Description
Creamy, dreamy, and perfectly tropical—these Coconut Cheesecake Bars are a lightened-up twist on a classic favorite! Made with Greek yogurt and a touch of coconut, these cheesecake squares are lower in calories but full of flavor. Perfect for coconut dessert lovers or anyone looking for healthier desserts that still feel like a treat. Save this for your next summer gathering or weeknight sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Crust:
-
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
-
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
-
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
Filling:
-
8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
-
1/3 cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
-
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Topping (optional):
-
2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted coconut oil, and honey. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.
-
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Stir in shredded coconut.
-
Pour filling over crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle.
-
Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is best) before slicing.
-
Top with toasted coconut, slice into squares, and serve chilled!
Notes
-
For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers.
-
Light cream cheese works well here, but avoid fat-free—it can affect the texture.
-
Toast the coconut topping in a dry skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes until golden.
-
Store bars in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Coconut Cheesecake Bars