TASTE OF THE ISLAND CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Prepare Crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cover the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9" springform pan with aluminum foil to prepare for baking in a water bath. Toast coconut in microwavable bowl for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring frequently until lightly browned. Combine with crushed macadamia nuts, graham crackers, sugar, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir to combine. Press into the bottom of the springform pan and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese until smooth in a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar and flour to the cream cheese and mix until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently. Stir in sour cream, banana, Creme de Banana, coconut milk, and vanilla. Pour over baked Macadamia Coconut Crust. Place the cheesecake in a larger pan. Place in preheated oven. Fill the outer pan with enough boiling water to come halfway up the springform pan, making sure the water cannot seep beneath the aluminum foil. Bake at 325 for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes and do not open the oven. When the time is up, do not open the oven. Turn the oven off and leave in the oven for another hour. Remove from oven and water bath. Run a sharp knife around the edge of the cheesecake and remove aluminum foil. Let cool for 30 minutes. Place in refrigerator for 8 hours to overnight. Run a knife around the edge again and remove outer pan. Toppings: Microwave fresh grated coconut or sweetened flake coconut for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring often. Rim the cheesecake with drained pinapple, toasted coconut and coarsely chopped macadamia nuts.