Cotton Candy Cheesecake Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 - 24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 packages)
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 4 large eggs
09 - Cotton candy flavoring or cotton candy syrup (optional)

→ Topping

10 - Cotton candy
11 - Sprinkles (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
03 - Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
05 - Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
06 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
07 - Optionally, mix in cotton candy flavoring or syrup for an added burst of flavor and a fun color.
08 - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
09 - Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10 - Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
11 - Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
12 - Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
13 - Before serving, top the cheesecake with cotton candy and optional sprinkles. Release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled.