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The Sweet Occasion » Recipes » Cakes & Cupcakes

Creamy Coconut Cheesecake

Published: Sep 16, 2020 · Modified: May 26, 2025 by Maria Pagiotas · 33 Comments

4007 shares
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If you’re a coconut lover, get ready to fall in love with this creamy Coconut Cheesecake! It starts with a buttery graham cracker crust mixed with coconut for a little extra texture, then topped with the smoothest, silkiest coconut-flavored filling.

Overhead view of coconut cheesecake with a layer of toasted coconut and dollops of whipped cream.

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Here’s the secret–there’s no shredded coconut in the filling! Instead, I use coconut extract and coconut cream which packs in all that rich coconut flavor while keeping the texture ultra-creamy.

Every bite is light yet decadent, with just the right balance of sweetness and coconut goodness. And if you’re craving even more coconut treats, don’t miss my favorite coconut cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and simple coconut panna cotta! If you’re in the mood for another rich and creamy cheesecake, my lemon mascarpone cheesecake is a favorite!

Ingredient Notes

  • Butter - I use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the crust. If you only have salted butter, simply eliminate the added salt in the crust.
  • Cream cheese - The star of any cheesecake! Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. It should be at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Flour - Just a bit of flour is added to the filling to produce a more cake-like consistency. For a denser cake, you can omit it from the recipe.
  • Eggs - These provide structure and richness to the cheesecake. For the best results, mix room-temperature eggs one at a time on low speed to prevent overmixing, which can lead to cracks on the top of your cheesecake.
  • Coconut cream - This adds an extra layer of coconut flavor and creaminess to the filling. Be sure to use canned coconut cream (Thai Kitchen is my go-to brand), not coconut milk, as it’s thicker and richer. Be sure to stir it well before measuring, as it can separate in the can.

Please see the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Coconut cheesecake topped with toasted coconut and dollops of whipped cream. Pie server pulling one of the slice out of the cheesecake.

How to Create a Water Bath for Cheesecake

Baking cheesecake in a water bath might sound intimidating, but trust me–it’s the best way to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without cracks! The gentle steam from the water keeps the cheesecake moist and helps it bake evenly. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Wrap the springform pan - Since we’ll place the cheesecake pan in water, we need to protect it from leaks. Wrap the outside of the springform pan in two to three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely.
  2. Prepare the water bath - Place the wrapped cheesecake into a large roasting pan. Bring a pot of water to boil, then carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about 1 to 1.5 inches up the sides of the cheesecake pan.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Make the crust - Combine crust ingredients until evenly mixed. Press the mixture into an even layer on the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 8 minutes.
  2. Beat cream cheese - Mix with the sugar, flour, and salt for about 2 minutes. You’ll want a smooth and creamy consistency.
  3. Add eggs - Make sure to reduce your mixer to low speed. Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl after adding each egg.
  4. Add extracts and coconut cream - Mix everything together just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent adding too much air into the batter.
  5. Pour in the filling - Transfer your pan to a larger deep baking pan and pour the filling over the crust.
  6. Create a water bath - Pour boiling water in the larger pan, just enough to cover about half of the outside of the cheesecake pan.
  7. Bake - Carefully transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 55-70 minutes, just until the center is almost set (it should slightly jiggle). Turn off the oven and use a wooden spoon to prop the oven door open for about 1 hour.
  8. Cool - Remove from the oven and let your cheesecake cool in the springform pan outside the water bath until room temperature, and then chill for at least 4 hours.
Slice of coconut cheesecake in a plate topped with toasted coconut and a dollop of whipped cream. Whole cheesecake and glasses of milk in the background.

Helpful Tips

  • Line the bottom for easy removal - To help ease your cheesecake out of the pan for a clean presentation, line the bottom of your springform pan with aluminum foil.
  • Use the paddle attachment - When mixing the cheesecake batter, always use the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks during baking.
  • Strain for a super creamy texture - If you notice any clumps in your filling after mixing, don’t worry! Simply run the batter through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the crust.
  • Chill overnight - The hardest part of making cheesecake is waiting, but it’s worth it! Refrigerate your coconut cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture and flavor.

Storage

In the refrigerator - Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, so store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

In the freezer - If you want to make it ahead of time, cheesecake freezes beautifully! Once fully chilled, wrap the entire cheesecake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Overhead view of coconut cheesecake with a layer of toasted coconut and dollops of whipped cream with one slice missing.

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❤️ Made This Recipe & Love It? ❤️
I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it becomes a family favorite! I would love for you to leave me a review and star rating below to let me know how you liked it! And please tag me on social @thesweetoccasion!

