Cherry Fudge Truffle Coconut Cheesecake

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°. Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan. Place on a baking sheet.
2. 2

   In a small bowl, mix crushed cookies and coconut; stir in butter. Press onto bottom and 1/2 in. up side of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven setting to 325°.
3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat 3 pkg. cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in cream of coconut and extract. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Stir in chopped cherries. Pour 3 cups batter into crust. In another bowl, beat remaining 8 oz. cream cheese until smooth. Beat in cooled chocolate and cherry preserves. Drop by tablespoonfuls over coconut batter. Carefully spoon remaining coconut batter over top. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. hot water to larger pan.
4. 4

   Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 80-85 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.
5. 5

   Remove rim from pan. Top cheesecake with melted chocolate, whipped cream, toasted coconut and cherries.