Cheesecake help needed....

[believe]

Tried making a NY style cheesecake this weekend. The center didn't get done and the top got too brown since I kept waiting for the center to set. I am figuring it is because I used an 8" pan instead of 9". Another thing is that someone told me to set the pan in water to keep the top from cracking...that didn't work either.

Any suggestions or tried and true recipes would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[pjlla]

Well, not much help here, but I have been told that the top cracks when they cool too quickly. I usually shut off the oven and crack the door open and let it cool in there. Can't recall if it actually helped or not .....P

 

[Twigs]

I have this recipe that everyone seems to love. It is not a NY style cake, and I always get the crack on top. I usually have to let is bake longer to get the middle set too, but my oven temp is off and I am not sure if it is the recipe timing or my oven, but it never gets too dark on top when I bake it longer.

1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c. butter, melted
3 eggs
2 8oz. pkgs. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla ( I always double the vanilla amounts no matter what I bake so I would use 4 tsp. here)
3 c. sour cream

Bleand crumbs and butter. In springform pan, press 3/4 of the mixture to the bottom and up the sides a little. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into pan, sprinkle the left over crumbs on top. Bake 350 degrees 55-60 min. Shut oven off and leave in oven for 1/2 hour with the door opened. Cool, and refrigerate for a day before eating.

 

[hezreck]

The recipe I have for cheesecake says to take it out of the oven when there is a 3 inch diameter circle in the center that is not set, kind of jigglely. Let it cool and it sets itself. I do that and the top doesn't crack.

 

[ash&abby'smom]

You can put aluminum foil around the outeredges to keep them from browning more and let the middle cook longer.

 

[believe]

Thanks for your help. I will probably try another cheesecake tonight. I will use the tips I have as well as others I have received.

Thanks

 

[Spinning]

I think I read somewhere if you put a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack that will help it from cracking.

 

[kaddjr]

Also, make sure your cream cheese is really soft before mixing it. The more you mix it, the more air you put in it.