8 minutes, will harden it enough which prevents it from crumbling while slicing the cake.

6. The addition of flour and Greek yogurt.

It may sound strange, but you do want to add a little bit of flour and some Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to your batter. It will help with the smooth texture and perfectly creamy end result. I usually use only 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in my cheesecakes. When it comes to Greek yogurt, I love baking with and always choose Chobani. I use 2% plain for my cheesecake.

chobani and flour How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake

7. The oven temperature.

Go low and slow. The cheesecake needs time to bake. Do not hurry it! It’s not cookies. Bake your cheesecake in 325 degrees instead of 350 degrees or 375 degrees. It will prevent it from over-baking and burning the top. You need to adjust time to the size of your pan. I usually bake my cheesecakes in 9″ springform pan for 1 hour and 20 minutes in 325 degrees. In my opinion, the 8″ springform pan is better for no-bake cheesecakes. Otherwise, bake the cheesecake until no longer wiggly in the center.

8. Cooling the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour after baking with the door slightly open.

After the timer beeped on your stove to inform you that the baking time has ended, turn the oven off, open the door and stick a wooden spoon in it to leave it slightly open. Leave the cheesecake in the oven in these conditions for 1 hour. This is another secret to a no-crack top!

9. Loosening the sides with a knife, yet not taking the ring off.

After the cheesecake has cooled in the oven for 1 hour, slide a knife around the sides to loosen them up. Do not take the springform pan ring off. Chill the cake in the pan. This is your secret to no-crack top and sides!

10. Chilling, chilling, chilling! 6 hours to overnight.

Chilling the cheesecake is absolutely crucial. This is your secret to a perfectly smooth, dense and creamy texture! I always try to plan ahead while making a cheesecake for any occasion so I can chill it overnight. It makes a huge difference!

Phew! We covered them all. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section. I know many of us bakers have our favorite ways to bake but these are mine. I am not saying that other recipes are wrong, I am just sharing my tips for creating what is a perfect cheesecake in my opinion. I hope my list of secrets will be at least a guide. Hopefully, my photos show the perfection of my cheesecake. 🙂

 

PERFECT CHEESECAKE RECIPE:

5 from 2 votes
how to make a perfect cheesecake 1 680x1024 1 150x150 How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake
Print
How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
 
I am giving away my secrets to creating a perfect cheesecake: rich, smooth, creamy and melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake. Recipe: CrunchyCreamySweet.com original.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 499 kcal
Author: Anna
Ingredients
for the crust:
  • 1 1/2 c finely crushed chocolate graham crackers
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 c unsalted butter melted
for the filling:
  • 3 8 oz . packages of cream cheese softened
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 c Greek yogurt or sour cream I used 2% Plain Chobani
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • 3 well-beaten eggs
  • 8.5 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars chopped, melted, cooled to room temperature (I used Hershey's Special Dark) (optional)
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
prepare the water bath:
  1. Wrap a 9" springform pan in aluminum foil and set in a roasting pan.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water. Set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
to make the crust:
  1. Place graham crackers in food processor and process until finely crushed.
  2. Add sugar and melted butter and process on low until all comes together.
  3. Press the crust into a 9" springform pan.
  4. Bake for 7 minutes in preheated oven.
  5. Set aside.
to make the filling:
  1. Place cream cheese in food processor and process on low. Process for 15 seconds. Increase the speed to high and process for 5 seconds until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and process on low until combined.
  3. Add flour, yogurt, vanilla and milk and process on low until smooth.
  4. Add eggs and process on low until completely incorporated.
  5. If making a chocolate version: Add cooled, melted chocolate and process on low just until combined and the filling is uniform color. No white streaks should remain.
  6. Pour the batter over baked crust. Tap the roasting pan on the counter few times (gently) to release any air bubbles from the batter.
  7. Place the pan with the springform pan in the oven. Pour enough water into the roasting pan to come at least 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan but not over the foil.
  8. Bake 1 hour and 20 minutes. Replace water after first 50 minutes of baking.
  9. When the times is up, turn of the oven leaving the cheesecake inside for one hour. Leave the oven door slightly ajar.
  10. Cool the cheesecake completely on the counter.
  11. Refrigerate overnight.
  12. Top with desired toppings (fresh fruit, sauce, ganache, glaze, frosting, chopped candy, etc.)
  13. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days in closed container.
Recipe Notes

The total time does not include the cooling time. You need to let the cheesecake cool completely and then refrigerate it (preferably overnight) for the best results.

