I’d rather eat vegan for a week than write a blog post on
why pumpkin cheesecakes crack, but I’m more than happy to explain how to get
that perfect, creamy-custardy, probably-won’t-crack doneness you all deserve.
Use a digital thermometer. Okay, that was a little anticlimactic, but it really
is that simple.
If you turn off the heat when the cheesecake’s internal temp
is between 155-160 F., and let it cool slowly in the warm oven, you should get
exactly what you see here. The reason a thermometer is so key, is that going
just by sight is hard to do. Even at 155 F., a cheesecake has a fairly jiggly
middle, and really does look undercooked. Many cooks get scared and leave it in
for a few more minutes, which can make all the difference.
is between 155-160 F., and let it cool slowly in the warm oven, you should get
exactly what you see here. The reason a thermometer is so key, is that going
just by sight is hard to do. Even at 155 F., a cheesecake has a fairly jiggly
middle, and really does look undercooked. Many cooks get scared and leave it in
for a few more minutes, which can make all the difference.
This should take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Many
factors are involved, but a big one is the temperature of your cheese and eggs.
Mine were cold, which not only makes mixing harder, but also will increase
cooking time, as a room temp batter starts cooking sooner. So, to recap, use a
thermometer.
This recipe was adapted from one found on my friend Elise’s
blog, Simply Recipes. She’s one of my all-time favorites (food bloggers and
people), and I insist you head over there to check out her gorgeous version as
well. I (we) hope you give this easy pumpkin cheesecake a try soon. Enjoy!
blog, Simply Recipes. She’s one of my all-time favorites (food bloggers and
people), and I insist you head over there to check out her gorgeous version as
well. I (we) hope you give this easy pumpkin cheesecake a try soon. Enjoy!
2 cups gingersnap crumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg yolk
Filling
4 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temp
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (15-oz) cans pure pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
1/4 cup all purpose flour
*Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until
internal temp is between 155-160 F. Let cool in warm oven, with door cracked.
internal temp is between 155-160 F. Let cool in warm oven, with door cracked.