Ingredients
Scale
To make this luscious Samoa Cheesecake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Samoa Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Extra melted chocolate for decoration
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream, beating just until smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air into the batter.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Once cooled, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it come to room temperature. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
Step 4: Toast the Coconut
- While the cheesecake is chilling, toast the coconut for the topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread the shredded coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn quickly.
- Remove the toasted coconut from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Samoa Topping
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cheesecake, allowing some to drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel layer, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut layer using a spoon or a piping bag for a decorative finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- For extra flair, drizzle additional caramel sauce and melted chocolate over the edges of the cheesecake.
- Slice the cheesecake into 12 servings and serve chilled. Optional: top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 42g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g