Posted by Gerard on May 21, 1997 at 21:14:21:
In Reply to: Cheesecakes posted by Tom R on May 20, 1997 at 18:25:34:
: Why do cheesecakes crack and how do you prevent it from happening?
Overinflation during baking causes the cracks, stop by baking in a water bath and watching it closely, remove the cake BEFORE a toothpick comes out clean, a slight wetness in the middle when removed from the oven will ensure a creamy cheesecake when cooled.
About 1/4 inch of cold water in a tray is enough water to prevent cracking.
After cooling ,cracks can be hidden by spreading some thinned sourcream on the top and returing to the oven for a few minutes, thin with some light cream to the consistency of pourable mud.
It'll fill the cracks and produce a flat surface to the top of the cake.