Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
🌟 Introduction
If you’re craving something creamy, zesty, and tropical—all without turning on your oven—these No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bars are pure sunshine in dessert form! The luscious lemon filling sits atop a buttery coconut-graham crust, finished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and crunchy. It’s an ideal treat for spring, summer, or anytime you want a refreshing dessert that’s simple yet elegant.
🍋 Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
For the Lemon Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or whipped cream cheese
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or powdered sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
- Lemon slices or zest curls for garnish
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place in the fridge or freezer to firm up while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat again until creamy and well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping (or whipped cream) until the mixture is light and airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars
- Spread the lemon cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula.
- Smooth the top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Once fully chilled, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Slice into bars using a sharp knife (wipe between cuts for clean edges).
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
- Extra Lemon Kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon curd swirled into the filling before chilling.
- Nutty Twist: Replace some of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Crust Alternative: Use crushed vanilla wafers, coconut cookies, or even shortbread for a unique flavor base.
🧁 Storage
Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
🌞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required—perfect for hot days!
- Light yet rich—a balance of creamy and citrusy.
- Customizable—easy to make vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free.
- Make-ahead friendly—great for parties, picnics, or family desserts.
🥰 Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bars combine everything you love in a dessert: a crunchy base, a velvety lemon filling, and a hint of coconut bliss. They’re simple to prepare, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to brighten any table. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet treat for yourself, every bite feels like a taste of tropical sunshine.
Print
No-Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bars 🍋🥥
Ingredients
For the crust:
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookies)
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
For the filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream (cold)
For the topping (optional):
• Extra shredded coconut (toasted for extra flavor)
• Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Make the crust: Mix graham crumbs, coconut, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Chill 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into cream cheese mixture until light and airy.
- Pour over crust and spread evenly.
- Chill at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Before serving: Sprinkle with toasted coconut and garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.
- Cut into bars with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts for clean edges).
✨ Serve chilled—each bite is bright, creamy, and tropical!
💡 Make ahead: Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 0 mins , Total Time : 4 hrs 15 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 12 bars , Calories : 160 , Net Carbs: 14g , Fats: 11g , Protein: 3g