Birthday Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this cheesecake is simpler than it looks.
Deliciously Creamy: The classic New York-style base ensures a dense, velvety, and smooth cheesecake experience.
Festive and Fun: Rainbow jimmies bring a cheerful, colorful twist to your dessert table.
Customizable: You can add different toppings or even flavored extracts for a unique touch.
Crowd Pleaser: Its creamy texture and festive appearance make it a hit for both kids and adults.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust
1 ½ cups (126 g) graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling
4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115 g) sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup rainbow jimmies (or sprinkles)

Topping
6-8 ounces whipped cream

directions

Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until all crumbs are coated and the mixture has a coarse sand consistency.

3. Press the mixture onto the bottom and ⅔ up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper.

4. Wrap two pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil around the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.

Filling

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add sugar and beat on high until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.

4. On low speed, add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.

5. Remove the bowl and fold in rainbow jimmies using a spatula.

6. Pour the cheesecake filling into the prepared pan.

7. Place the springform pan into a larger pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan 3–4 inches deep, about halfway up the side of the springform pan.

8. Bake 60–70 minutes until the top is golden. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.

Topping

1. Once cooled, pipe whipped cream dollops on top of the cheesecake.

2. Sprinkle additional rainbow jimmies for a festive finish.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Variations

• Chocolate Birthday Cheesecake: Fold in mini chocolate chips with the filling.

• Fruit-Topped Cheesecake: Add fresh berries or sliced fruits on top.

• Flavored Extracts: Add lemon, almond, or orange extract for a subtle flavor twist.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

storage/reheating

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

• Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

• No reheating needed; cheesecake is best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Do I need to use a water bath?

Yes, the water bath prevents cracks and ensures even baking for a smooth, creamy cheesecake.

Can I use a different type of sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can use any type of jimmies or sprinkles, including chocolate or themed colors for holidays.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives, but texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake top?

Using a water bath and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually on a wire rack helps prevent cracks.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, you can use Oreo crumbs, digestive biscuits, or any other cookie crumb as a crust alternative.

Can I make mini cheesecakes instead?

Yes, divide the filling into muffin tins lined with cupcake liners for individual cheesecakes.

How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?

At least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is ideal for best texture and flavor.

Can I add flavorings like chocolate or fruit to the filling?

Yes, swirl melted chocolate, fruit purée, or flavor extracts into the filling before baking.

Is it safe to use room temperature eggs?

Yes, room temperature eggs blend better into the cream cheese mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth texture.

Conclusion

This Birthday Cheesecake is a festive, creamy dessert perfect for any celebration. With its smooth, dense texture and colorful rainbow jimmies, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both fun and delicious. Easy to customize with different toppings, flavors, or crusts, it’s the perfect centerpiece for birthdays or special occasions.