To toast coconut preheat the oven to 325. Arrange the coconut on a single layer over a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Toast, with a watchful eye for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. It will brown quickly. Coconut becomes exceptionally delicious when toasted.
extra toasted coconut and almond slivers for topping
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap a springform pan with aluminum foil to cover the bottom and, at least, half way up the sides; Set aside.
Pulse the graham cracker crumbs, vanilla wafer crumbs, coconut and almonds in a food processor a few times to make sure everything has been chopped. Add the sugar and pulse a few more times to mix in. Drizzle in the butter with the processor running until everything is moist. Remove the blade carefully and with your fingers, mix just to get and remaining stubborn crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a smooth glass or any clean kitchen tool that will help you press into an even layer, as well as a little up the sides. Bake for 12 minutes, until just fragrant and starting to turn golden brown. Cool on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
Beat the cream cheese for 3 to 5 minutes in the bowl of your stand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides and add in the sugar, mixing to combine. Add in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is mixed well. Add in the shredded coconut and rum. Lastly, mix in the almonds until just combined.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust. It may fill past the sides of the crust, and that is ok. Place the pan on a baking sheet for easier access and bake for about 1 hour and 15 - 20 minutes. The top will be puffed, and the center will be just set, not jiggly. Allow to cool on wire rack.
When the cheesecake has cooled, make the topping. Melt the chips, with the heavy cream and vanilla in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using a rubber spatula stir gently. The key is not to whisk or add any air bubbles. When completely melted, remove from heat and allow to sit for 30 minutes. It should be thickened, so that it isn't runny, but still able to cover the surface of the cake without assistance. Pour the glaze over top and allow it to cover most of the surface. It should set quickly on top and not run.
Cover and let the cheesecake rest in the fridge for about an hour before sprinkling toasted coconut and almond slivers over top. Cover and chill through, at least 6 hours.
Run a sharp paring knife along the sides of the cake before releasing. Slice, and serve.