Name: Cotton Candy Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs.; 1/4 cup granulated sugar.; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.; 4 (8 oz each) cream cheese blocks, softened.; 1 cup granulated sugar.; 1 cup sour cream.; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.; 4 large eggs.; 1 tsp vanilla extract.; 1/2 cup cotton candy, torn into small pieces.; 1/2 cup heavy cream.; 2 tbsp powdered sugar.; Additional cotton candy for garnish.

Cotton Candy Cheesecake is a whimsical, sweet dessert that brings the fun flavor of cotton candy into a creamy and dreamy cheesecake. This cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and rich cream cheese filling with torn pieces of cotton candy, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. The result is a delightful treat that's perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to indulge in something playful and delicious. The addition of cotton candy not only adds a unique flavor but also gives the cheesecake a light and airy texture. Garnish with extra cotton candy just before serving for a magical presentation that will wow your guests. This Cotton Candy Cheesecake is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

INGREDIENTS

Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted
Cream cheese blocks: 4 (8 oz each), softened
Granulated sugar: 1 cup
Sour cream: 1 cup
All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
Large eggs: 4
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Cotton candy: 1/2 cup, torn into small pieces
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (for topping)
Powdered sugar: 2 tbsp (for topping)
Additional cotton candy: for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
Step 2:: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined. Mix in sour cream and flour until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy pieces.
Step 3:: Pour filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool with the door ajar for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4:: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the cooled cheesecake. Garnish with additional cotton candy.

Serving and Storage Tips

For a colorful touch, you can use different colors of cotton candy in the filling.
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator and add the cotton candy garnish just before serving to prevent it from melting.
For a more intense cotton candy flavor, add a few drops of cotton candy flavoring to the filling mixture.

Helpful Notes

To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, make sure to bake it in a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.