Birthday Cake Cheesecake Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 11 sheets)
02 - 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Cheesecake Mixture

04 - 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 3/4 cup sour cream
06 - 3 whole eggs, at room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon almond extract
08 - 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - 3/4 cup rainbow jimmy sprinkles
10 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
11 - 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

→ Toppings (optional)

12 - frosting
13 - whipped cream
14 - sprinkles

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9 or 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Spray the sides of the pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment strips.
02 - In a food processor, combine the graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Pulse until crumbly and well-combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Remove and let cool.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream, heavy cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined, scraping down the bowl.
04 - Reduce mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing each just until combined.
05 - Carefully fold in the sprinkles without overmixing to prevent their colors from bleeding.
06 - Cover the sides of the springform pan with foil to prevent browning and water seepage. Pour the filling into the crust. Place the pan in a 9x13-inch roasting pan filled with hot water to 1-2 inches high around the springform pan.
07 - Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is almost set. It should jiggle slightly when shaken. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour.
08 - Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
09 - Carefully release the springform pan and remove the sides. Top with frosting, whipped cream, and sprinkles (optional). Slice and serve.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.