How many cheesecakes in one oven?

by Gretchen
(Hope, Idaho)

My son's wedding is coming up, and I am planning to make cheesecake for dessert for the rehearsal dinner. We will be serving about 45 people, so I'm thinking I need to make four or five cheesecakes. I have a large Viking oven, with three racks. I know that many spring-form pans can fit, but I'm wondering if there will be unintended consequences. Do you know if it compromises cheesecake to bake many at once? Also, this oven has a convection setting, is it a good idea to use that feature?
Thank you so much!

Gretchen,

Thank you for your questions. As for the convection oven, I've never used that option when baking cheesecakes.

I've heard of some people that use it with no difficulty other than more browning than normal. Others say you have to keep a closer eye on the cheesecakes and they usually turn out okay.

Some things I've read about convection ovens is that you should turn the fan to low or off if you have the option, or at least lower the temperature a bit to make sure it doesn't get overdone. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful than this, but I wish you luck if you do use the convection setting.

As for the cheesecakes baking in the oven at the same time, I just bake for family and friends and I've never made more than two at a time.

That being said, I didn't have any difficulty and just rotated them halfway through. I think it might have taken a few minutes longer to bake also.

I wouldn't think there would be a problem with baking more than one or two at a time...just keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time if it appears that they aren't done after the indicated baking time.

Best of luck with your endeavors. I would love to have you submit pictures to the site for posting after you have made them all.

What a yummy treat for everyone at the rehearsal dinner!