Snickers Bar Cheesecake

1 (9-ounce) package chocolate wafer cookies, finely ground
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, divided use
1 (1 1/2-pound) snack-size Snickers Bars, each cut into sixths
Purchased fudge topping for accompaniment
Sweetened whipped cream for accompaniment

1. Preheat oven to 325*F (160*C).
2. Combine cookie crumbs and butter until well blended. Press into bottom and about 1-inch up the sides of a 9 1/2 to 10-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and heavy cream, beating 3 to 4 minutes. Fold in 1 1/2 cups cut-up Snickers pieces. Turn into prepared crumb-lined pan.
4. Bake 1 hour and 15 to 25 minutes, or until cheesecake is almost set. Let cool to room temperature on wire rack.
5. Sprinkle remaining candy pieces over top of cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 4 to 5 hours before serving. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen cake and remove sides of pan.
6. To serve, drizzle slices with fudge topping and top with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 12 servings.