Introduction
If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a delicious and creamy dessert, then cheesecake is the way to go. However, making the perfect cheesecake can be tricky. One of the most common problems is cracking, but this can be avoided by using a water bath. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a cheesecake in a water bath, step-by-step.
Ingredients
To make a cheesecake in a water bath, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Boiling water
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is moistened. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar and beat until it’s well combined. Next, add in the sour cream and vanilla extract and beat until it’s smooth. Finally, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour until it’s just combined.
Step 3: Assembling the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake mixture onto the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top of the cheesecake. Place the springform pan into a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into the larger pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Step 4: Baking the Cheesecake
Place the pans into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Conclusion
Making a cheesecake in a water bath is an easy way to avoid the dreaded cracking that often occurs during baking. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to make a creamy and delicious cheesecake that’s sure to impress your guests. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!