• Approximately 14 graham crackers will be needed to make 2 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers
  

Preparing the Springform Pan

• Line the bottom of the springform pan with parchment paper
  
• use butter or shortening to grease the sides of the pan. In place of the butter or shortening, it may be possible to spray the pan with pan spray. Check the directions with the pan. You could also line the insides of the pan with parchment paper.
• Well greased sides are essential in getting the finished cheesecake out of the pan without the crust crumbling.

Preparing the Crust

• place the graham crackers in the plastic bag and zip shut
  
• using a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers
  
• Place the graham cracker crumbs in a bowl and add the melted butter. Blend with a fork until all crumbs are covered
• Place the crumbs in the prepared pan . Using a spatula , press the crumbs firmly in the bottom and about 1/2 way up the sides of the pan.
  
• place the pan the freezer for an hour
• after an hour, you will be ready to fill with the filling of your choice
  
• once you have filled the crust and allowed it to chill, unlatch the latch and gently remove the outer rim from the pan
  
• Add decorative sprinkles if desired to the top of the cheesecake, slice and serve