Ambrosia Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients for Ambrosia Cheesecake

• Shortbread Cookies
• ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• Sweetened Flaked Coconut
• Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup to ¾ cup fresh orange curd (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Ambrosia Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush 1 ½ cups graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine crumbs with ¼ cup granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
6. Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
7. Fold in 14 ounces sweetened flaked coconut.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared crust.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Do not overbake.
10. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
11. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
12. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.
13. Carefully release the sides of the springform pan.
14. Spread fresh orange curd evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
15. Sprinkle 1 cup toasted coconut flakes around the outer edge of the top (optional).
16. Arrange decorated pastry strips on the sides of the cheesecake (optional).
17. Garnish the top of the cake with fresh fruit or other desired toppings (optional).