Surprise Happy Ending Cheesecake

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. 2

   For the crust: Butter the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with some of the melted butter.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, toss remaining butter with the graham cracker crumbs.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with the crumbs.

5. 5

   Wrap the outside and bottom of the pan in a large piece of foil.

6. 6

   (This is to prevent water from seeping through during the baking.)

7. 7

   For the Candied Jalapenos: In a small saucepan, combine jalapenos, sugar, and water.

8. 8

   Simmer until jalapenos are softened, about 20 minutes.

9. 9

   Drain, reserving the jalapenos and syrup separately.

10. 10

    Cover the crust with the drained jalapenos.

11. 11

    Set aside.

12. 12

    For the Cheesecake Batter: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cheese with the sugar until light and smooth.

13. 13

    Add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions.

14. 14

    Add remaining ingredients, including the reserved syrup, and mix until combined.

15. 15

    Pour batter over jalapenos.

16. 16

    Place pan inside a roasting pan.

17. 17

    Add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the spring form pan.

18. 18

    Bake until cheesecake is just set, but still a little wobbly in the center, about 1 hour.

19. 19

    Cool and refrigerate until completely set, at least several hours, up to overnight.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.