Samoa Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready to experience dessert paradise with this Samoa Cheesecake! Inspired by the beloved Girl Scout cookie (also known as Caramel deLites), this decadent cheesecake features a buttery chocolate cookie crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, and is topped with gooey caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate drizzle. I brought this to a family gathering last weekend, and trust me, it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, please!

Why You’ll Love This Samoa Cheesecake Recipe

• Cookie-Inspired Delight: Captures all the flavors of the famous Girl Scout cookie – caramel, coconut, chocolate, and cookie – in a luxurious cheesecake form.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for entertaining since it needs to chill overnight. Therefore, you can prepare it in advance and focus on other aspects of your gathering.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and drizzles create a professional-looking dessert. As a result, your guests will think you ordered from a high-end bakery!
• Customizable Elements: Each component can be adjusted to your preference. For instance, you can control the sweetness of the caramel layer or the amount of chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients for Samoa Cheesecake

All you need for this Samoa Cheesecake, and a bit of patience! Here’s what to gather:

• Chocolate cookie crumbs: Creates the perfect chocolate base that mimics the cookie bottom of classic Samoas.
• Butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness.
• Cream cheese: The star of any good cheesecake! Must be at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cheesecake.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cheesecake.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the sweetness.
• Caramel sauce: Creates the signature gooey layer that’s essential to Samoa cookies.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds texture and the distinctive coconut flavor of Samoas.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: For the drizzle and dipping the base, mimicking the chocolate elements of the cookie.
• Heavy cream: Used to thin the chocolate for perfect drizzling consistency.

Note: The ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make Samoa Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking. Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar gradually and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. Do not overmix. Fold in the sour cream gently until just combined.

Step 3: Bake with a Water Bath

Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water to reach about halfway up the sides. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for one hour.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare Toppings

Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. Toast the coconut by spreading it on a baking sheet and placing under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let cool completely. Warm the caramel sauce just until it’s pourable but not hot.

Step 5: Assemble the Samoa Topping

Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan. Spread the warmed caramel sauce over the top, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel layer, pressing gently to adhere. Melt the chocolate with heavy cream, transfer to a piping bag, and drizzle over the coconut layer in a zigzag pattern and around the sides of the cheesecake. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Samoa Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother cheesecake.
• Water Bath Success: Double-wrap your springform pan with heavy-duty foil to prevent any water from seeping in.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the eggs, mix on low speed just until incorporated to prevent excess air in the batter that can cause cracks.
• Coconut Toasting Technique: Watch the coconut constantly while toasting – it goes from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds!

How to Serve Samoa Cheesecake

Elegant Dessert Course

Serve thin slices on chilled dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut. A drizzle of additional warm caramel sauce on the plate creates a restaurant-quality presentation.

Casual Gathering

For a more relaxed setting, serve slightly larger slices and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of cold ice cream with the rich cheesecake is delightful.

Coffee Pairing

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with coffee. Serve with a small cup of espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can prepare the entire cheesecake up to 2 days before serving and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, add the toppings the day you plan to serve it.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze the plain cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the toppings just before serving.

FAQs About Samoa Cheesecake

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While chocolate cookie crumbs provide the closest match to traditional Samoa cookies, you can substitute graham cracker or shortbread cookie crumbs. If using graham crackers, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to maintain that chocolate element.

Why did my cheesecake crack and how can I prevent it?

Cheesecakes typically crack due to overmixing the batter, baking at too high a temperature, skipping the water bath, or cooling too quickly. To prevent cracks: beat ingredients on low speed, ensure accurate oven temperature, always use a water bath, and cool gradually. Don’t worry if cracks appear – the toppings will hide them!

Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal, you can use a deep-dish pie plate or cake pan lined with parchment paper with overhang. The presentation won’t be as clean, but the taste will be identical. You may need to adjust baking time slightly.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

A perfectly baked cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be set and may have pulled away slightly from the sides. Don’t look for a completely firm cheesecake – it will continue to set as it cools.

Enjoying Your Samoa Cheesecake

This Samoa Cheesecake truly brings together the best of two dessert worlds – the familiar, beloved flavors of Samoa cookies and the rich, creamy luxury of a perfectly executed cheesecake. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smooth vanilla cheesecake, gooey caramel, toasty coconut, and rich chocolate. If you enjoy desserts that transform favorite flavors into elegant creations, you might also love our Heavenly White Chocolate Raspberry Cake for another impressive option. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to create sweet memories and requests for seconds!