Name: No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup caramel sauce; For Coconut Layer:; 1 cup coconut; For Chocolate Granache Layers:; ⅓ cup semi sweet chocolate chips; ⅓ cup milk chocolate chips; ½ cup heavy cream; For Shortbread Crust:; 1 cup shortbread cookies; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; For Cheesecake Filling:; 1¼ cups heavy cream; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 12 oz cream cheese; ½ tsp vanilla extract.

For those with a sweet tooth, this no-bake samoa cheesecakes recipe is a delight. It's a creative twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie, delivering a delightful blend of caramel, coconut, chocolate, and cheesecake in every bite. The best part? No oven necessary!

Photos of No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite common except for maybe shortbread cookies and caramel sauce. If you can't find shortbread cookies in your local supermarket, digestives or any other sweet biscuit will work just as fine. For the caramel sauce, you can either make your own at home or buy one from the store. Just ensure it's of high quality to get the best taste.

Essential Ingredients for No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

Caramel sauce: Used to add a sweetness and a smooth texture.

Coconut: Provides a tropical flavor and a bit of texture.

Semi sweet chocolate chips: Gives a rich chocolate flavor.

Milk chocolate chips: Adds a creamier, sweeter chocolate taste.

Heavy cream: Helps to make the filling creamy and light.

Shortbread cookies: Forms the base of the cheesecake.

Unsalted butter: Used to bind the base together.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.

Cream cheese: The main ingredient of the cheesecake filling.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake.

One reader, Giulio English says:

This no-bake Samoa cheesecake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate is simply divine. The creamy cheesecake filling and buttery shortbread crust make for a delightful treat. Plus, it's so easy to make! I highly recommend trying this recipe for a heavenly dessert experience.

Giulio English

Techniques Required for Making No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

How to prepare caramel sauce: Follow the directions provided to make the caramel sauce, ensuring that you use 2 pinches of table or sea salt. Once prepared, pour the caramel sauce into a jar and allow it to cool completely.

How to make chocolate ganache: Place the milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream nearly to a boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate has melted to create a smooth ganache.

How to make shortbread crust: Crush the shortbread cookies and mix them with melted butter until evenly moistened. This will create the base for the cheesecakes.

How to whip heavy cream: In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.

How to whip cream cheese filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined.

How to assemble the cheesecakes: Layer the chocolate ganache, shortbread crust, cheesecake filling, caramel sauce, and coconut mixture in individual serving cups, following the specified measurements and chilling times.

How To Make No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

These Samoa cheesecakes combine two treats in one no-bake dessert. It comes with a shortbread crust, topped with cheesecake filling, coconut, and ganache.

Preparation: 35 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total: 4 hours 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

⅔cupcaramel sauce,homemade or store bought

For Coconut Layer:

1cupcoconut,sweetened, toasted and slightly crushed

For Chocolate Granache Layers:

⅓cupsemi sweet chocolate chips
⅓cupmilk chocolate chips
½cupheavy cream

For Shortbread Crust:

1cupshortbread cookies,crushed, (about 19 cookies)
2tbspunsalted butter,melted

For Cheesecake Filling:

1¼cupsheavy cream
¾cuppowdered sugar,plus 2 tbsp
12ozcream cheese,softened, don’t melt
½tspvanilla extract.

Instructions

Prepare caramel sauce according to directions listed (only use 2 pinches table/sea salt instead). Pour into a jar and allow to cool completely.

Chocolate Ganache:

Place milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream nearly to a boil, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate has melted.

Cheesecake Filling and Topping:

In a bowl, using a fork, stir together crushed shortbread with melted butter until evenly moistened.
In a mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add 3 tablespoons of the powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
Scoop out a heaping ½ cup of the whipped cream mixture, transfer to a piping bag, and set aside in the refrigerator (this will be for the piped cream on top of the cheesecakes).
In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar (½ cup plus 3 tablespoons) and vanilla and mix to combine.
Stir and fold in the remaining whipped cream mixture that’s not refrigerated.

