Cheesecake Cracking on Top #3

Hi Nancy, this is for Christine in Arkansas who wanted tips on
baking a cheesecake that doesn't crack on top. First, be
sure you don't over mix the ingredients for the cheesecake.
Over mixing makes the eggs toughen which can cause the
cheesecake to crack. Second, try baking your cheesecake
in a water bath. Place your spring form pan/cheesecake pan
on a large baking dish with sides and then fill with water
so that it comes about halfway up your cheesecake dish.
This evens the temperature in the oven so that your
cheesecake won't dry out on top. You also might want to
try very lightly coating the sides of your cheesecake pan
with cooking spray. When the cheesecake bakes it will pull
away from the sides of the pan somewhat and if it sticks
to the sides it will crack. Also, when making cheesecakes
only bake until the outside is just set; the center will still
look a little wet.

Hope this helps! Kate in NC :-)

http://www.nancyskitchen.com