If you love the classic Samoa cookies, imagine that gooey, chocolate-caramel-coconut goodness transformed into a creamy, dreamy cheesecake! This Samoa Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence—featuring a buttery cookie crust, rich and velvety cheesecake filling, and a decadent topping of toasted coconut, caramel, and chocolate. It’s the perfect dessert for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself (because, let’s be real, you deserve it!).
Why You’ll Love Samoa Cheesecake
Versatile Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend dessert that feels extra special.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Rich and Decadent The combination of smooth cheesecake, caramel, and coconut is out-of-this-world delicious.
Customizable Make it your own by adding extra caramel, swapping the crust, or even turning it into mini cheesecakes.
Crowd-Pleasing This cheesecake is guaranteed to impress—everyone loves a dessert inspired by the famous Samoa cookie!

Ingredients
Ingredients in Samoa Cheesecake
This cheesecake is built with layers of flavor, and every ingredient plays a key role in making it absolutely irresistible.
Graham Crackers or Cookie Crumbs The buttery, crunchy base of the cheesecake. Use graham crackers or crushed shortbread cookies for an extra Samoa-like flavor.
Butter Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor.
Cream Cheese The heart of the cheesecake—use full-fat for the creamiest texture.
Sugar Sweetens the cheesecake just the right amount without overpowering the flavors.
Eggs Help create a smooth and creamy cheesecake texture.
Vanilla Extract Enhances the richness and warmth of the cheesecake.
Heavy Cream Adds a silky, luxurious texture to the filling.
Toasted Coconut The signature ingredient of a Samoa dessert! It brings a nutty, caramelized flavor.
Caramel Sauce Drizzled on top for that iconic Samoa sweetness.
Chocolate Chips or Melting Chocolate Used for the final drizzle of chocolatey goodness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Crust Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers (or cookies) with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream.
Bake the Cheesecake Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake in a water bath for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour.
Chill the Cheesecake Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let it fully set.
Make the Topping Toast the shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Melt the caramel sauce slightly, then stir it into the toasted coconut.
Assemble the Samoa Topping Spread the caramel-coconut mixture over the chilled cheesecake. Melt the chocolate and drizzle it over the top in classic Samoa style.
Serve and Enjoy Slice into this masterpiece and enjoy every rich, gooey bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 slices
Calories per serving: Approx. 450 calories per slice
(Note: These are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
How to Serve Samoa Cheesecake
This cheesecake is already a showstopper, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
- With Extra Caramel Drizzle Because more caramel is always a good idea.
- Chilled or Slightly Frozen For a firmer, ice-cream-like texture.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream To balance out the richness.
- Paired with Coffee The deep flavors of espresso or coffee perfectly complement the caramel and chocolate.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients This helps the cheesecake mix smoothly without lumps.
- Bake in a Water Bath It prevents cracks and ensures an even, creamy texture.
- Let it Cool Slowly Sudden temperature changes can cause cracks—let the cheesecake cool in the oven first, then move to the fridge.
- Store in the Fridge Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make it Gluten-Free Use gluten-free cookies for the crust to make this recipe GF-friendly.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert.
2. What’s the best way to toast coconut?
Toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant.
3. Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! Try crushed Oreos, shortbread cookies, or even a chocolate cookie crust.
4. How do I keep my cheesecake from cracking?
Use a water bath, don’t overmix the batter, and let it cool gradually.
5. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! But if you have time, homemade caramel adds an extra layer of flavor.
6. How do I get clean slices when cutting the cheesecake?
Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut—repeat between slices for perfect cuts.
7. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
8. What’s the best chocolate to use for the drizzle?
Melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping.
9. Can I turn this into mini cheesecakes?
Yes! Use a muffin tin with liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes instead of an hour.
10. How long does this cheesecake last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Samoa Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, toasted coconut, caramel, and chocolate. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead—whip up this irresistible dessert and enjoy every decadent bite!
Print
Samoa Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus additional time for toasting coconut, if needed)
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 6–8 hours (including baking, cooling, and chilling)
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert / Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Samoa Cheesecake, where a creamy cheesecake base meets a crisp graham cracker crust and is crowned with a swirl of caramel, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of chocolate. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy, and velvety textures for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for drizzling, melted)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until just combined.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
-
Add the Topping:
- Once completely cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top for a decorative finish.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving to ensure it sets fully.
Notes
- For extra texture, reserve a few toasted coconut pieces for garnish.
- If making homemade caramel sauce, allow it to cool slightly before using to avoid melting the cheesecake topping.
- Ensure the cream cheese is well softened for a smooth filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 slice (1/10th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg