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Decadent Samoa Cheesecake Recipe

A rich slice of Samoa Cheesecake featuring a chocolate crust, creamy filling, toasted coconut, and dripping caramel and chocolate sauce.

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Create this showstopper Samoa Cheesecake, inspired by the classic Girl Scout cookie. You get a creamy vanilla cheesecake base topped with toasted coconut, gooey caramel sauce, and a rich chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust: 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sour cream, 3 large eggs
  • For the Topping: 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional), 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside bottom of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. Prepare the crust: Mix the crushed cookies and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, mixing until just combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath).
  5. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from the water bath and cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of sugar until it turns a deep amber color. Do not stir initially; swirl the pan if needed.
  7. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  8. Toast the coconut: Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, watching closely until golden brown. If using nuts, toast them alongside the coconut.
  9. Assemble the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, spread the cooled caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with toasted coconut and nuts (if using).
  10. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut and caramel layer.
  11. Chill the finished Samoa Cheesecake for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a cleaner slice, run a thin knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
  • If you prefer a no-bake version, use a graham cracker crust and chill the cream cheese mixture until firm instead of baking.
  • You can substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with graham crackers for a lighter crust flavor.

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