Description
Creamy samoa cheesecake brings tropical paradise to dessert lovers with its rich caramel, chocolate, and coconut layers. Rich graham cracker crust and silky filling promise delightful indulgence that transports taste buds to sweet island bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, firmly pressing the mixture into a greased springform pan. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, creating a crisp base, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar until ultra-smooth, incorporating eggs individually to maintain a silky texture. Gently fold in vanilla and sour cream, ensuring a uniform consistency without overmixing.
- Transfer the velvety filling onto the cooled crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets. Place in the preheated 325F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for slightly trembling center and set edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
- After baking, remove from oven and let the cheesecake rest at room temperature, preventing immediate temperature shock that could cause cracking. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve optimal firmness and flavor melding.
- While chilling, carefully toast coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until achieving a golden-brown color and nutty aroma. This process enhances the coconut’s depth and crunch.
- Drizzle the chilled cheesecake with rich caramel sauce, creating elegant swirls across the surface. Sprinkle toasted coconut generously, then delicately zigzag melted chocolate for a dramatic visual finish.
- Slice with a heated knife for clean edges, serving chilled and savoring the decadent Samoa-inspired layers of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking: Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking and prevent surface cracks.
- Coconut Variation: Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet topping, or try toasting in the oven for more controlled browning and even color.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect texture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent condensation.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a plant-based version that maintains the rich, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 356
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg