Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand.

Press the crust mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch springform or Fat Daddio’s cheesecake pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down firmly and evenly. Set aside.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each.

Tint the batter with lime green food coloring until it reaches your desired Grinchy green hue.

Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven (this helps prevent cracking). Place the cheesecake on the middle rack and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.

When the timer goes off, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake inside for 1 more hour with the door closed.

Chill Overnight

After the cooling hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it finish cooling at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill overnight for the best texture.

Decorate

Before serving, tint the Cool Whip with lime green food coloring and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe smooth circles around the top of the cheesecake. Gently press a red candy heart into the center of each swirl.