Yes, you can bake a cheesecake in a glass pan. Glass pans are a popular choice for baking cheesecakes because they provide even heat distribution and are suitable for water baths, which can help prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
Here's how you can bake a cheesecake in a glass pan:
Prepare the crust and filling according to your chosen cheesecake recipe. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the glass pan, ensuring an even layer.
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe.
If your recipe calls for a water bath (also known as a bain-marie), which helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking, wrap the bottom and sides of the glass pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
Place the prepared cheesecake batter into the glass pan, spreading it evenly over the crust.
If using a water bath, place the glass pan into a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the glass pan.
Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe's instructions. Keep an eye on the cheesecake's appearance and doneness as baking times may vary depending on the recipe and oven.
Once the cheesecake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once it reaches room temperature, refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to allow it to set completely.
When ready to serve, gently loosen the edges of the cheesecake from the glass pan using a knife or offset spatula. You can also place the pan on a warm towel or briefly dip the bottom in warm water to help release the cheesecake.
It's important to note that glass pans may retain heat differently than metal pans, so baking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted accordingly. It's always recommended to follow the specific instructions in your cheesecake recipe for the best results.