Chocolate & Coconut Cream Torte

Desserts

My grandmother passed this recipe down to me years ago and now I make it for my own grandchildren. When preparing, make sure the chocolate layer is properly chilled before adding the next layer, or the coconut will sink into it.

Average Rating: 4.5

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling Cook: 10 min. + chilling
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) vanilla wafers, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 ounces dark baking chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
FILLING:
1 can (13-1/2 ounces) coconut milk
3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water, divided
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1-1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix wafer crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom and 2 in. up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan.
2. Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Pour over prepared crust. Refrigerate 1 hour.
3. In a large saucepan, combine coconut milk, coconut and sugar; bring just to a boil. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, reserving strained coconut; return coconut milk mixture to saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth; stir into coconut milk mixture. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a small bowl, whisk egg and egg yolk. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg mixture; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin over remaining cold water; let stand 1 minute. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds. Stir and let stand until gelatin is completely dissolved, 1 minute. Whisk gelatin mixture into coconut milk mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour, whisking every 15 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold into coconut milk mixture. Spoon reserved strained coconut into prepared crust. Spread filling over coconut. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight before serving.
7. Remove rim from pan. Top with toasted coconut.
8.