This Samoa Cheesecake recipe combines two American favorites: Girl Scout cookies and cheesecake. And yes, this Samoa cookie cheesecake is indulgent, to say the least.
When I was a Girl Scout we called these particular cookies Samoas. Now, I believe they are called Caramel Delights, or something of that nature.
Regardless of their name, these cookies were one of my favorite types of the cookie selection offered. For the sake of this cheesecake, we're going to call these cookies Samoas.
What's in Samoa cookies?
These cookies bring together beautiful flavors including caramel, chocolate, coconut, and buttery shortbread. They are also entirely addictive!
What is in this cheesecake recipe?
I started this Samoa Cheesecake recipe with classic cheesecake ingredients and quantities. When preparing, half of the batter goes into the springform pan initially followed by a healthy quantity of Samoa Girl Scout cookies in the middle. The rest of the cheesecake batter is spread over the cookie layer and then baked.
Once the cheesecake is cooked through, a bruleed coconut topping is placed atop and the cheesecake is put under the broiler until golden. Once cooled and set, the whole thing is topped with chocolate ganache.
How to make Samoa Cheesecake
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- To make the crust: combine cookie crumbs and melted butter until moist crumb forms. Evenly press into the bottom of a 9-in springform pan, making sure all the surface is covered. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until set, set aside.
- To make a water bath: Fill a roasting pan halfway with water and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
- To make the cheesecake filling: beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and ½ cup heavy cream, mixing just until incorporated.
- Samoa Cheesecake Assembly: Place half of the filling over the prepared crust, spread into an even layer. Cover the first layer of filling with crumbled Girl Scout cookies (½ box), making sure the surface is covered. Spoon remaining batter over cookies and spread into a smooth surface. Place cheesecake on top rack, directly over the water pan. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
- For the topping: In a mixer bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and sweetened shredded coconut, mixing until combined. Spoon the topping over the cheesecake in the same circular pattern as the cookie. Place under low broiler and broil until topping is golden. Remove from oven.
*Allow cheesecake to chill overnight. Once properly chilled, remove from the pan. Drizzle top with chocolate sauce or ganache.
Other Recipes You'll Love
- Mini Funfetti Cheesecakes
- Lime Cheesecake Fluff
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- 10 Easy Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
This Samoa cheesecake is definitely a treat, but oh is it worth it. I cannot even tell you how good this is! The next time these cookies are available for purchase, get yourself a couple of boxes of Samoas aka Caramel Delights and make this Samoa cookie cheesecake.
📖 Recipe
Samoa Cheesecake
Equipment
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box Samoa Girl Scout cookies pulsed into crumbs
- 4 oz unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 lbs cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ box Samoa Girl Scout cookies crumbled into small pieces
Bruleed Coconut Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter until moist. Evenly press into the bottom of a 9-in springform pan, making sure all the surface is covered.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until set, set aside.
Cheesecake Filling
- To make a water bath: Fill a roasting pan halfway with water and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and ½ cup heavy cream, mixing just until incorporated.
- Place half of the filling over the prepared crust, spread into an even layer. Cover the first layer of filling with crumbled Girl Scout cookies (½ box), making sure the surface is covered. Spoon remaining batter over cookies and spread into a smooth surface.
- Place cheesecake on top rack, directly over the water pan. Bake at 350° F for 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the edge of the cheesecake is set but the center has a slight jiggle.
Topping
- In a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the heavy cream and sweetened shredded coconut, mixing until combined.
- Spoon the topping over the cheesecake in the same circular pattern as the cookie. Place under low broiler and broil until topping is golden. Remove from oven.
- Allow cheesecake to chill overnight. Once properly chilled, remove from pan. Drizzle top with chocolate sauce or ganache.
Tonya Bernier
I am currently making this recipe and my crust is very soupy. I am just curious if the butter should be 4 tablespoons instead of 4 ounces??