Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The Ultimate Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Guilt-Free Joy

Skinny coconut cheesecake bars tantalize dessert lovers seeking healthier indulgences without sacrificing rich, creamy satisfaction.

Weight-conscious gourmands appreciate these delectable treats that balance decadent flavors with smart nutritional choices.

Tropical coconut notes weave through a light, velvety filling that feels impossibly luxurious yet surprisingly lean.

Clever ingredient swaps revamp classic cheesecake into a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Creamy, smooth layers promise a delightful experience for anyone craving something sweet yet sensible.

Nutritional wisdom meets culinary creativity in these innovative bars that prove healthy desserts can be monumentally delicious.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of tropical essence and wholesome satisfaction.

What Makes Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Feel So Indulgent

  • Lighten Up Dessert: Crafted with Greek yogurt and egg whites, these cheesecake bars offer a healthier twist on the classic indulgence without sacrificing creamy richness.
  • Texture Paradise: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crisp graham cracker crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and crunchy toasted almond-coconut topping that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Quick and Easy Treat: Whip up these bars in under an hour of active preparation time, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings with minimal baking skills required.
  • Tropical Flavor Escape: Infused with coconut and vanilla extracts, these bars transport your taste buds to a sunny, relaxed destination with their subtle, sophisticated flavor profile.

Ingredients to Make Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Shine

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base with a sweet, crunchy texture that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust together and adds rich flavor and golden color.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that gives the cheesecake its classic tangy and rich taste.
  • Greek Yogurt: Adds extra creaminess and helps create a lighter, tangier filling with lower fat content.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and yogurt.
  • Egg Whites: Helps bind the filling and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent cracking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.
  • Coconut Extract: Introduces a subtle tropical coconut essence to the cheesecake bars.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Sliced Almonds, Shredded Coconut: Provides a crunchy, toasted texture with nutty and tropical notes that complement the creamy cheesecake base.

How to Whip Up Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Easily

Step 1: Create the Base

Warm your oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.

Combine ingredients for the crust:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter

Press mixture firmly into pan.

Bake for 8-9 minutes until golden.

Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl.

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth.

Add these ingredients:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Sugar
  • Egg whites
  • Flour

Beat for 3-4 minutes until super creamy.

Splash in vanilla and coconut extracts.

Mix gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour filling over prepared crust.

Spread evenly with a spatula.

Slide into preheated oven.

Bake 20 minutes.

Cover with foil.

Bake additional 5 minutes.

Check center is set.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

Heat skillet over medium-low flame.

Toss together:
  • Sliced almonds
  • Shredded coconut

Stir continuously.

Toast until light golden brown.

Remove from heat.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Pull cheesecake from oven.

Let rest 5 minutes.

Sprinkle toasted nuts and coconut on top.

Cool at room temperature 30 minutes.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Slice into perfect squares.

Serve chilled.

Baking Tips for Perfect Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars

  • Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a silky, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
  • Precise Baking Technique: Cover with foil during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain a creamy texture.
  • Consistent Crust Pressing: Use the back of a measuring cup or spoon to firmly and evenly press graham cracker mixture into the pan for a solid base.
  • Cooling Patience: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the bar's structure.
  • Toasting Precision: Watch nuts and coconut carefully while toasting, stirring frequently to achieve a golden color without burning.

Keeping Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Crisp and Creamy

  • Refrigerate: Store the coconut cheesecake bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake bars can be stored for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw refrigerated or frozen bars in the fridge overnight. For best texture, enjoy chilled rather than reheating, as warming can make the creamy filling lose its smooth consistency.

Best Sips and Bites with Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Tropical Cocktails: Serve these light, creamy coconut cheesecake bars alongside a refreshing piña colada or mango mojito to enhance the tropical coconut flavors and create a delightful dessert experience.
  • Match with Herbal Tea: Complement the rich, smooth cheesecake with a delicate chamomile or green tea, which will balance the sweetness and provide a clean, crisp counterpoint to the creamy dessert.
  • Combine with Fresh Fruit: Plate the bars with a side of fresh passion fruit, diced mango, or sliced kiwi to add a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant pop of color.
  • Enhance with Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a smooth cold brew or a light espresso, which will bring out the depth of the coconut and provide a sophisticated, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet dessert.

Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars with a Tasty Little Twist

  • Tropical Paradise Bars: Replace almonds with macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple to the filling for a Hawaiian-inspired tropical flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Coconut Sensation: Mix dark chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling and drizzle melted chocolate over the toasted coconut topping for a rich, decadent version.
  • Zesty Lime Coconut Creation: Incorporate lime zest and lime juice into the cheesecake mixture, then garnish with fresh lime wedges for a bright, citrusy kick that complements the coconut perfectly.
  • Berry Coconut Bliss: Swirl raspberry or strawberry compote through the cheesecake filling before baking, creating a beautiful marbled effect and adding a fruity dimension to the classic coconut bars.
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Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Skinny coconut cheesecake bars offer a guilt-free indulgence that combines creamy texture with tropical sweetness. Healthier ingredients and smart substitutions create a delightful dessert that satisfies cravings without compromising your wellness goals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) reduced-fat cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese), softened
  • 2 large egg whites
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) 0% plain Greek yogurt

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (90 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 teaspoons coconut extract
  • ⅓ cup (30 grams) sliced almonds
  • ⅓ cup (30 grams) shredded or flaked unsweetened coconut

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with foil, ensuring excess hangs over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact base.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-9 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  6. Incorporate Greek yogurt, sugar, egg whites, and flour into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes creamy and uniform.
  7. Gently fold in vanilla and coconut extracts, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
  8. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
  9. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  10. While the cheesecake bakes, lightly toast sliced almonds and shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  11. Once the coconut and almonds turn a delicate golden color, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  12. After removing the cheesecake from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  13. Sprinkle the toasted almond and coconut mixture evenly across the surface of the cheesecake.
  14. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  15. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure proper setting and optimal flavor development.
  16. Using the foil overhang, lift the cheesecake from the pan and slice into precise squares before serving.

Notes

  • Prep like a pro by lining the baking dish with foil for easy bar removal and cleanup.
  • Graham cracker crust gets a golden crisp when baked briefly before adding the creamy filling.
  • Softening cream cheese completely ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake texture.
  • Toasting nuts and coconut creates a delightful nutty aroma and enhances their rich, deep flavor.
  • Chilling for at least 4 hours helps bars set perfectly and intensifies the delicious coconut taste.
  • Low-fat ingredients like Greek yogurt and egg whites make these bars a lighter, guilt-free dessert option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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