Looking for the ultimate dessert that blends rich cheesecake with the beloved flavors of toasted coconut, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate? This Samoa Cheesecake transforms the classic cookie into a show-stopping, indulgent treat. Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Inspired by the iconic Girl Scout Samoa cookie
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Features a rich, creamy cheesecake filling with indulgent toppings
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
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24 Oreo cookies – Crushed into a chocolatey base with built-in sweetness.
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Binds the cookie crumbs for a firm crust.
For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – The silky, tangy base of the cheesecake.
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1 cup granulated sugar – Adds balanced sweetness to the filling.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances all the creamy, sweet flavors.
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3 large eggs – Bind the filling for a rich, custardy texture.
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¾ cup sour cream – Adds smoothness and a slight tang.
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½ cup heavy cream – Enriches the texture for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
For the Classic Samoa Topping:
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1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted – Nutty, golden, and signature to the Samoa flavor.
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1 cup thick caramel sauce – Adds sticky, buttery sweetness.
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted – Drizzled for a classic cookie-style finish.
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Optional: Samoa cookies – Use for garnish or extra indulgence on each slice.
Tips and Tricks
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Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your filling.
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Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to reduce cracking.
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Toast the coconut in a dry skillet or oven to enhance its flavor and crunch.
Variations and Customizations
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
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No-Bake Version: Use a gelatin-stabilized filling and chill to set.
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Individual Cheesecakes: Use muffin tins with liners for mini versions.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with black coffee, espresso, or chai for balance
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Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean or coconut ice cream
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake is ideal for making 1–2 days in advance and gets even better as it chills.
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Do I need to toast the coconut?
Yes, toasting enhances the flavor and adds a golden, crunchy finish.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely. Just ensure it’s thick enough to stay on top of the cheesecake without running.
Samoa Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Inspired by the beloved Girl Scout cookie, this Samoa Cheesecake features a rich Oreo crust, ultra-creamy filling, and a decadent topping of toasted coconut, thick caramel, and melted chocolate. Every slice is a sweet, coconut-caramel dream!
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Ingredients
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24 Oreo cookies, crushed into crumbs
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 large eggs
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¾ cup sour cream
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½ cup heavy cream
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1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
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1 cup thick caramel sauce
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
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Optional: Samoa cookies, halved or chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust
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Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
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Mix with melted butter until fully combined.
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Press firmly into the base of the pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
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Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
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Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes or until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
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Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit for 1 hour.
Step 5: Chill
Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Step 6: Add the Toppings
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Spread toasted coconut evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
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Drizzle with caramel sauce and melted chocolate.
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Garnish with Samoa cookie pieces if desired.
Notes
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For cleaner slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp towel between cuts.
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This dessert is a conversation starter—perfect for parties, holidays, and gifting.
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Customize the toppings with dark chocolate or sea salt for a gourmet twist
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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