Description
This Homemade Samoa Cheesecake is a deliciously rich dessert inspired by the classic Samoa cookie flavors. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese filling with tart sour cream and toasted coconut, and topped with a decadent semi-sweet chocolate layer, this cheesecake offers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and chocolatey notes. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats, it is baked to perfection and then chilled to achieve a smooth and luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (Finely crushed for the crust.)
- 0.33 cups Granulated Sugar (For the crust.)
- 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter (Melted for binding the crust.)
Filling
- 24 ounces Softened Cream Cheese (The main ingredient for the filling.)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (For the filling.)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Adds creaminess and tang.)
- 4 large Eggs (Help set the cheesecake.)
- 1 cup Shredded Coconut (Sweetened and toasted for flavor.)
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (For the chocolate layer.)
- 0.5 cups Heavy Cream (To melt with chocolate chips.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand in texture.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is set and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy in texture.
- Add Sour Cream and Eggs: Mix in the sour cream until smooth. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to incorporate without overmixing.
- Fold in Coconut: Gently fold the toasted shredded coconut into the filling mixture until evenly distributed. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will jiggle slightly when gently shaken. After baking, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
- Combine Chocolate and Cream: Stir the heavy cream into the melted chocolate until the mixture is well blended and glossy.
- Apply Chocolate Layer: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake and spread gently to cover the entire surface.
- Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake again for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate layer to set. Remove the sides of the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled, optionally garnished with toasted coconut or chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter with no lumps.
- To toast coconut, spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden.
- Do not overmix the batter once eggs are added to avoid cracks during baking.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven helps prevent cracking.
- The cheesecake must be chilled for several hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache for optimal taste.