M&M Cheesecake

M&M Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup M&M candies, roughly chopped (for added crunch in the crust)
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup M&M candies, whole (for mixing into the cheesecake)
• 1/4 cup M&M candies, whole (for topping the cheesecake)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated. Stir in the chopped M&M candies for extra color and crunch. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form a solid crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.

Add M&Ms: Gently fold 1/2 cup of whole M&M candies into the cheesecake batter. Pour the batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Cool and Chill: After the cheesecake has cooled, transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Decorate and Serve: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, top it with the remaining whole M&M candies for a colorful and fun finish.