Ingredients
Method
Make the Crust
- Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
- Combine the Oreo crumbs and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
- Place the crust in the fridge while you make the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Spread coconut onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Carefully toss with a spatula every 2-3 minutes so that it toasts evenly. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated and brown sugars together until well combined and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, coconut extract and 0.5 cup of caramel sauce and mix until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold the broken vanilla wafer cookies and toasted coconut into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
- In another large mixer bowl, add 1.25 cups heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, in two parts, until well combined.
- Add about 1/3 of the cheesecake filling to the crust and spread into an even layer. Drizzle with about 0.25 cup of the remaining caramel sauce. Use a knife to swirl caramel around. Be careful to not put the knife through the crust.
- Repeat another layer with 1/3 of the cheesecake filling and another 0.25 cup of caramel sauce. Swirl with a knife.
- Adding the remaining cheesecake filling and spread into an even layer. Refrigerate until cold and firm, 4-5 hours.
Finish Cheesecake Off
- Remove your cheesecake from the springform pan and set it on a plate or serving platter. Top with mini chocolate chips and more toasted coconut flakes.
- To make the chocolate ganache for drizzling on top, put the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl. Microwave the 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle chocolate ganache and remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, then serve.
- Store cheesecake in the fridge well-covered or in an air-tight cake carrier. Best if eaten within 4-5 days.
