Coconut Cheesecake

This coconut cheesecake is so rich, smooth, and creamy, you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare! Simple ingredients and turns out perfect every single time. 

Cheesecakes have to be one of the most loved desserts. In our household, they are a firm favorite and we make them a little too often for our own good. Some of our favorites include a Biscoff one, a cookies and cream version, but none have been as easy as the coconut cheesecake! 

Table of Contents

1. Why you’ll love this recipe
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make a no bake coconut cheesecake
4. Tips to make the best recipe
5. Dietary swaps and substitutions
6. Storing and freezing instructions
7. Recommended tools to make this recipe
8. More cheesecake recipes to try
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Best Coconut Cheesecake

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy. The hands on time for the entire recipe is under 2 minutes! The hard part is just waiting for it to set. 
• Best texture. If you’ve tried our cherry or mango cheesecake, you’ll know that this cheesecake will be perfect too.
• Simple ingredients. Don’t let the cheesecake intimidate you, the ingredient list will definitely sway you (along with our raspberry or baklava cheesecake).
• Healthier. Unlike other cheesecakes, this one uses considerably less sugar, but you’d never tell (have you tried our healthy or protein cheesecake yet?).

What I love about this coconut cheesecake recipe is just how perfect it turns out every single time. It’s pleasantly sweet with a very subtle coconut flavor, without being overpowering.

Ingredients needed

You’ll love simple ingredient list to make this recipe and everything can be found at a mainstream grocery store. Here is what you’ll need: 

For the no bake crust

• Crushed cookies. Any mild or plain tasting cookie can be used, like shortbread cookies or even graham crackers. 
• Sugar.
• Butter. melted and unsalted.

For the filling

• Cream cheese. Full fat and softened to room temperature. 
• Vanilla extract. Gives a light vanilla flavor and helps balance out the coconut.
• Sugar. 
• Eggs. room temperature.
• Milk.
• Sour cream– Adds a slight tang and makes an even creamier filling. 

Frosting

• Coconut cream. Always use the cream from a can. 
• Powdered sugar. Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
• Cream cheese. Softened to room temperature.
• Toasted coconut flakes. For the subtle coconut flavor and added texture and decoration. Shredded coconut will also work.

How to make a no bake coconut cheesecake

This recipe has to be one of the easiest cheesecakes you will ever make. It follows a simple 4-step process and the hard part is waiting for it to set… but it will be worth it! 

Step 1- Prepare the crust

Start by preparing the crust. Mix your crushed up cookies with the melted butter and sugar and transfer them into a 9-inch pie crust. Refrigerate the crust while you work on the filling.

Step 2- Make the filling

Next, add the cream cheese into a large bowl and beat it for 3-4 minutes, until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and sugar and beat for another minute. Add the eggs in, one at a time, until completely combined. Finally, add the milk and sour cream and beat until smooth.

Step 3- Bake the cheesecake

Now, pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake at 180C/350F for 90 minutes, until set and the tops are slightly brown. Always check the center of the cheesecake around the 75 minute mark to ensure it has remained intact. 

Step 4- Cool the cheesecake

Remove the cheesecake from the oven before allowing it to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or if possible, overnight, covered in foil or plastic wrap.

Step 5- Frost and serve

Once the cheesecake has firmed up, prepare the frosting. In one bowl, beat the coconut cream and the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. In a second bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese until combined. Spread over the top of the cheesecake and cover with coconut flakes.

Tips to make the best recipe

• If you’d prefer a more intense coconut flavor, add 1 teaspoon of coconut extract into the filling.
• I used a homemade crust but you can use a store bought cookie or graham cracker crust.
• Do not worry if the cheesecake has a crack in it. As it will be frosted, it won’t be seen at all. 
• If you own a mixer, you can make the filling in a bowl of a stand mixer. Be sure to use the paddle attachment.

Dietary swaps and substitutions

The beauty of this dessert is just how easy it is to customize for a plethora of diets out there successfully. Here is what we’ve tested: 

• Cut the carbs. Make this cheesecake keto friendly by using a powdered sugar substitute, sweetener, and low carb shortbread cookies. 
• Make it dairy free. You can find so many dairy free cream cheese and cream options out there, so it is an easy swap.
• Swap out the egg. Instead of adding an egg, try one of these egg substitutes.
• Omit the frosting. We love a good cheesecake with frosting but it’s completely optional. This coconut cheesecake will taste just as good without it. 
• Add flavor extracts. Coconut goes well with almost anything, so add some lemon extract, chocolate extract, or even coffee extract. 

Storing and freezing instructions

Wondering what is the best way to store leftovers? Here are best practices for cheesecake storage: 

• To store: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, covered. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• To freeze: Place slices of the cheesecake in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Recommended tools to make this recipe

• Stand mixer. Optional, but I love making the cheesecake batter in this! 
• Mixing bowls. To whip everything together. 
• Springform pan. Removing the baked cheesecake is so much easier from this kind of pan.

More cheesecake recipes to try

• Blueberry cheesecake
• Strawberry cheesecake
• Lemon cheesecake
• Chocolate cheesecake
• Peach cheesecake
• Cherry cheesecake

Frequently Asked Questions