COCONUT-FUDGE CHEESECAKE

Coconut-Fudge Cheesecake image

Provided by Sarah Smythe

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

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Crust
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup canned cream of coconut (such as Coco López)*
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 large eggs
Topping
5 tablespoons whipping cream
5 tablespoons light corn syrup
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 1/3 cups)
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Steps:

For crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap foil around outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Blend all ingredients in processor until nuts are finely ground and crumbs stick together. Press crust mixture over bottom and 2 inches up sides of prepared pan. Bake until set, about 10 minutes. Cool. Maintain oven temperature.
For filling:
Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and extract in large bowl to blend. Beat in cream of coconut, shredded coconut and flour. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating until just combined. Pour filling into crust. Bake until top is brown and center is almost set, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool. Cover and chill overnight.
For topping:
Bring cream and syrup to simmer in medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate chips; whisk until smooth. Cool to just lukewarm. Pour topping over cake. Sprinkle edge with almonds and coconut. Chill until topping is set, about 2 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
*Available in the liquor department of most supermarkets nationwide.