How do you know when that cheesecake, creme brulee or other custard is finished baking? Just give it a (gentle) shake!
How Do You Know When a Cheesecake Is Done Cooking? The Wobble Test!
Updated on Jan. 06, 2022
Cheesecake is the perfect way to end a fabulous meal. But how do you know when yours is perfectly baked? Pull the cheesecake too soon and you’ll have soft, soggy (and unsafe-to-eat) results that won’t hold a pretty slice. Bake too long, and you risk a curdled texture or burnt top.
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How Do You Know When a Cheesecake Is Done Cooking?
You can tell if a cheesecake is done by checking the internal temperature with a quick-read thermometer. Stick the probe halfway into the cake—a baked cheesecake should read 150ºF.
However, testing cheesecake this way can mar the finish on top. You worked hard to create this cake, so we don’t blame you if you don’t want to go poking holes in it. That’s where this second technique comes in.
The Cheesecake Wobble Test
You can check if your cheesecake is done by trying the wobble test. To check the doneness, open the oven door and give the pan a gentle but firm rap with a spoon to see if it wobbles.
How jiggly should the cheesecake be? Well, it should wobble just slightly (you can see in our video). An underbaked cheesecake will ripple and jiggle noticeably. The key to a perfect cheesecake is a subtle wiggle—not a sloshy jiggle.
Because cheesecakes are part of the baked custard family, you can use this technique not just for them, but for classic creme brulee and old-fashioned baked custards. Check out our other cheesecake baking tips, too.
Up Next: How to Make Basque Cheesecake
Give These Cakes a Wobble
Friends have suggested over and over that I submit this creation to a magazine because it's so good. For the best texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. —Jamie Harris, Danville, Illinois
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough CheesecakeIf you love to nibble the cookie dough while you’re baking, this cookie dough cheesecake is for you. It’s studded with (eggless) cookie dough in every slice!
S’more CheesecakeThis luscious dessert is just as wonderfully tasty as the campfire snack that inspired it. It's a great way to savor a summer classic anytime of year. Our 4-year-old daughter likes it so much that she's requested it for her next birthday! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina
Turtle CheesecakeWith rich layers of chocolate and caramel cheesecake, crunchy pecans and a silky chocolate ganache topping, this turtle cheesecake is a showstopping dessert that's a labor of love. But they'll love you for it!
Caramel Fudge CheesecakeIt's hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia
Peppermint CheesecakeWant to bring an impressive dessert into the room at your next holiday party? This peppermint cheesecake pulls out all the stops to guarantee that your guests will be wowed!
Ricotta CheesecakeIndulge in the rich, velvety texture of this classic ricotta cheesecake, featuring a crisp cinnamon-spiced crust and tangy sour cream topping.
No-Bake Blueberry CheesecakeOur no-bake blueberry cheesecake skips the oven without sacrificing that indulgent, creamy consistency every good cheesecake should have.
Chocolate CheesecakeWhat's better than buying a chocolate cheesecake? Making a homemade chocolate cheesecake yourself! This cheesecake is chocolate throughout, and it has a crushed chocolate cookie crust.
Tiramisu Cheesecake DessertLayers of vanilla wafers soaked in coffee-infused syrup, creamy cheesecake filling, and a finishing touch of whipped topping and cocoa—this tiramisu cheesecake combines simplicity and sophistication in every bite.
Red Velvet CheesecakeFans of cheesecake and red velvet cake will love this two-for-one red velvet cheesecake recipe! Whip it up the day before serving so the cheesecake has a chance to set overnight, and finish it with the dreamy cream cheese frosting right before cutting.
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry CheesecakeCreamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Layered Mocha CheesecakeIn my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Baklava CheesecakeWith a phyllo dough crust, a spiced ground walnut layer and a mascarpone and honey cheesecake filling, this baklava cheesecake satisfies the sophisticated sweet tooth.
Reese’s Peanut Butter CheesecakeIndulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Reese's peanut butter cheesecake. With a graham cracker and Oreo crust, a peanut butter layer and a decadent cheesecake filling swirled with hot fudge, this dessert is a chocolate and peanut butter lover's dream come true.
Pineapple Pie with Coconut CreamYou’ll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Double Chocolate Almond CheesecakeThis cheesecake is easy to make—but it's definitely not easy to wait till the next day to eat it! The recipe is from a friend I used to work with. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Honey Pecan CheesecakeBirthdays and holidays are great times for cheesecake, and Christmas is ideal for this particular one. In our annual church baking contest, it won first place! —Tish Frish, Hampden, Maine
Cranberry CheesecakeEvery year when the cranberries are harvested, my family and I look forward to eating this cheesecake.—Nairda Monroe, Webberville, Michigan
Luscious Almond CheesecakeI received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas
Pineapple Upside-Down CheesecakeMake this pineapple upside-down cheesecake and learn how simple ingredients like cream cheese, brown sugar and canned pineapple can create a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
Chocolate and Raspberry CheesecakeYou’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Salted Caramel Cappuccino CheesecakeI spent 16 years living in Seattle and became a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso to lift me up on those days when I feel blue about leaving Washington. —Julie Merriman, Cold Brook, New York
Vanilla CheesecakeTo me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I'm feeling decadent, I'll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Simple Turtle CheesecakeFor an almost instant dessert, I spread homemade ganache and caramel sauce over premade cheesecake. It always makes busy holidays feel slightly less hectic. —Laura McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
Lavender Honey CheesecakeI love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I've tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
Apple Brandy CheesecakeIf you like apple pie, you will also enjoy this cheesecake. Bits of apple are scattered throughout the filling and a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel is a delightful topping to this impressive dessert.—Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Light CheesecakeOur family adores cheesecake, but I wanted to serve something healthier. I came up with this lighter version that I make for both holidays and everyday. —Diane Roth, Adams, Wisconsin
No-Bake Oreo CheesecakeOur no-bake Oreo cheesecake proves that you don’t need to turn the oven on to make a delicious dessert.
Amaretto CheesecakeCreamy, delicious and deceptively easy to put together, this amaretto cheesecake demands more than one slice.
Pink Grapefruit CheesecakeCheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI
Chocolate Malt CheesecakeMy mother-in-law loved chocolate malts and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good crust! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin
Pumpkin CheesecakeMove over, pumpkin pie: This pumpkin cheesecake recipe might just be our new favorite fall dessert.
Chocolate Chip Cookie CheesecakeThis chocolate chip cookie cheesecake recipe ticks all the right boxes. It's easy to make and definitely grown-up, but still taps into your childhood cookie nostalgia.
Banana CheesecakeChilled, creamy banana cheesecake is the perfect summer treat. It's a classic dessert that is bursting with banana flavor and topped with tangy sour cream. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh cherries, raspberries, or citrus slices.
Refrigerator Lime CheesecakeI made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario
Island Crunch CheesecakeInspiring ideas come from many places, and often when we least expect them. I enjoy making cheesecakes for family and friends, and I came up with this recipe after eating ice cream on vacation. Featuring pineapple and coconut, this cheesecake will remind you of a trip to an island paradise. —Ellen Batenhorst, Omaha, Nebraska
Blueberry CheesecakeThe swirls in this blueberry cheesecake are made with a couple tablespoons of simple blueberry sauce. Save the rest of the homemade sauce for serving.
Cinnamon Apple CheesecakeAn attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
Chocolate Truffle CheesecakeIf you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
CheesecakeWant to learn how to make the best ever cheesecake recipe? Our Test Kitchen offers all the tips you'll need.
