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Birthday Cheesecake

birthday cheesecake recipe - featured image

This festive birthday cheesecake features a creamy, tangy filling on a classic graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (70g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (680g; three 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1 cup sour cream (240g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10ml)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (10ml)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (for topping, homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (40g), plus more if desired
  • Fresh berries (optional, for topping)
  • Birthday candles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, pinch of salt, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles damp sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed).
  5. Add 1 cup sugar and beat again until creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined.
  7. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Do not overmix once eggs are added.
  8. Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
  9. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
  10. Turn off the oven and crack the door. Let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
  11. Remove and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  12. Just before serving, top with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and fresh berries if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth filling. If the cheesecake cracks, cover with whipped cream and sprinkles. Chill overnight for optimal texture and flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. Cheesecake can be made ahead and freezes well.

Nutrition

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