Nutrition Facts
How to Make a Perfect Cheesecake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 499 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 215mg 9%
Potassium 235mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 34g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin A 15.7%
Calcium 7.9%
Iron 13.9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    May 16, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Hello,

    I am going to try your recipe and I’m just wondering if I substituted the melted chocolate for chopped up candy bars, how much should I use? The same amount? I’ve seen 2 cups in other recipes. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Anna says

      May 16, 2019 at 3:03 pm

      Hi Wendy! If you are not melting the candy bars, then add 1/2 cup at a time and stir into the batter until it looks good. I hope this helps!

      Reply

      • Wendy says

        May 16, 2019 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you I will try that. I always worry about adding too much or stirring the batter WAY too much when attempting to add my fill-ins in small batches.

        Reply

  2. Diba says

    July 6, 2014 at 12:47 am

    I love you tips. What if I wanted to make Oreo cheesecake can I use the same recipe but just add a few chopped oreos? Would it turn out ok?

    Reply

    • CrunchyCreamySw says

      July 6, 2014 at 8:42 am

      Hi Diba! Yes! You can stir in chopped cookies, M&M’s, any candy really. Have fun! Thanks!

      Reply

      • Wendy says

        May 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm

        Just wanted to let you know. I made the cheesecake yesterday. It turned out GREAT!! (And this is coming from a non-cheesecake person!) It is now my go-to recipe for cheesecake.

        I made a candy bar version with chopped candy bars for filling (instead of the melted chocolate) and a candy bar topping. I used about 1.5 cups chopped candy bars for the filling. I also used Balkan 6.5% yogurt as that’s all I had on hand (instead of greek yogurt or sour cream). Other than that I followed your instructions and your tips. Thanks!

        Reply

  3. Rita says

    June 20, 2014 at 6:35 am

    thanks so much for your quick reply! i’ll try the parchment paper. i did try spraying the bottom and sides of the pan w/Pam for my second cheesecake, but the graham cracker crust was very soggy, and i think it was due to the Pam spray. it was still tasty, but not at all the same texture as the graham cracker crust on my first cheesecake (same crust recipe). so i’m a bit leery of the spray Pam where it touches the crust. but i’ll definitely try the parchment and spray the pan bottom then lay the parchment on it. i know it’s just a matter of trial and error until i learn to get my cheesecakes out of the pan beautifully! thanks again for your great recipes and so helpful tips!

    Reply

  4. Rita says

    June 17, 2014 at 5:59 am

    Hi, thank you for your wonderful tips on making a perfect cheesecake! Could you also please share your tips on removing the finished cheesecake from the metal pan bottom. my 2 cheesecakes have turned out perfectly, but when it comes time to remove them, some of the crust invariably sticks to the pan, even though i use a metal cheesecake lifter. Help! after all that work and a beautiful cheesecake, i HATE that it gets messed up moving it to the serving plate. (i usually freeze my cheesecakes overnight, rather than just chilling. that helps wonderfully when slicing, and i thought it would also help with removing it from the pan bottom, but so far, no luck.)

    Reply

    • CrunchyCreamySw says

      June 17, 2014 at 10:32 am

      Hi Rita! One of my readers just left a comment with tips for getting the cheesecake out of the metal bottom. Kathy said: “I have found that if you cut a piece of parchment to fit the bottom of your pan, spray the pan then the parchment add your crust. When the cheesecake is cooled loosen it with an off-set spatula and you can even move it to a serving plate.” Let me know if this helps!

