Coconut-White Chocolate Cheesecake

Name: Coconut-White Chocolate Cheesecake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1-1/2 cups white baking chips, melted and cooled; 3/4 cup coconut milk; 2 teaspoons coconut extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted, divided

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Bake: 1 hour + chilling YIELD: 16 servings.

Friends have suggested over and over that I submit this creation to a magazine because it's so good. For the best texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. —Jamie Harris, Danville, Illinois

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups white baking chips, melted and cooled
3/4 cup coconut milk
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted, divided

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. (3-in.-deep) springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in cooled chips, coconut milk and extracts. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Fold in 1/2 cup coconut. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
4. Bake 60-70 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.
5. Remove rim from pan. Serve cheesecake topped with remaining coconut.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 517 calories, 40g fat (25g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.