Summarize this article in one sentence.
Check the center of the cheesecake with the point of an instant-read cooking thermometer near the end of the cooking time. When the cheesecake reaches a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), it should be removed from the oven. A cheesecake will always crack if the internal temperature rises above 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) during the baking process. The thermometer will leave a hole in the center of your cheesecake, so you can skip this step if you want a perfectly smooth surface. Many people consider a hole to be far less distracting than surface cracks, though. Since the thermometer will allow you to measure the doneness on a detailed level, it's a valuable tool in the battle against surface cracking and definitely has its benefits. The cheesecake is done with the outer perimeter is firm but 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) of the center is still wobbly. Note that while the center should look moist and wiggly, it should not look runny. The center will firm up as the cheesecake cools. If you bake the cheesecake until the center appears dry, you'll end up drying the cheesecake out. This dryness is another factor that can cause surface cracking. After pulling the cheesecake out of the oven, let it cool undisturbed only for a few minutes. After those minutes pass, run a smooth paring knife around the inner sides of the pan, separating the cheesecake from the pan. Since cheesecakes shrink as they cool, this action further prevents the dessert from clinging to the sides of the pan as it shrinks and tearing apart at the center. Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature until the cake itself drops down to room temperature. Do not refrigerate the cheesecake immediately after pulling it out of the oven. The dramatic shift in temperature can cause cracks to form. Place an inverted plate or cookie sheet over the cheesecake as it cools to protect the surface. After the cheesecake drops to room temperature, refrigerate it for another six hours or until it fully solidifies.
Test doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Do not over-bake the cheesecake. Run a knife along the edge of the pan. Cool the cheesecake slowly. Finished.