Keto-Approved Coconut Cheesecake with Macadamia Nut Crust

Sometimes...a good dessert is a must. I love eating ketogenically, because when shit gets real, and you want something sweet, you can make it happen. It may take a little planning...but it is totally do-able. This cheesecake is my go-to for birthdays and other special occasions. The first time I made this was on Easter of this year, and all my non-keto homies ate it, not knowing that it was my special treat. I will forgive them one day.

Not the most beautiful dessert in the world, but it's what's on the inside that counts and she's a beaut.

Ingredients
Crust
1 cup raw macadamia nuts (if you don't have raw, roasted is fine)
1 cup finely shredded coconut, unsweetened
3 tbsp Swerve Sweetener
1/4 tsp salt (omit if you had to use roasted, and they happen to be salted)
2 tbsp oil or melted butter (I used butter, macadamia oil is also great)

Filling
1 & 1/2 lbs cream cheese (3 8-ounce packages), softened
3/4 to 1 cup Swerve Sweetener, depending on how sweet you like it
3 large eggs, room temperature
2/3 cup full fat coconut milk (canned), room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract

Topping
3/4 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered Swerve Sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla or coconut extract
1/2 cup coconut, lightly toasted

Instructions
Crust:
Preheat oven to 325F and wrap the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan in foil.
In a food processor, process macadamia nuts on high until coarsely chopped.
Add coconut, sweetener and salt and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (it may begin to clump together because of the high oil content of the macadamias).
Transfer mixture to prepared pan and add oil or melted butter. Stir to combine well. Press mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake 12 to 14 minutes, or until just beginning to brown around the edges. Remove and let cool.

Filling:
Reduce oven temperature to 300F.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese on medium until smooth. Beat in sweetener until well combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl and beaters as needed. Then beat in coconut milk, vanilla extract and coconut extract until smooth.
Brush the sides of the springform pan with a little oil or melted butter and then pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Place springform pan on a cookie sheet and place on the center rack on the oven. On the rack below, place a large baking dish filled with water.
Bake 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until edges are set and center just barely jiggles when shaken. Remove and let cool completely.
Run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan and remove sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 or 4 hours.

Topping:
In a large bowl, beat whipping cream, sweetener and extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
Sprinkle with toasted coconut (I simply toasted mine in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking until coconut was lightly browned).

I got this recipe from alldayidreamaboutfood.com. She has a ton of really great low carb recipes. Try it out and let me know how you like it!