Creamy, tropical cheesecake layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, with sweet pineapple and coconut in every bite—perfect for summer parties or whenever you need a slice of sunshine.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 bars (8×8-inch pan)
Calories: ~230 kcal per bar
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust
Graham cracker crumbs
Melted butter
Granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
Cream cheese, softened
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Crushed pineapple (drained well)
Sweetened shredded coconut
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ½ cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fully incorporated.
Add Fruit: Gently fold in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
Assemble & Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and slightly golden.
Cool & Chill: Let bars cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
📝 Notes
Be sure to drain the pineapple well to prevent excess moisture.
For clean slices, chill the bars thoroughly and wipe your knife between cuts.
These bars taste even better the next day!
🍰 A Slice of the Tropics
With creamy cheesecake, juicy pineapple, and a chewy coconut finish, these bars are sunshine in dessert form. They’re light, fruity, and satisfyingly rich all at once. Bonus? No springform pan needed—just a square baking dish and a craving for something sweet.
📸 Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Step 1: Prep the Crust
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch pan. Use a flat-bottomed cup to pack it tightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and continue mixing until silky.
Step 3: Fold in the Fruit
Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly, then fold it into the cheesecake mix along with coconut.
Step 4: Bake & Chill
Pour filling over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool at room temp, then refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.
🧂 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
Key Ingredients
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest texture.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and tropical tang—just make sure it’s well-drained.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut adds chewy texture and enhances the tropical vibe.
Substitutions
No graham crackers? Use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
Want less sugar? Reduce the filling sugar to ⅓ cup and use unsweetened coconut.
Add zest: A bit of lime or lemon zest would brighten the flavor.
🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions
Creative Twists
🥥 Top with toasted coconut before baking for added crunch.
🍫 Swirl in melted white chocolate for a richer dessert.
🍊 Add orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the filling.
🧁 Make minis in muffin tins for easy grab-and-go treats.
Serve With
A cup of iced coffee or tropical tea
Fresh mango or kiwi slices
A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage
Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze individual bars with parchment between layers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead
These bars are a great make-ahead dessert. Bake and chill up to 2 days in advance.
📊 Nutrition (Per Bar – Approximate)
Calories: 230
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Allergens: Dairy, eggs, gluten
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
A: Yes—but chop it finely and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Q: Why did my bars crack on top?
A: Slight cracks are normal. If you want a smooth top, don’t overmix the eggs and cool gradually after baking.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch pan and increase bake time to about 40–45 minutes.
Q: Can I make this crustless?
A: You can, but the crust provides structure and balance. If skipping, bake in ramekins or muffin tins.
🌴 The Ultimate Summer Dessert
Whether you’re headed to a cookout, hosting brunch, or just craving a beachy treat, these Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake Bars are here to deliver rich, fruity goodness with tropical flair. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
📣 Show Off Your Bars!
Tried this recipe? Tag @YourHandle on Instagram or leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to see your take—extra fruit, a toasted topping, or mini versions for parties? Let’s swap ideas!