Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan lightly.
Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, toasted coconut, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated in butter and have the consistency of wet sand.
Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even layer.
Bake the Crust: Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while preparing the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then add the sugar and mix until fully combined.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and coconut extracts.
Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
Cool: Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour. Then remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Spread Caramel and Toasted Coconut: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread an even layer of caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake. Sprinkle the toasted coconut evenly over the caramel layer.
Drizzle Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut topping to create a Samoa-inspired pattern.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice and Serve: Carefully slice the cheesecake and serve each piece with a little extra caramel or chocolate drizzle, if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a unique twist on this Samoa Cheesecake, try experimenting with different crusts, such as crushed Oreo cookies or even Samoa Girl Scout cookies themselves for extra flavor depth. For added texture, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and cheesecake filling, or swirl some caramel directly into the filling for an extra touch of gooey richness. You can also mix chocolate chips or small caramel bits into the cheesecake batter for surprise bursts of flavor in each bite. If you’re a coconut lover, increase the coconut extract in the filling for a stronger tropical flavor. For a fun, mini version, bake the cheesecake batter in a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers, creating individual servings with the same layered Samoa toppings—perfect for parties!
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