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Overhead view of coconut cheesecake with a layer of toasted coconut and dollops of whipped cream.

Coconut Cheesecake


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Maria Pagiotas
  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
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Description

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy Coconut Cheesecake! It starts with a buttery graham cracker crust mixed with coconut for a little extra texture, then topped with the smoothest, silkiest coconut-flavored filling.


Ingredients

Scale

For the crust

  • 150 g (1 ¼ cup) graham cracker crumbs
  • 27 g (⅓ cup) shredded coconut
  • 55 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
  • 1.4 g (¼ teaspoon) salt
  • 71 g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted

For the coconut cheesecake filling

  • 680 g (24 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 220 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 13 g (1 ½ tablespoons) all-purpose flour
  • 1.4 g (¼ teaspoon) salt
  • 150 g (3 large) eggs, at room temperature
  • 6 g (1 ½ teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 g (½ teaspoon) coconut extract
  • 180 g (¾ cup) coconut cream

Instructions

For the crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.  Line the sides of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.  Tightly wrap the outside of the pan (both sides and bottom) with aluminum foil.  Set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, salt, and melted butter until evenly mixed.  Press crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.  Bake crust for 8 minutes and then allow it to cool while preparing the filling.

For the coconut cheesecake filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.  On medium-low speed beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.  Scrape down the mixing bowl between each addition.  Mix in the vanilla and coconut extracts.  Add in the coconut cream and mix until just combined.
  2. Place prepared baking pan into a larger deep baking pan.  Pour the filling into the prepared crust.  Pour boiling water into the larger baking pan until it is halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
  3. Bake for 55-70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is almost set.  The center of the cheesecake will still slightly jiggle when you gently shake the pan.  Turn off the oven and prop open the oven door slightly.  Allow the cheesecake to sit in the cooling oven for 1 hour while the water bath cools down.
  4. Carefully remove the large pan from the oven and the cheesecake from the water bath.  Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature in the springform pan.  Once completely cooled, place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Use a knife to loosen the chilled cheesecake from the sides of the pan and remove the rim of the springform pan.  Slice cheesecake into desired servings.  Wipe the knife clean between each slicing to get clean cuts.

Notes

Make-Ahead:  This cheesecake can be made the day before.  Once baked, it needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Freezing: The cheesecake can be frozen up to 3 months in advance.  See post for freezing details.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Category: Cheesecake

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  1. Jolene says

    November 24, 2022 at 8:38 am

    I have made this multiple times and every time it is a success! I get requests or giddy outbursts when I tell people this is what I am making.
    Thank you for the great recipe and so easy to follow!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 24, 2022 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Jolene! I'm so happy you are enjoying this recipe!! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  2. Jess says

    June 19, 2022 at 8:57 pm

    Made this for Father’s Day and it was amazing! It’s so creamy and delicious! I add some coconut extract to the whipped cream topping which turned out nicely. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      June 20, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      Hi Jess! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe! And what a great tip to add coconut extract to the whipped cream!

      Reply
  3. Alexis says

    November 18, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    My husband has a birthday soon and loves cheesecake, this one is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  4. Gail Montero Raines says

    November 02, 2020 at 9:45 pm

    I've made so many cheesecakes already but never a coconut version so I'm excited to try this as I love coconut! Thanks for the valuable tips and tricks for making the perfect cake!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 03, 2020 at 1:13 am

      Hi Gail! I hope you love this cheesecake as much as my family does! Coconut is such a delicious dessert flavor and pairs well in the cheesecake. Happy Baking!

      Reply
  5. Ramona says

    November 02, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    This coconut cheesecake it's an absolute splendour. I love coconut and I love cheese so as soon as I saw this recipe I knew I must make it immediately. We have greatly enjoyed it! WOW!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 03, 2020 at 1:11 am

      Hi Ramona! So happy to hear that you have enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  6. Kushigalu says

    November 02, 2020 at 8:10 am

    Love coconut and cheesecake. This sounds like wonderful combo. Pics are gorgeous too. Can't wait to try this

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 02, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    November 02, 2020 at 8:01 am

    This coconut cheesecake turned out beautiful and was so delicious! I've never used coconut cream in a cheesecake recipe before and loved how it tasted!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 02, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      Hi Emily! So happy that you enjoyed this recipe. I love the flavor of the coconut cream as well!

      Reply
« Older Comments

Hello! I'm Maria, a professionally trained pastry chef, blogger, and photographer. Here at The Sweet Occasion, you'll find easy and impressive baking recipes for everyday occasions that save you time. My goal is to inspire home bakers to bake from scratch.

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