To Assemble:

Spoon 1½ tablespoons of chocolate ganache into the bottom of each cup. (Pour right into middle so it doesn’t run down the sides of the cup. Do a little less of each layer listed if making 8 servings).
Freeze or refrigerate until firm, then pour about 2 tablespoons of the shortbread crust mixture over the chocolate layer and gently spread and press into an even layer.
Spoon cheesecake filling into a large piping bag and pipe filling over the shortbread crust layer. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the caramel sauce over cheesecake filling. Top evenly with a heaping tablespoon of the coconut mixture.
Transfer remaining chocolate ganache (rewarm in microwave slightly so it’s pipe-able) to a small piping bag (or small resealable bag with the corner cut) and drizzle over coconut layer.
Top with the whipped cream mixture that was set aside. Serve within several hours of adding caramel and coconut topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 683.55kcal
Fat: 49.67g
Saturated Fat: 29.27g
Trans Fat: 0.28g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.21g
Carbohydrates: 57.72g
Fiber: 2.08g
Sugar: 28.58g
Protein: 6.19g
Cholesterol: 127.41mg
Sodium: 350.77mg
Calcium: 108.13mg
Potassium: 201.67mg
Iron: 1.42mg
Vitamin A: 401.28µg
Vitamin C: 0.78mg

Helpful Technique Tip for No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

When making the chocolate ganache, ensure that the heavy cream is heated just until it's about to boil, but not boiling. This is the perfect temperature to melt the chocolate chips without burning them. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute before stirring. This allows the heat from the cream to gently melt the chocolate, resulting in a smooth and shiny ganache.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing No-Bake Cheesecakes

Prepare the filling: Make the caramel sauce and chocolate ganache ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time when assembling the cheesecakes.

Organize your ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute searches for items.

Chill the utensils: Place the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before whipping the cream. This will help the cream whip faster and achieve stiff peaks more quickly.

Use store-bought caramel: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch. This can be a convenient time-saving option without compromising on flavor.

Pre-crushed cookies: Save time by using pre-crushed shortbread cookies for the crust. Many grocery stores offer pre-crushed cookie crumbs in the baking aisle, which can be a convenient shortcut.

Double the recipe: If you're making these cheesecakes for a larger group, consider doubling the recipe to make more servings at once. This can help minimize the overall time spent in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe

caramel sauce - Substitute with homemade date caramel: Date caramel is a natural sweetener made from dates, which provides a similar caramel flavor and consistency.
coconut - Substitute with almond flakes: Almond flakes can provide a similar nutty texture and flavor as coconut.
semi sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can provide a richer and less sweet flavor compared to semi-sweet chocolate chips.
milk chocolate chips - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can provide a creamy and sweet flavor similar to milk chocolate chips.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, with a hint of coconut flavor.
shortbread cookies - Substitute with graham cracker crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs can provide a similar buttery and crumbly texture for the crust.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar fat content and flavor as unsalted butter.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can provide a natural sweetener with a hint of caramel flavor, similar to powdered sugar.
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese can provide a dairy-free alternative with a similar creamy texture and flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a nutty and sweet flavor similar to vanilla extract.

Presentation Tips for Serving No-Bake Cheesecakes

Elevate the shortbread crust: Gently press the shortbread crust into a perfect, even layer at the base of the serving vessel, ensuring it provides a stable and delicious foundation for the cheesecake layers.
Artful drizzling of caramel sauce: Skillfully drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake filling, ensuring each serving is adorned with a visually appealing and delectable touch of sweetness.
Precision in coconut layer placement: Carefully sprinkle the coconut mixture over the caramel sauce, ensuring an even and delicate layer that adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the cheesecake.
Meticulous chocolate ganache application: With precision, pipe the chocolate ganache over the coconut layer, creating an elegant and visually stunning presentation that showcases the rich and indulgent chocolate element.
Piped cream topping: Skillfully pipe the reserved whipped cream mixture on top of the cheesecakes, adding a touch of finesse and a creamy, luxurious finish to the dessert.

Essential Tools for Making No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making the shortbread crust and processing the coconut for the Samoa cheesecakes.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients for the cheesecake filling, coconut layer, and chocolate ganache. It's a versatile tool for mixing and blending various components of the recipe.
Heatproof bowl: A heatproof bowl is necessary for melting the chocolate chips and combining them with the hot cream to make the chocolate ganache layers.
Electric hand mixer: An electric hand mixer is useful for whipping the heavy cream to the desired consistency for the cheesecake filling and topping. It helps to incorporate air and create a light, fluffy texture.
Piping bag: A piping bag is essential for neatly layering the cheesecake filling and topping the individual cheesecakes with the whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate ganache. It allows for precise and decorative application of these elements.
Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is necessary for stirring and folding ingredients together, such as incorporating the whipped cream into the cheesecake filling and spreading the shortbread crust mixture.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is essential for chilling and setting the various layers of the no-bake Samoa cheesecakes, allowing them to firm up and develop their flavors before serving.

