Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (454 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
Topping
- ½ cup toasted shredded coconut
- White chocolate drizzle
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Whipped cream rosettes
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
2. Make the Crust
Combine:
- graham cracker crumbs
- sugar
- salt
- melted butter
Mix until evenly coated.
Firmly press into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
Bake 8 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes.
3. Drain the Pineapple
Place crushed pineapple into a fine mesh strainer.
Press firmly using the back of a spoon.
Wrap inside paper towels and gently squeeze again.
The pineapple should remain moist but not release liquid.
4. Prepare the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese for 2 minutes.
Add sugar.
Mix until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix on low speed.
Stir in:
- coconut cream
- vanilla
- coconut extract
Fold in:
- shredded coconut
- drained pineapple
Do not overmix.
5. Bake
Spread filling evenly over the crust.
Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
Bake 35–40 minutes.
The edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly.
6. Cool
Cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Decorate
Slice using a hot knife.
Top with
- toasted coconut
- white chocolate drizzle
- whipped cream
- pineapple chunks
- mint leaves
Serve chilled.
Notes
✔ Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent a watery cheesecake.
✔ Room-temperature ingredients create the smoothest filling.
✔ Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs.
✔ Do not overbake. The center should still wobble slightly.
✔ Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.
✔ Toast coconut until lightly golden for maximum flavor.
✔ Dip your knife in hot water between every cut for bakery-style bars.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian