Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake

Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic flavor of frosted animal cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Here’s a recipe to make a Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups frosted animal cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frosted animal cookies, crushed into small pieces

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup frosted animal cookies, whole or crushed
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• Rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan in foil to prevent leaks.
2. In a bowl, combine the crushed frosted animal cookies and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
3. Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
5. Gently fold in the crushed frosted animal cookies.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
2. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and add about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath for even baking.
3. Bake the cheesecake in the 325°F (160°C) oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
4. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the warm oven for another hour.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

For the Topping:

1. Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with a layer of whipped cream or whipped topping.
2. Sprinkle the top with whole or crushed frosted animal cookies and rainbow sprinkles for a fun, colorful finish.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake!

This cheesecake is a delightful treat for those who enjoy the sweet and nostalgic flavors of frosted animal cookies. The creamy cheesecake filling and crunchy cookie crust make for a delightful combination.