We’ve always loved cheesecake for its creamy indulgence, and our M&M cheesecake recipe adds a playful twist with those colorful candies. It’s a fun, modern take on a classic dessert that brings smiles to family gatherings or casual treats.
Picture the rich, velvety texture dotted with crunchy M&Ms—it’s sure to become your go-to for easy baking. We’re excited to guide you through this simple yet irresistible creation, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings anytime.
Ingredients
To create our irresistible M&M cheesecake recipe, we gather high-quality ingredients that blend creamy textures with the colorful crunch of M&M candies. Below, we list them in the order they are used, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Use finely crushed for a sturdy base; we suggest pulsing in a food processor for even texture.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Ensure it’s fully melted to bind the crumbs effectively.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the crust.
Filling Ingredients
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened: At room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture; full-fat works best for our rich M&M cheesecake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Whisked in gradually to achieve the perfect sweetness balance.
- 3 large eggs: Room temperature to promote even incorporation and a velvety finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- ½ cup sour cream: Full-fat for added tang and creaminess.
- 1 ½ cups M&M candies: Divided—use about 1 cup mixed into the batter and the rest for topping to ensure even distribution of those playful, colorful bites.
This selection ensures our M&M cheesecake delivers a decadent, sensory experience with its creamy indulgence and satisfying crunch.
Tools and Equipment
Before we dive into preparing our M&M cheesecake, let’s ensure we have the essential tools and equipment on hand. These items help us achieve the perfect creamy texture and vibrant candy crunch with precision and ease, building on the ingredients we’ve already selected.
To make the process smooth and efficient, here’s a list of the key tools we’ll need:
- 9-inch springform pan: This is crucial for our M&M cheesecake as it allows for easy removal of the baked dessert without damaging the edges. We recommend one with a tight seal to prevent leaks during baking.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: For whipping the cream cheese filling to a light, airy consistency, ensuring our cheesecake has that signature smooth texture.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large): We’ll use these to combine ingredients like graham cracker crumbs for the crust and the creamy filling, keeping our workspace organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for measurements in our recipe, so these help us precisely measure items like butter and sugar for the best results.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in the colorful M&M candies without deflating the mixture, preserving those delightful crunchy bites.
- Baking sheet: Place this under the springform pan in the oven to catch any potential drips and ensure even baking.
- Offset spatula or knife: Perfect for smoothing the top of our cheesecake before adding more M&Ms, creating an even, professional finish.
- Cooling rack: Allows our M&M cheesecake to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess in the crust.
By having these tools ready, we can seamlessly transition from mixing our ingredients to baking and chilling, resulting in a decadent treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Instructions
We walk you through the precise steps to craft our irresistible M&M cheesecake, ensuring a perfect balance of creamy texture and crunchy candy bursts. With these detailed instructions, you’ll achieve a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Prepare the Crust
First, we combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl. We melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and pour it into the bowl stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step creates a sturdy base that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
Next, we press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon or measuring cup. We ensure an even layer about 1/4 inch thick then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to set the crust.
Make the Filling
We start by beating 4 packages (8 ounces each) of softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and free of lumps. This takes about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for that velvety texture we love in M&M cheesecake.
We add 1 cup of granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 4 large eggs one at a time mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Finally, we incorporate 1 cup of sour cream for extra tanginess blending until the filling is creamy and uniform.
Add the M&Ms
We gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of M&M candies using a rubber spatula to avoid overmixing and maintain the filling’s airy consistency. This distributes the colorful crunchy bits evenly creating surprising pops of chocolate flavor throughout our M&M cheesecake.
For a visually appealing finish, we reserve 1/2 cup of M&Ms to sprinkle on top pressing them lightly into the surface before baking.
Bake the Cheesecake
We pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan smoothing the top with an offset spatula. To prevent cracking, we place the pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 325°F for 55-65 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
This lower temperature ensures our M&M cheesecake bakes evenly preserving its rich creamy interior while the candies maintain their delightful crunch.
Cool and Refrigerate
We remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes then run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the pan. After cooling to room temperature about 1-2 hours we cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Proper chilling enhances the sensory experience making each bite of our M&M cheesecake even more satisfying.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our M&M cheesecake is its flexibility for busy schedules, allowing us to prepare it ahead without sacrificing that creamy texture and colorful crunch. By planning in advance, we ensure a stress-free baking experience while enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
Preparing Components Ahead
We can break down the process to make individual parts of our M&M cheesecake in advance:
- Crust Preparation: Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter as outlined in our earlier steps. Press the mixture into the springform pan and bake it immediately. Once cooled, wrap the unbaked or baked crust tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. This keeps the base crisp and ready, saving us time on the day of assembly.
- Filling Preparation: Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and sour cream. At this stage, do not add the M&M candies yet, as they may bleed color or soften. Transfer the filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When we’re ready, we’ll fold in the M&Ms just before baking to maintain their playful crunch.
Full Cheesecake Assembly and Storage
For complete make-ahead convenience, we recommend assembling and baking the entire M&M cheesecake ahead of time:
- Follow our step-by-step instructions to combine the crust and filling, fold in the M&Ms, and bake until set.
- After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to firm up.
- Once chilled, cover the M&M cheesecake securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for longer-term planning.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Keep covered to prevent drying; let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the creamy mouthfeel. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Wrap in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture. |
Thawing and Serving Tips
If we’ve frozen our M&M cheesecake, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours to preserve its rich, velvety consistency and the satisfying pop of the candies. Before serving, gently remove it from the springform pan and top with extra M&Ms if desired, ensuring every bite delivers that irresistible blend of smooth creaminess and colorful crunch.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this M&M cheesecake recipe with you, blending creamy richness and colorful fun into a standout dessert. It’s a go-to treat that brings joy to any occasion, from family nights to sweet indulgences.
As we wrap up, we’re confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing this easy delight. Give it a try and let the vibrant flavors create memorable moments for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is M&M cheesecake?
M&M cheesecake is a fun twist on classic cheesecake, blending creamy, rich filling with colorful, crunchy M&M candies. It’s perfect for family gatherings or sweet treats, offering a delightful mix of textures that’s easy to make at home.
What ingredients are needed for M&M cheesecake?
You’ll need ingredients for the crust and filling. For the crust: graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and unsalted butter. For the filling: cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and M&M candies. Using high-quality items ensures a creamy texture with crunchy bites.
What tools are required to make M&M cheesecake?
Essential tools include a 9-inch springform pan for easy removal, an electric mixer for smooth filling, mixing bowls, measuring tools, a rubber spatula for folding in M&Ms, a baking sheet, an offset spatula, and a cooling rack. These help streamline the process for great results.
How do I make M&M cheesecake?
Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust, press into a pan, and bake. Beat cream cheese until smooth, add sugar, vanilla, eggs, and sour cream, then fold in M&Ms. Bake at a low temperature, cool, and refrigerate for the best texture.
Can I make M&M cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust and filling in advance. Bake the crust and store it in the fridge or freezer. Make the filling ahead but add M&Ms just before baking to keep them crunchy. Assemble and bake when ready for flexibility in your schedule.
How should I store M&M cheesecake?
Store the baked cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Cover it tightly to maintain freshness. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve its creamy texture and M&M crunch. Always use an airtight container.