OREO PIE CRUST CHEESECAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Add Oreos to the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and salt, and process until crumbs are evenly moistened. Tip mixture out into a 9-inch pie plate, and press crumbs evenly into bottom and sides of pan. Bake until crust is fragrant and set, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.
• Set a fine mesh sieve over a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt. Pouring just a little at first, whisk the milk into the sugar mixture until you have a smooth paste. Gradually add remaining milk, whisking constantly. Whisk in egg yolks. Cook mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it has thickened and just come up to a low boil, about 8 to 9 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• Pour custard through sieve, pushing it through with a rubber spatula. Discard any solids. Stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla, and let it stand for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Pour mixture into prepared crust. Let cool slightly, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 6 hours.
• To serve, whip cream and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed Oreos, if using.

Steps:

• For the crust: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
• Place the cookies in a large resealable plastic bag and crush until fine crumbs form but there are still a few larger chunks. Pour in the butter, reseal the bag and shake until the cookies are well coated. 
• Firmly press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (use the bottom of a measuring cup to help pack it in and make it even). Bake until crisp and set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with a large piece of foil and put it in a large roasting pan. 
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the sour cream and beat until just combined. Mix in the eggs by hand, one at a time. Mix in the vanilla by hand until just combined. (Take care not to overmix or the cheesecake will puff up and crack). 
• Pour half of the batter into the springform pan. Sprinkle the chopped cookies over the top and gently press down on them so some sink into the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top. Add enough hot water to the roasting pan to come about halfway up the side of the springform pan.  
• Bake until the outside of the cake is set but the center is still slightly loose, about 1 hour. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. 
• For the topping: Pulse 9 of the cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add the cream cheese and pulse until incorporated and sticky enough to form a ball. Scoop out 1 tablespoon and form into a ball, then roll the ball in the sprinkles until completely covered. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cookie mixture and sprinkles for 9 balls total. Refrigerate until ready to use. Cut the remaining 5 cookies in half. 
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan once more and open the clasp to unmold the cheesecake. Transfer to a serving plate or cake stand and smooth the edges with a knife. Drizzle the hot fudge sauce all over the top and sides of the cake, and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, letting some drip over the sides. Make a decorative ring around the edge of the cheesecake with the cookie balls. Place a cookie half cut-side down in between each ball. Serve cold.