Step 5
If not using a water bath: Remove pan from oven and run a knife around the inside of the pan to release the cheesecake. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack, then refrigerate until totally chilled, at least 4 hours and up to overnight. If using a water bath: Turn off oven heat, prop open oven door, and let cheesecake cool in oven, 1 hour. Transfer to refrigerator and cool completely, 4 hours up to overnight.