Cheesecake - Prevent Large Cracks

Gently beat the filling after you add the eggs and stir in the remaining ingredients by hand. Vigorous beating will allow too much air which may cause the cheesecake to puff up, then fall and crack. As a test for doneness, if the cake jiggles, return it to the oven for more baking. Inserting a knife for this purpose may cause the knife hole to grow into a large crack. Also, set a minute timer for the exact cooling time recommended in the recipe.