Craving cheesecake but trying to keep things light? These Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and healthier choices. Made with Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, and just the right touch of shredded coconut, they offer all the rich flavor you love with fewer calories. Whether you’re following a lighter meal plan or just want a guilt-free dessert, these bars are a dreamy treat that doesn’t compromise on taste. Perfect for warm-weather get-togethers, potlucks, or a midday snack, they’re easy to make, portable, and totally satisfying with their tropical twist.
Why You’ll Love These Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars
🥥 Lightened-up but still creamy and rich
🍯 Sweetened naturally or with less sugar
🌴 Coconut adds tropical flair and texture
🧊 Perfect cold dessert for summer days
🎉 Great for parties, meal prep, or sweet cravings
💪 Packed with protein from Greek yogurt
🍰 Easy to cut into neat, snackable bars
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Essentials
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula
Optional
• Food processor (for crust)
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
Ingredients for Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars
For the Crust
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
For the Filling
• 8 oz light cream cheese (softened)
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup honey or sweetener of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• Pinch of salt
How To Make Them
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Mix graham crumbs, coconut oil, and sweetener.
• Press into lined pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling
• In a bowl, beat cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
• Add egg, honey, vanilla, coconut, and salt. Mix until combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
• Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
• Bake for 22–26 minutes or until center is just set.
• Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Garnish & Slice
• Optional: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
• Slice into bars and enjoy chilled!
Tips for the Best Texture & Flavor
• Use room temp ingredients – Helps prevent lumps in the filling
• Don’t overbake – Center should slightly jiggle when done
• Chill thoroughly – Bars firm up and taste better cold
• Add zest – A touch of lime or lemon zest brightens the flavor
• Top with fruit – Strawberries or mango pair beautifully
Flavor Variations & Fun Add-Ins
Make it Yours!
• 🍫 Coconut-Chocolate Swirl – Add a thin drizzle of dark chocolate
• 🍋 Coconut Lime Bars – Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice + zest
• 🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour crust
• 🍍 Tropical Fusion – Add pineapple chunks to the filling
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Keep It Fresh
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Best served cold—don’t leave out too long
Freezer Friendly?
• Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw in the fridge overnight
Serving Suggestions
Pair With
• Iced green tea or tropical smoothies
• Light whipped cream or coconut yogurt on top
• Fresh berries, kiwi, or pineapple chunks
Great For
• Brunches and baby showers
• Summer cookouts
• Healthy snack prep
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using full-fat ingredients if you’re aiming for low-cal
❌ Not letting them chill—texture won’t set
❌ Overmixing the batter—leads to cracks
❌ Skipping parchment paper—makes removal tough
❌ Using sweetened coconut—it adds unnecessary sugar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I make this crustless?
Yes, just pour the filling into a lined pan and bake—it’ll be more like a custard bar.
❓ Can I use non-dairy yogurt?
Absolutely! Coconut or almond-based yogurts work well.
❓ Is it okay to substitute the egg?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce.
❓ Does the coconut flavor overpower the cheesecake?
No, it adds a subtle tropical note—perfectly balanced.
❓ Can I use sweetened coconut?
If you do, reduce the added sweetener slightly to compensate.
❓ Can I double the recipe for a 9×13 pan?
Totally! Just increase bake time by about 5–8 minutes.
❓ How do I toast coconut for topping?
Spread on a dry pan and heat over medium, stirring until golden brown.
Final Thoughts 🥥🍰
These Skinny Coconut Cheesecake Bars are proof that you don’t have to give up flavor to make a healthier dessert. Light, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a tropical twist, they’re the kind of treat that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re watching your macros or just looking for a refreshing, feel-good dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to prepare, easy to store, and even easier to love. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted coconut and a slice of fresh fruit for that ultimate wow-factor finish!
