COCONUT-FUDGE CHEESECAKE

Crust:

1-cup graham cracker crumbs

¾ cup sliced almond, toasted

½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup (packed) golden brown sugar)

 

Filling:

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

¾ cup sugar

¼ teaspoon almond extract

1 cup canned cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

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 ½ cups)

¾ cup sliced almonds, toasted

¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

 

FOR CRUST:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Wrap foil around outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 ¾-inch-high sides. Blend all ingredients in processor until nuts are finely ground and crumbs stick together. Press crust mixture over the bottom and two inches up the 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 and 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 two days ahead, cover and refrigerate )