[header] How to keep cheesecake from cracking [title] Grease the pan well. [step] A baked cheesecake shrinks as it cools. If the sides of your pan are not thoroughly greased, the cheesecake may cling to the sides and pull apart in the center as it shrinks. 
Greasing the pan encourages the cheesecake to pull away from the sides and shrink in. [substeps] You can use cooking spray, butter, margarine, or shortening to grease the pan.