Coconut Date Cheesecake Bars

We are talking all about sweet and decadent desserts this month in preparation for Valentine’s day coming up in not too long. I’m a firm believer in having one piece of AMAZING dessert once in a while instead of little bites more often. Our minimal lifestyle is all about having less so that we can have BETTER. Even in desserts.

This coconut date cheesecake recipe is heavenly! Although it’s a decadent and sweet dessert it is still packed with nutrients and vitamins. Hey, if you can use ingredients that are full of good stuff why on earth would you settle for packaged crap? Yeah, I thought it was a good question.

My crust is made up of ground nuts and dates instead of the traditional graham cracker butter concoction. This makes for a sweet, earthy, and rich crust that is packed full of flavor and the perfect place to add additional nutrients and vitamins.

I stick with the traditional mix of coconut and condensed milk for the coconut filling. It’s classic for a reason. Because… delicious!

I use this no-bake cream cheese filling for many, many recipes. It tops my no-bake cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, carrot cakes, and even spice bars. It’s sweet, creamy, tart, rich, and the perfect silky texture for a multitude of purposes.

For this purpose, I cool the coconut/date layers before topping with the light and fresh cheesecake topping.

Invite a few friends over, bake up these bars, make some boozy coffee, and enjoy your life! A little dessert is good for the soul.

Coconut Date Cheesecake Bars

Date crust:

1 cup nuts (I recommend 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup almonds)

1/2 cup dates

Coconut Layer:

1 (14 oz) package sweetened coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk

No-Bake Cheesecake Layer:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup honey

2 8 oz packages cream cheese

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Finely chop the nuts and dates. (tip: this step is faster and easier using a food processor) Press the mixture into a greased 8 by 8 square pan.

Mix the coconut and sweetened condensed milk together. Pour 3/4 of the coconut mixture over the top of the date crust (reserve 1/4 of it) and gently press down.

Bake the coconut layer and date crust in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Cool (setting it in the freezer while working on the cheesecake filling is often more than enough time to cool).

Pour the remaining coconut mixture onto a parchment paper lined (a greased pan will also work) cookie sheet and press to about 1/4 inch thick. Bake in the 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until lightly brown.
Cool, crumble, and save for the top of your bars.

Meanwhile, for the no-bake cheesecake filling beat the powdered sugar and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.

Add the honey, vanilla, and whipping cream.

Beat on high for 2 minutes.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled coconut and date layers and spread gently. Top with the crumbled coconut bits.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours prior to serving.

Makes 9 man-size bars or 12 women-size bars.

Coconut Date Cheesecake Bars

Coconut Date Cheesecake Bars

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