Indulge in the tropical flavors of mango and coconut with these delightful cheesecake bars. Perfect for a summer gathering or a sweet treat any time of the year, these bars combine a creamy cheesecake filling with a crunchy graham cracker and coconut crust.
If you don't typically have mango puree or shredded coconut in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Mango puree can be found in the canned fruit section or you can make it fresh by blending ripe mangoes. Shredded coconut is usually available in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of the crust, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation.
Shredded coconut: Adds a tropical flavor and texture to the crust.
Melted butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
Cream cheese: The main component of the cheesecake filling, providing a creamy and tangy flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
Eggs: Help to set the cheesecake filling, giving it structure.
Mango puree: Adds a fruity and tropical flavor to the cheesecake filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake filling.
Technique Tip for Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars
To achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture for your cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before blending. This will help prevent lumps and ensure a uniform mixture. Additionally, when pressing the graham cracker and coconut crust into the pan, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to evenly distribute and compact the crust, creating a solid base for your cheesecake bars.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor that works well as a base for cheesecake bars.
shredded coconut - Substitute with ground almonds: Ground almonds provide a nutty flavor and similar texture, making them a good alternative to shredded coconut.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil solidifies when chilled, helping to bind the crust similarly to butter while adding a subtle coconut flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a creamy texture and mild flavor that closely resembles cream cheese, making it a suitable substitute.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the cheesecake bars.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used to bind the ingredients together, making the recipe vegan-friendly.
mango puree - Substitute with peach puree: Peach puree offers a similar sweetness and texture, providing a fruity flavor that complements the cheesecake.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the cheesecake bars.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to These Cheesecake Bars
How to Store / Freeze These Cheesecake Bars
Allow the mango coconut cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. This helps to set the cheesecake filling and makes it easier to handle.
Once cooled, cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the bars to an airtight container. This prevents the bars from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Store the covered cheesecake bars in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and delightful flavor.
For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. First, cut the cheesecake into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need later.
Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no part of the cheesecake is exposed to air. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the taste.
Place the wrapped bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step ensures the bars maintain their shape.
Once the bars are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired number of cheesecake bars in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps retain the creamy texture.
For a quicker thaw, you can leave the bars at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. However, avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the cheesecake.
Serve the mango coconut cheesecake bars chilled for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the tropical blend of mango and coconut in every bite!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the creamy texture.
Microwave Method:
- Place a piece of Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bar on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter the texture.
Room Temperature Method:
- Remove the Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars from the refrigerator.
- Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- This method preserves the texture and flavor without any risk of drying out or overcooking.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars on a small baking tray.
- Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are warming evenly.
- Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cheesecake bars at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter to form the crust.
Blender: Needed to mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, mango puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Baking pan: The container where the crust and filling are layered and baked.
Spatula: Useful for pressing the crust mixture evenly into the baking pan and for scraping down the sides of the blender.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, sugar, and mango puree.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients, such as the vanilla extract.
Knife: Handy for cutting the cooled cheesecake into bars.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked cheesecake to cool evenly before cutting into bars.
How to Save Time on Making These Cheesecake Bars
Prepare the crust ahead: Mix graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter the night before and store in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, mango puree, and vanilla extract quickly and smoothly.
Opt for canned mango puree: Save time by using canned mango puree instead of making it from fresh mangoes.
Line the baking pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
Cool in the fridge: Speed up the cooling process by placing the cheesecake bars in the fridge.
Mango Coconut Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 0.5 cup Shredded Coconut sweetened or unsweetened
- 0.5 cup Butter melted
Filling
- 16 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 Eggs
- 1 cup Mango Puree fresh or canned
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust.
- In a blender, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, mango puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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