Sweet & Light Coconut Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Skinny Joy

Dessert lovers rejoice as these skinny coconut cheesecake bars bring a delightful twist to your favorite sweet treat.

Every creamy bite promises indulgence without the guilt of traditional heavy desserts.

The delicate balance of rich coconut and smooth cheesecake creates a mouthwatering experience that dances on your palate.

Light, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to make, these bars pack incredible flavor into each compact square.

Fans of tropical tastes will adore the subtle coconut notes that weave through the silky cheesecake base.

Health-conscious dessert enthusiasts can savor these bars knowing they’re lighter than classic cheesecake recipes.

Get ready to transform your dessert game with this smart, delectable recipe that proves healthy can be absolutely delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 48 minutes (including chilling time)

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crispy foundation with a hint of sweetness that complements the creamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crumbs together, creating a rich and sturdy base that holds the cheesecake bars perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers the quintessential smooth and tangy cheesecake texture, creating a luxurious base for the dessert.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds a protein-packed, creamy element that lightens the filling and provides a subtle tang.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and yogurt, bringing a delightful sweetness to the bars.
• Egg Whites: Helps to stabilize and set the filling, ensuring a perfect, silky consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, comforting aroma.
• Coconut Extract: Infuses a tropical, fragrant essence that elevates the entire dessert.

• Sliced Almonds, Shredded Coconut: Creates a crunchy, golden-brown topping that adds texture and a nutty, tropical flavor to the bars.

Tools Needed for Coconut Cheesecake Bars

• 8×8-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating evenly portioned cheesecake bars.
• Foil: Essential for lining the baking dish and easy bar removal.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine crust ingredients and prepare creamy cheesecake filling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Crucial for beating cream cheese and blending filling ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Pan: Used for toasting almonds and coconut to enhance flavor and texture.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut bars into clean, precise squares after chilling.

Steps to Make Cheesecake Coconut Bars

• Crust Foundation

Grab your baking dish and get ready to build a delicious base. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter, creating a smooth mixture that will hold your cheesecake together. Press this golden blend firmly into the pan, creating a solid foundation for your dreamy dessert.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then introduce Greek yogurt, sugar, and delicate egg whites. Blend these ingredients into a luxurious mixture that promises incredible texture. Add a splash of vanilla and coconut extracts to elevate the flavor profile and make taste buds dance.

• Baking Magic

Slide your creation into a warm oven, letting the heat transform your ingredients. After initial baking, cover gently with foil to ensure even cooking. Watch as the filling sets and becomes wonderfully creamy, promising a decadent treat.

• Nutty Coconut Topping

While your cheesecake bakes, quickly toast sliced almonds and shredded coconut in a pan. Let them turn a delicate golden brown, releasing their rich, warm aromas. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the finished bars for a delightful texture contrast.

• Chilling and Serving

Allow your bars to cool gradually, first at room temperature, then in the refrigerator. This resting period helps the flavors meld and the texture become perfectly firm. When ready, slice into elegant squares and enjoy a guilt-free, tropical-inspired dessert that’s sure to impress.

Add-ins for Skinny Cheesecake Bar Flavors

• Swap graham crackers with shortbread or digestive cookies for a different base texture and flavor profile.
• Replace Greek yogurt with low-fat sour cream or coconut milk for subtle variations in tanginess and richness.
• Mix dried pineapple pieces or mango chunks with toasted nuts and coconut for an extra tropical twist.
• Adjust sugar quantity by using stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or reducing sugar for a less sweet dessert option.
• Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Coconut Cheesecake Squares

• Tropical Paradise Plating: Arrange the cheesecake bars on a white ceramic plate with fresh pineapple slices and a small mint leaf garnish for a vibrant, tropical presentation that enhances the coconut flavor.
• Dessert Wine Companion: Pair these light bars with a crisp moscato or sweet riesling to complement the delicate coconut and almond notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Brunch Showcase: Serve these bars as part of a weekend brunch spread alongside fresh berries and a light cappuccino, offering guests a delightful sweet treat that isn't too heavy.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Create an elegant afternoon tea setting with these cheesecake bars, arranging them on a tiered serving tray with delicate tea cups and additional toasted coconut sprinkled around for an extra touch of sophistication.

Store Coconut Bars for Freshness

• Slice and Store Smart: Cut bars into uniform squares for easy grab-and-go treats and stack with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Fridge Freshness Guardian: Sealed container in refrigerator keeps bars delicious for 5-7 days, maintaining their creamy texture and delicate flavor profile.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert planning.
• Temperature Transition Tips: Always thaw frozen cheesecake bars in refrigerator overnight, allowing gentle warming to restore original smooth consistency without compromising texture.

Skinny Dreamy Coconut Cheesecake Bars

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 48 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Silky skinny coconut cheesecake bars offer a guilt-free dessert experience with low-calorie ingredients. Creamy coconut and tangy cream cheese combine in a light, refreshing treat for health-conscious individuals seeking sweet satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) reduced-fat cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese), softened
• 2 large egg whites
• ¾ cup (170 g) 0% plain Greek yogurt
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (90 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 1–2 tsps coconut extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (30 g) sliced almonds
• ⅓ cup (30 g) shredded or flaked unsweetened coconut

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until texture resembles coarse sand, then press firmly into a foil-lined 8×8-inch baking dish, creating a compact foundation.
2. Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-9 minutes until achieving a light golden hue, then set aside to cool momentarily.
3. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until completely smooth, then integrate Greek yogurt, sugar, egg whites, and flour, blending until achieving a uniform, creamy consistency while incorporating vanilla and coconut extracts.
4. Cheesecake Assembly: Pour the prepared filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
5. Precise Baking: Bake the cheesecake for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the center sets with a slight wobble.
6. Garnish Preparation: Simultaneously, gently toast sliced almonds and shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching until a delicate golden color emerges.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle toasted almonds and coconut across the surface, then cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes.
8. Final Setting: Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to enhance flavor and achieve optimal texture, then lift from pan using foil overhang and slice into precise squares for serving.

Notes

• Smooth Out Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and whip thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth filling texture.
• Press Crust Firmly: Compact the graham cracker base tightly and evenly to prevent crumbling and create a stable foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Watch Baking Carefully: Monitor baking time closely; slight jiggle in the center indicates perfect doneness, preventing dry or overcooked texture.
• Toasting Technique: Keep nuts and coconut moving constantly during toasting to achieve even golden color without burning, enhancing nutty flavor and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg