Questions & Answers - Baking Cheesecakes Ahead of Time

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Question:

We are dining with over 24 adults and 40 children for Thanksgiving.  I have offered to make pumpkin cheesecakes.  I have searched the web for pumpkin cheesecake recipes that can be baked in a regular 9 x 13 cake pan.  NO LUCK. Do you think I could use one of the recipes I came across asking for a regular springform pan and just double it? What would your suggestion or answer be to this dilemma? Could I make them a week in advance?  What time frame do you think is best? Thank you for your time.
 

Answers:
 
I would not recommend that you bake the cheesecake in such a large pan. As the baking is very critical to a good cheesecake, I would just buy a couple of new springform pans and make three cheesecakes. Because cheesecake is so rich, one (1) cheese cake can serve 10 to 12 people. The reason that I love to make this pumpkin cheesecake for the holidays, is that it freezes beautifully and can be made many days ahead. When ready to use, let defrost in the refrigerator.
 
You can make your cheesecakes now! I made them as long as two months in advance. Leave the bottom of the pan with the cake (only remove sides) when freezing. Just wrap well with plastic wrap before freezing. I've also wrapped an additional layer with aluminum foil over the plastic wrap. When ready to defrost, defrost in the refrigerator.
 
I suggest that you use my pumpkin cheesecake recipe. I've made it many times with success. Click on the underlined:  http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cake/pumpkincheescke.htm
 


Check out Linda's tips and hints on baking cheesecakes:

Cheesecake Recipes

Baking A Perfect Cheesecake 

Baking Cheesecakes Ahead Of Time

Cracks in Cheesecake

Cutting Cheesecake

How To Freeze Cheesecakes

Traveling with Cheesecakes

Springform Pans