No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate
Rich no-bake cheesecake bars layered with coconut and dipped in chocolate, inspired by the iconic Australian lamington dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract 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 320 calories and feeds 12, 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
- 8 oz, softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup, whipped whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup, plus extra for topping desiccated coconut
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the base of an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Fold 1 cup whipped whipping cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.
- Step 4: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Sprinkle 1 cup desiccated coconut evenly on top, then spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the coconut layer. Chill for at least 4 hours until set.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup dark chocolate chips with 2 tbsp vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 6: Cut the chilled cheesecake into 12 bars. Dip each bar halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Step 7: Immediately sprinkle extra desiccated coconut over the chocolate-coated section. Place bars on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 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 No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate?
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 No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate?
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 No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 No-Bake Lamington Cheesecake Bars with Coconut and Chocolate?
Australian 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.
