The center of the cheesecake should be slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools and then become firm once it has chilled for several hours in the fridge. This pumpkin swirl cheesecake also deepens in color as it bakes, so look for a change in color. Trust the time and process - baking a cheesecake and following the proper steps to cool it gradually are a labor of love, but the results are delicious.