Description
Creamy, tropical-inspired cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious coconut flavor, perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup melted butter
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup shredded coconut, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the coconut milk and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake bars inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to cool gradually.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, tropical goodness!
Notes
Toasted coconut flakes on top add extra crunch and deeper flavor.
Mix in shredded white chocolate for a subtle sweetness twist.
Add lime zest to the filling for a bright tropical flair.
Chopped macadamia nuts on top provide a nutty crunch.
For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; avoid freezing to maintain texture.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg