Not a Cake at All

• A cheesecake is technically not a cake at all. It is actually a custard, and as such it relies on the proteins present in the eggs to give it the structure it needs. As the baking temperature approaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these proteins coagulate, but if the cheesecake bakes for too long, the custard will dry out. It's wise to keep the oven temperature no higher than 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the cheesecake is baking. Since science plays such an important role in the baking, you can count on the 45-minute bake time with the basic cheesecake ingredients.

Baking Times Vary

• Once you start adding different ingredients and toppings, the baking temperatures may vary and the cook times will increase. The addition of new ingredients with different physical properties alters the baking time in some instances. It's always best to consult the specific recipe you're using and follow it to ensure your baking time is correct.

The No-Bake Cheesecake

• If you are pressed for time or just don't feel like hanging around the kitchen with your eye on the oven, there are no-bake options that will eliminate the bake time entirely. This type of cheesecake usually requires a few minutes of preparation time, a pre-made crust and several hours of refrigeration for the cake to set.

Important Cheesecake Tips

• Pay special attention to the consistency of your filling to ensure that you stay within the 45-minute bake time and turn out a successful dish. Take care not to over-beat your eggs or over-soften the cream cheese, as both of these can force you to spend more time attempting to salvage the cake than it took to prepare the filling in the first place.