Mini Salted Caramel Cheesecakes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep mini cheesecakes from sinking? ›

Don't overmix the filling.

Another safety measure for velvety mini cheesecakes that won't sink: don't overmix. You want the filling to have enough time to fully integrate all the ingredients without incorporating too much air. The more air in the filling, the more likely you are to have a sinking, cracking cheesecake.

Don't overmix ingredients.

You want to start with room temperature cream cheese. This way you will be able to blend your ingredients very easily without overmixing. When the batter is overmixed, too much air is added and will cause your cake to rise in the oven and then collapse and crack when being removed.

Cheesecakes should be served at room temperature. If frozen, leave the cake overnight in the refrigerator and defrost on the counter 3 hours before serving. Otherwise, defrost on the counter 4-5 hours before serving.

Skip the Water Bath

The answer is quite simple: Cook the cheesecake at a low temperature and eliminate the bath altogether. Baking at 250ºF simulates the gentle heat of the bath, without the anxiety-inducing suspense of the crust reveal.

The air you whip into the filling via high-speed beating creates pockets of steam as the cake bakes, which compromise the cake's solid structure and lead to cracks. To avoid this problem, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature and mix the filling slowly, just until combined.

Most cheesecakes should be baked at 325°F. The target temperature, the internal temperature of your cheesecake, should be 150 to 155°F. At 325°F–with the same recipe, ingredients, and pan—there is a perfect baking time.

Avoid Overcooking

DON'T overbake. Overbaking a cheesecake can cause cracks on the surface. The center of the cheesecake should still be a little wobbly, the filling still pale, and the outer ring slightly puffy and firm.

The USDA says to avoid the “danger zone” you must place a cooled cheesecake in the fridge within two hours. You can set a timer for yourself so you don't forget and risk wasting all that beautiful, rich dessert.

Wrap the cheesecake: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in at least two layers of plastic wrap, trying to get the plastic close to the surface to keep out as much air as possible. Add a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Whether homemade or from your favorite bakery, it's best enjoyed chilled and served right out of the fridge.

How do you remove mini cheesecakes? ›

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes — the tops will sink slightly. Use a knife to gently loosen the edges, then carefully invert the pan and push the cheesecakes out.

Overmixing the cake batter can lead to excessive air incorporation, creating an unstable structure. This can cause the cake to rise excessively and then collapse in the middle during cooling. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated to avoid overmixing.

Cake sinking after baking can be prevented by ensuring the oven is preheated correctly, using the right size of baking tin, avoiding opening the oven door too early, checking for doneness with a toothpick, and allowing the cake to cool gradually in the oven before removing it.