      Reply

  6. CrunchyCreamySw says

    February 12, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    Hi! I would say cut the baking time in half if you are making half the recipe. Check the cheesecakes for signs of being done: the edges should appear set and the center should be slightly jiggly when you shake the pan. Let me know how it goes! Thank you!

    Reply

  8. CrunchyCreamySw says

    January 30, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Hi Maria! I recommend my recipe. It does not have an eggy taste. I’ve had a fantastic feedback from my readers who made this recipe. I think you are going to love it!

    Reply

  9. TheStewie says

    January 2, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Hi, I have recently started making cheesecakes. After reading your tips, I can definately make a better cheesecake. Thank you!

    The hardest part I have come across so far is getting the bottom part of the pan off without tearing up the crust. Is parchment paper the answer?

    Reply

    • CrunchyCreamySw says

      January 2, 2014 at 11:41 am

      Hi there! Yes, it can definitely make it easier. I do find my crust to be perfect and always comes off without crumbling. Thanks for the question!

      Reply

  10. Dexter says

    January 1, 2014 at 4:28 am

    Bunch of thanks for this! All my clients are amazed by our cheesecakes after following this helpful guide. 😀

    Reply

    • CrunchyCreamySw says

      December 23, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      I have never made a cheesecake with 6 packages of cream cheese but I would definitely recommend baking it longer. Add at least 30 minutes. What pan are you using?

      Reply

      • Humble Baker says

        December 23, 2013 at 1:53 pm

        9 inch spring form pan. It’s about 5 1 / 2 inches tall. I figured I would do the ‘shake’ test every 15 minutes or so?

        Reply

        • CrunchyCreamySw says

          December 23, 2013 at 2:15 pm

          Let the initial time go by before you open the oven to check on it. This way it won’t disturb the cake during rising. Definitely let me know how it’s going!

          Reply

  12. SRR says

    December 18, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    I just wanted you to know that I came across your blog when I was searching for a way to make the perfect cheesecake. I followed your steps and recipe exactly (minus the chocolate part) and my husband said it was definitely the best cheesecake he’s ever had! I didn’t get to try it since I made it for him to take to a Holiday luncheon at his work. This was only my second attempt at making one, and while the first one was good, I was disappointed when I pulled it out of the oven and it had cracked. After following your directions I was so excited to pull a perfect looking cheesecake out of the oven. Thanks for sharing these tips and recipe! I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply

  19. Nancy says

    September 4, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Anna, you’re the best! Thanks so much, girl, for compiling this incredible list of cheesecake tips. I haven’t made a cheesecake in over 10 years, mostly because they intimidate me and it’d be super dangerous to have a giant delicious cheesecake lying around. I’m pinning this so that I can make gorgeous, glorious, perfect cheesecakes all winter long (I’ll need the extra padding since the weather’s cooling 😉

    Reply

    • CrunchyCreamySw says

      September 4, 2013 at 7:57 pm

      I found that the perfect ratio of cookie crumbs and butter for the crust and pre-baking the crust helps a lot here. Running a knife around the base (after you take the ring off) helps to get the perfect first slice! Hope this helps!

      Reply

      • RhiRhiBC says

        November 15, 2013 at 5:38 pm

        if you butter the pan, and sprinkle it with sugar, there is no need to run a knife around. It will come off all on it’s own.

        Reply

    • Kathy says

      June 15, 2014 at 9:15 pm

      I have found that if you cut a piece of parchment to fit the bottom of your pan, spray the pan then the parchment add your crust. When the cheesecake is cooled loosen it with an off-set spatula and you can even move it to a serving plate.

      Reply

  29. The Joy of Caking says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Looks perfect to me Anna! I am embarassed to admit I have never made a cheesecake because most recipes make such huge cakes. And I hate to experiment with a new dessert when I’m expecting a crowd because it would be my luck it would be a flop – lol…

    Reply

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