Storing and Freezing No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

These no-bake samoa cheesecakes should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days.
For best results, add the caramel sauce and coconut topping just before serving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
If you want to prepare the cheesecakes ahead of time, you can make and assemble them without the caramel and coconut topping, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To freeze the cheesecakes, prepare them without the caramel and coconut topping, wrap each individual cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Frozen cheesecakes can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To thaw, transfer the cheesecakes to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight.
Once thawed, add the caramel sauce and coconut topping just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Interesting Fact About No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

The Samoa cheesecake recipe is inspired by the popular Girl Scout cookie, the Samoa, which features a combination of caramel, chocolate, and coconut flavors.

Is Making No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this no-bake Samoa cheesecakes recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While the use of caramel sauce, coconut, and chocolate chips may be affordable, the need for heavy cream and cream cheese in substantial quantities could increase the overall cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe could be rated 8/10 for taste and creativity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is estimated to be around $25-$30, factoring in the purchase of all necessary ingredients.

Are No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Healthy or Unhealthy?

This no-bake Samoa cheesecake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - heavy cream, cream cheese, shortbread cookies, and chocolate - are all high in saturated fats and sugar. The caramel sauce and coconut topping also contribute to the overall sugar content. Consuming these ingredients in excess can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues.

However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing too much on taste:

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace some of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt to lower the fat content
Opt for a whole-grain or nut-based crust instead of shortbread cookies to increase fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling and caramel sauce, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for the ganache, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate
Limit portion sizes and enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet

Editor's Opinion on This No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe

The no-bake Samoa cheesecakes recipe is a delightful and indulgent treat. The combination of caramel, coconut, chocolate ganache, and creamy cheesecake filling creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The recipe's layering technique adds visual appeal, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert. The balance of sweetness and richness is well-executed, and the use of shortbread cookies for the crust adds a delightful crunch. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.

Enhance Your No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving the no-bake samoa cheesecakes with a side of grilled asparagus for a delicious and healthy contrast to the rich and creamy dessert.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: For a sweet and savory pairing, consider serving bacon-wrapped dates alongside the no-bake samoa cheesecakes. The combination of crispy bacon and sweet dates will complement the flavors of the dessert.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to the meal by serving a refreshing mango salsa on the side. The fruity and tangy flavors of the salsa will provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent cheesecakes.

Similar No-Bake Cheesecake Recipes to Try

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Try making savory stuffed bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, topped with melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Create a vibrant and refreshing mango salsa to top grilled chicken for a burst of tropical flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinner.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of cream for a rich and velvety texture.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Dishes to Accompany No-Bake Samoa Cheesecakes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a burst of Italian flavors.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce. The perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef cooked in a savory and creamy mushroom sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. A classic and hearty dish that never fails to satisfy.

Why trust this No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Samoa cookies, providing a no-bake option for a delectable dessert. The combination of caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, and coconut creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The use of shortbread cookies in the crust adds a buttery and crumbly base, while the creamy cheesecake filling brings a luscious and indulgent element. With careful attention to detail and step-by-step instructions, this recipe promises a delightful and impressive treat for any occasion.

Want to share your experience making these delectable No Bake Samoa Cheesecakes or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Head over to the Baking and Desserts section of our forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

What is the best way to store these no-bake Samoa cheesecakes?

The best way to store these no-bake Samoa cheesecakes is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within a few days for the best taste and texture.

Can I make these cheesecakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cheesecakes ahead of time. You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time. However, if you have the time, making your own caramel sauce can add a homemade touch to the cheesecakes.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of cookie for the crust if you prefer. Graham crackers or chocolate cookies can be great alternatives to the shortbread cookies.

Can I freeze these no-bake Samoa cheesecakes?

Yes, you can freeze these no-bake Samoa cheesecakes. Simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.