Today on Short Presents we are exploring a favorite indulgence of mine, Cranberry cheesecake 🙂 Check out how to pull off this restaurant grade dessert 🙂
To avoid over baking: while you want the cheesecake to be firm, if you shake the pan gently, it should still wobble (a little), and the center will still look a little wet. This can be alarming if you are used to making traditional cakes because this outcome is usually to be avoided. Although the center may not look fully baked, once it cools it will firm up and be the correct consistency.
It is also tres importante to note that cheesecakes are cakes that should not to be eaten straight away (try your best), they should be cooled and then be refrigerated for several hours (preferably overnight if possible), so the flavors have time to blend and the texture to become firm.
Cheesecakes store very well and can also be frozen. To freeze, place the cooled cheesecake on a baking pan and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, wrap it in heavy duty aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Seal and return to freezer. It can be frozen for several months. When you want to eat your cheesecake simply thaw the uncovered cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight and voila you have a cheesecake ready to go. Having a cheesecake in the freezer is great if you are hosting a dinner party because you can bake it weeks ahead and simply remove it from the freezer the night before.
Recipe retrieved from: Joyofbaking.com
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
Cheesecake Filling:
For Crust: In a medium sized bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of the springform pan. Cover and refrigerate while you make the filling.
Place the cheesecake pan on a larger baking pan (to catch any drips) and place in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes and then lower the oven temperature to 250 degrees and continue to bake for another 60 to 70 minutes or until firm and only the center of the cheesecake looks a little wet and wobbly. Remove from oven and carefully run a knife or spatula around the inside edge of pan to loosen the cheesecake (this will help prevent the surface from cracking as it cools). Let the cheesecake cool before covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Cheesecake tastes best after being refrigerated at least eight hours or overnight, so resist the urge to eat it right away 🙂 Makes a good Saturday afternoon project to enjoy on Sunday evening.
Serves about 12-14 people.
Happy Tuesday,
Sincerely,
Short Presents
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