Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Cheesecake

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and mix in wafer crumbs until combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

3 . Stage

Place the pan on a cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

4 . Stage

Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5 . Stage

Remove crust from the oven and pour cream cheese mixture over top.

6 . Stage

Return to the oven and bake until the edges are puffed and the surface of cheesecake is firm except for a small spot in the center that will jiggle when the pan is gently shaken, about 40 minutes.

7 . Stage

Remove from the oven. Run the tip of a table knife around the edges of the pan, set the pan on a wire rack, and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, about 1 hour.

8 . Stage

Decorate the top with strawberries and blueberries and refrigerate until completely chilled, 8 hours to overnight.