Name: Birthday Cheesecake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/3 cup sugar; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; FILLING:; 3 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 3/4 cup sprinkles; TOPPING:; 1 cup whipped cream in a can; 1/4 cup sprinkles

Birthday cheesecake, with billowy whipped cream and a confetti of sprinkles, is as delicious as a layered birthday cake, but easier to make.

Instructions

1 Prepare the springform pan

2 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with three layers of aluminum foil; this will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake during baking. Set the pan aside.

3 Make and bake the graham cracker crust

4 In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet, and bake the crust until it's lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely before filling.

5 Make the cheesecake batter

6 Increase the oven temperature to 450°. In a large bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese until smooth, four to five minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low, add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until they're completely incorporated, about five minutes. Add the sour cream and extracts, beating until smooth and fluffy, one to two minutes. Fold in the sprinkles. Editor's Tip: Using all room-temperature ingredients will help the batter aerate for the best light, airy texture.

7 Prep the cheesecake for baking

8 Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Rest the springform pan in a larger baking pan, then add 1 inch of hot water to the larger pan; this helps the cheesecake bake gently and evenly to prevent cracking.

9 Bake the cheesecake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 225°. Continue baking until the cheesecake is just set, about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 30 minutes, till the center sets completely. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it overnight, covering it when it's completely cooled.

10 Decorate and serve

11 Use a knife to loosen the sides of the pan, then remove the rim. Top the cheesecake with whipped cream and sprinkles before serving.