Prepare the Crust

• Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
• Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.
• Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract, if using.
• Mix until fully combined.
• Add the green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing until you achieve a bright Grinch-green color.

Whip the Cream

• In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the green cream cheese mixture using a spatula.
• Continue folding until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and evenly colored.

Assemble the Cheesecake

• Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator.
• Spoon the green cheesecake filling over the crust.
• Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
• Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.

Chill Until Set

• Refrigerate for at least6 hours, preferably overnight, until the cheesecake is firm enough to slice.
• Avoid freezing it to speed up setting, as this can affect the creamy texture.

Decorate the Cheesecake

• Carefully release the sides of the springform pan.
• Spread or pipe whipped cream around the edges.
• Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
• Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cheesecake.
• Decorate with red heart-shaped sprinkles and festive green and red decorations.