Cotton Candy Cheesecake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crust

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

→ For the Filling

04 - 4 (8 oz each) blocks cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 4 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 cup cotton candy, torn into small pieces

→ For the Topping

11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
13 - Additional cotton candy for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 325°F. In a bowl, mix together those graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything is moistened and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan, creating an even layer. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes until it's lightly golden, then set it aside to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it's super smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and keep beating until well combined. Next, mix in the sour cream and flour until everything is smooth. Carefully add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one goes in. Finally, gently stir in the vanilla extract and those lovely little cotton candy pieces.
03 - Pour your creamy filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle to it. Then turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly in there for an hour - this prevents cracking!
04 - After its oven cool-down, take your cheesecake out and let it come to room temperature. Then cover it and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This chilling time is crucial for the perfect texture and flavor development.
05 - Just before you're ready to serve, whip up the heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Spread or pipe this fluffy whipped cream over your chilled cheesecake. For that magical touch, garnish with fresh pieces of cotton candy right before serving so they stay fluffy and don't dissolve.

# Notes:

01 - This whimsical Cotton Candy Cheesecake brings a playful carnival twist to classic cheesecake with its sweet, nostalgic flavor.
02 - For a fun colorful effect, try using different colors of cotton candy in the filling - blue and pink create a beautiful pastel swirl.
03 - Always add the cotton candy garnish just before serving, as it will begin to melt and dissolve if left on the cheesecake too long.
04 - This cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, just wait to add the final cotton candy decoration until serving time.

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