Chocolate & Coconut Cream Torte

Name: Chocolate & Coconut Cream Torte
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 8 ounces dark baking chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; FILLING:; 1 can (13-1/2 ounces) coconut milk; 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 4 tablespoons cold water, divided; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin; 1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

My grandmother passed this recipe down to me years ago and now I make it for my own grandchildren. When preparing, make sure the chocolate layer is properly chilled before adding the next layer, or the coconut will sink into it. —Jason Purkey, Ocean City, Maryland

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 ounces dark baking chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
FILLING:
1 can (13-1/2 ounces) coconut milk
3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water, divided
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Directions

In a large bowl, mix wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom and 2 in. up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan.
Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Pour over prepared crust. Refrigerate 1 hour.
In a large saucepan, combine coconut milk, coconut and sugar; bring just to a boil. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, reserving strained coconut; return coconut milk mixture to saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth; stir into coconut milk mixture. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk egg and egg yolk. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg mixture; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin over remaining cold water; let stand 1 minute. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds. Stir and let stand until gelatin is completely dissolved, 1 minute. Whisk gelatin mixture into coconut milk mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour, whisking every 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold into coconut milk mixture. Spoon reserved strained coconut into prepared crust. Spread filling over coconut. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight before serving.
Remove rim from pan. Top with toasted coconut.