You will need 4 packages of cream cheese for this cheesecake recipe.

Just spread the cheesecake filling on top of the crust and smooth it out using a spatula
or an offset spatula.
How to Bake a Cheesecake
And then you’re going to want to DOUBLE wrap the bottom of your pan in foil. You
bake a cheesecake in a water bath, and the foil is just a preventative measure so water
doesn’t leak in and cause your crust to get soggy!

Then find a baking pan that is bigger than your cheesecake pan and fill it about 3/4-
inch deep with very hot water.
I use my half sheet pan, but you can use any shape pan, as long as your spring form
pan fits inside!

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath is another aid in preventing cracks. It also
insulates your cheesecake for more even baking. The water ensures that the outside of
the cheesecake won’t bake too quickly!

Now, carefully place your cheesecake into the oven and allow it to bake for 60 -70
minutes. Check it at 60 minutes. The outside should be set, while the inside should
jiggle ever so slightly. This means it’s done. If you bake the cheesecake long enough
that the center is set, it is over baked. Over baking ALSO causes cracking, which is
what you’re trying to avoid.

But please, if you do get a little cracking, all is not lost! This is when you break open a
can of cherry pie filling and turn that cheesecake into a cherry cheesecake!

How long do you have to chill a cheescake?

Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about an hour. THEN cover the
pan with foil and it will need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, but
preferably overnight.
When you’re ready to enjoy your hard work, remove the cheesecake from the
refrigerator. If any condensation has built up on top of your cheesecake, just take a
paper towel and dab the moisture off.

Then slice it and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

So what have we learned today?

 Pre-bake your crust!

 Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature
 Don’t over mix your cheesecake!
 Line your pan with foil!
 WATER BATH!
 Don’t over bake!
 Don’t skimp on chill time!
I hope this little lesson has helped you and you feel extra confident in your next
cheesecake adventure!

This easy cheesecake recipe will be one you make for years to come. Once you’re
comfortable making this homemade cheesecake recipe you can get fancy and add your
own flavors and add-ins!