There’s a reason for this answer too. Cheesecake is tasty! It’s one of the most ideal desserts to eat and it’s actually relatively easy to make.
But perhaps the biggest problem when making a cheesecake is knowing when it is done. In short, the way to tell if a cheesecake is done is using the “jiggle test”.
Essentially, this is giving your cooking pan a tap and seeing how solid the cheesecake is. Of course though, this can get quite confusing.
This guide hopes to clear up some of this confusion. We will look at how you can tell if your cheesecake is done and why this is important, along with other helpful tips.
Read on to learn more.
Cheesecake Temperature
Before we go into the jiggle test, which is often also known as the wobble test, we need to clear up one of the most important parts of knowing when your cheesecake is done.
As with other foods, even despite their appearance, your food must be cooked to a specific temperature to ensure its safety. With cheesecakes, the temperature you’re looking to get to is 150 degrees fahrenheit.
To check for this, take the cheesecake out of the oven and place the thermometer into the center of the cheesecake.
It’s a good idea to take three readings to ensure you are not wildly off. And always make sure you take the cheesecake OUT of the oven.
Do not ignore this point because it will likely give you inaccurate readings and potentially injure you in the process.
The Jiggle Test (Or Wobble Test)
This test may seem simple, but it’s extremely effective if you want to tell how done your cheesecake is. All it involves is you opening the oven door, and tapping the pan that your cheesecake is in.
A light touch is all you need here. Check to see how much the top of the cheesecake moves. If it jiggles slightly but looks firm, then your cheesecake is done.
However, if you notice the toppings “slosh” or move as if they are liquid, then the cheesecake is not yet completed.
This method can be done for other desserts that include things like custard or cream too.
Essentially what we’re looking for here is to see how much the top will move because it shows how solid the liquids have become.
Taking the cheesecake out earlier than this will ruin the consistency of the overall cake. You will end up with almost a melted ice cream type consistency and it will taste poor.
The Touch Test
Another way you may wish to check if your cheesecake is done is by giving it a very light touch. And when we say light touch, we do mean light!
Cheesecake is very delicate, even when it is completely cooked. As a result, you will need to be as delicate when checking if it is finished or not.
Using protective gloves (preferably thinner gloves), touch the center of the top of the cheesecake and check to see how solid the topping is. If it collapses or moves as though it is a liquid, it is not done yet.
Conversely though, if the topping is more solid and creamy – you are ready to pull the cheesecake out of the oven and allow it to cool before serving.
The Spatula Test
Another type of touch test is known as the spatula test. This is essentially where you give the top of the cheesecake a “spread” touch and check to see how solid the top of the cheesecake is.
Once again, you will be able to tell if the cheesecake is done or not by the consistency of the topping. If it moves too much like a liquid, it needs to be left in the oven for more time.
On the flip side, if the cheesecake is solid – then it can be brought out and checked for a final time.
Use Your Eyes
This may sound silly, but you can actually tell if a cheesecake is done by bringing it out of the oven and examining it manually.
You will notice the edges are golden brown, with the outer ring being slightly more ivory or pale in color. The overall consistency will be puffy and the top will be much more solid.
Will The Cheesecake Still Jiggle If It Is Done?
Yes, when a cheesecake is done, the top will still jiggle. However, the amount that it jiggles or wobbles is much different if it is not cooked.
A slight jiggle or wobble is what you’re hoping to see. If it moves any more than this, then it is not finished.
Is It Possible To Overcook Or Burn A Cheesecake?
Yes. Overcooking a cheesecake makes it crack and split throughout, but generally through the middle. Be careful not to overcook it because it will ruin the overall cheesecake and be almost impossible to cut it.
Can I Eat Undercooked Cheesecake?
It will depend on the ingredients you’ve used to make the cheesecake, but generally speaking it is not advised that you eat an undercooked cheesecake.
If you do, it’s possible to experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, this is never a guarantee.
But if you want a sure fire way to avoid such a problem, then ensure you cook it through to the correct temperature.
How Long Will Cheesecake Last After Cooking?
Once again, the length of time your cheesecake lasts will depend on the ingredients and storage. However, once left out – you have six hours to consume it unless you refrigerate or freeze it.
The Bottom Line
Cheesecakes can be checked if they’re done by the jiggle test, touch tests or by their temperature. Never gamble on an undercooked cheesecake and stay safe!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
