Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake

Source: here

Ingredients:
for the graham cracker crust:
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs

for the cheesecake:
2 - 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

for the creamsicle layer:
1 - 3 oz box orange flavored gelatin
1 1/2 cup boiling water
1 - 8 oz container of whipped topping such as Cool Whip

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°.

In a mixing bowl combine the butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until combined. Pat into a 9" springform pan. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl whip the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time then beat in sour cream. Pour the filling into the crust.

Bake for 40 minutes. Turn of the oven and crack the oven door for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Once cooled mix the creamsicle layer by stirring the gelatin with the boiling water until it dissolves. Then gently whisk in the whipped topping until it's completely combined. Pour over the cheesecake. Set on a plate or dish in case of dripping and place in the freezer for an hour. Remove from the freezer and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. I suggest chilling it over night.

When ready to serve use a sharp knife and run it around the pan to separate the gelatin layer from the side. Unhinge the pan and gently lift from the cheesecake.

Notes:
A conversation with Gregg about his upcoming birthday we had a few days ago:
Me: What would you like for your birthday dessert?
Gregg: I wonder if there is such a thing as orange creamsicle cheesecake.
Me, searching in google: I think you're in luck!

And were we ever in luck - this was utterly delicious last night as we celebrated Gregg's 31st birthday.  It's become somewhat of a tradition to make cheesecake for his birthday (3 out of the 4 birthdays he's had since we've been married have involved a homemade cheesecake) and they're getting easier to make and tastier to eat each time.  I like where this trend is going!