Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust
Tangy lime and creamy coconut cheesecake layered over a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for a refreshing dessert bar. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar; stir until crumbs are moistened and press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Step 3: Bake crust for 10 minutes until fragrant and set; remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Step 6: Mix in 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp lime zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut until fully combined.
- Step 7: Pour cheesecake filling over the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles when shaken.
- Step 9: Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing into 16 bars.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lime Coconut Cheesecake Bars with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
