-
1
Special equipment: a 10-inch springform pan
-
2
For the crust: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
-
3
Put the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs, about 2 1/2 cups.
-
4
Brush a 10-inch spring form pan with some of the butter.
-
5
Add the graham cracker crumbs the remaining butter, 1/4 cup of the sugar and a pinch of salt to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
-
6
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the side of the pan.
-
7
Use the back of a measuring cup or drinking glass to pack the crust firmly and evenly in to the edges of the pan.
-
8
Bake until the crust is lightly crisp and set, 15 to 20 minutes.
-
9
Cool completely, then set the pan on top of a large sheet of aluminum foil and wrap the foil around the bottom of the pan and up the sides.
-
10
Place the springform in a roasting pan.
-
11
For the filling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
-
12
Whip the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until smooth.
-
13
Add the remaining sugar and beat until just light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the paddle attachment as needed, about 2 minutes.
-
14
Add the sweet potato puree, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, ground cinnamon and salt and beat until just combined.
-
15
Scrape the filling into the cooled crust.
-
16
Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan so that it goes half-way up the sides of the springform pan, being careful not to get any of the water in the springform pan.
-
17
Bake until the edges of the cheesecake are set but the center still jiggles when the pan is tapped, about 2 hours.
-
18
Turn off the oven and open the oven door for 1 minute to let out some heat.
-
19
Close the oven door and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour more.
-
20
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan, remove the foil and cool on a wire rack.
-
21
Run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the cake to release it from the sides, (this also helps reduce cracks in the top of the cake as it chills).
-
22
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake 8 hours or overnight.
-
23
For the s'more topping: Once the cheesecake has chilled completely, put the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl.
-
24
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer, about 2 to 3 minutes.
-
25
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let stand for 1 minute, then stir the cream and chocolate together until completely smooth.
-
26
Set aside to cool to room temperature.
-
27
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the broiler to high.
-
28
Pile the miniature marshmallows on top of the cheesecake in as even of a layer as possible (it's okay if some marshmallows overlap).
-
29
Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet, then broil until the tops of the marshmallows are lightly golden brown, about 1 minute.
-
30
Keep the oven door slightly open and rotate the pan as needed to get even browning.
-
31
Run a thin knife or spatula between the cake and the pan to release it from the sides.
-
32
Unlock the pan and remove the ring.
-
33
Spray both sides of a sharp knife with non-stick cooking spray and slice the cake into 10 even slices, spraying the knife between each slice to keep the gooey marshmallows from sticking to the knife.
-
34
Drizzle each piece of cheesecake with the cooled chocolate sauce and serve.