Cooking Class - Proven Tips for Preparing Perfect Cheesecake

By Tom Lingle

Cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts, and is served in a wide variety of mouthwatering flavors and textures. Available in fine restaurants everywhere, gourmet cheesecakes can be produced right in your very own kitchen. With a little effort, bakery quality cheesecake can be prepared with perfect results every time. Select a gourmet cheesecake recipe and follow these time-tested cheesecake-making tips.

Always Use First Rate, High Quality Ingredients at Room Temperature

Pay for quality ingredients when making cheesecake. A smooth, creamy, luxurious cheesecake is best when prepared with the freshest ingredients and a full-fat cheese (typically cream cheese, although ricotta, mascarpone, havarti and cottage cheese are often called for). One of the keys to a creamy, consistent result is to start with all ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese. When the recipe calls for eggs, use room temperature, large, fresh Grade AA. If the recipe does not call for flour or cornstarch, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the sugar, before mixing into the batter and dramatically lessen any chances of the cheesecake cracking.

Use a Springform Pan Sitting in A Water Bath

Springform pans are the perfect bakeware for cheesecake recipes that require baking. The pan, with removable bottom and interlocking buckle sides, makes removal the cheesecake a snap. Be sure to grease the springform sides to avoid sticking. As most springform pans allow for a small amount of leakage, placing the pan in a water bath will help to avoid batter leaks onto the oven surface. Remove any air bubbles that would cause the cheesecake to crack by tapping gently on the side of the pan prior to baking. Baking the cheesecake in a Bain-Marie (or water bath) produces a moist, rich and creamy texture.

Avoid Over Baking Your Cheesecake

It is best to bake your cheesecake the minimum amount of time the recipe suggests before opening the oven and checking doneness. If the cheesecake center is slightly moist, remove the cheesecake, as it will continue to bake after it is removed from the oven. Run the tip of a knife blade around the top edge of the cheesecake to insure the cake pulls away from the side of the pan. Only after the cheesecake has completely cooled, perhaps overnight, run a knife blade around the entire side of the cheesecake, release the springform pan clamp and remove the side of the pan.

Add Some Finishing Touches

Take cheesecakes out of the refrigerator and remove from springform pan and allow 30 minutes for the cheesecake to warm to room temperature before serving. If possible, garnish cheesecakes with fresh fruits and sauces just prior to serving. When ready, cut cheesecake with a sharp knife that's been warmed by dipping in hot water.

Gourmet cheesecake is a smooth and creamy delicious gourmet end to any meal. Perfect your techniques, experiment with recipes and great flavors and remember a few time tested cheesecake tips will make desserts family and friends will always remember.

Bake amazing cheesecakes! Find dozens of delicious cheesecake recipes to choose from at GourmetCheesecakeRecipes.com, or find a cheesecake preparation cooking class at LocalCookingClass.com