This coconut lime no-bake cheesecake is a perfect (and refreshing!) summer dessert, fit for any occasion!
It feels a little weird to be posting on a Tuesday since Mondays and Thursdays are my usuals. . .but it feels less weird than if I’d posted on Memorial Day. So I’ll get over the strangeness and move on to bigger and better things. Like no-bake cheesecake!
How was your weekend? Was it wonderful? Was it hot? Was it full of all the food? Mine was great; I ate my weight in baked goods (or no-baked goods, as it were), and will be spending the rest of the week in recovery mode.
I’m hopeful to have detoxed from sugar enough that I can repeat my weekend for the Fourth of July. Because I never learn.
But really, when it comes to cheesecake—especially no-bake cheesecake—the pain of overindulging is worth it.
I mean, come on! The beauty before you on your screen is easily one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever eaten. The filling is this smooth, creamy cream cheese concoction with white chocolate and coconut mixed in, then you swirl in some lime curd, then you add more filling and a whipped cream topping and toasted coconut on top of all of that. I’m making myself hungry just typing. And after yesterday, I thought I’d be done with sugar forever.
And by forever I mean about three days.
This cheesecake is summer dessert perfection. It hits all the notes you want in a dessert when it’s 10,000 degrees outside. (Or in the 80s if you don’t live in Phoenix.) It’s super decadent without being heavy at all, it’s tangy because of the lime, and sweet because of the coconut, and requires no oven at all. It would be the perfect end to any BBQ and a sure hit at your neighborhood block party.
If I’d been more organized, I’d have posted this recipe before the unofficial start of summer so you could have had it yesterday. But becoming the organized adult I aspire to be is slow going. Someday. Someday.
With the move (which I intend to tell you all about at some point before Christmas), I’ve been channeling every organizational bit of myself into getting the house in order. Cheesecakes have taken a backseat.
Note to self: never get so busy that cheesecake takes a back seat again.
But now you have all kinds of time to add this coconut lime no-bake cheesecake to your summer BBQ menu. And trust me, you’ll want this on the menu.
The lime curd takes a bit of time to prepare, but the rest of the cake comes together easily. (And you could totally sub in store-bought lime curd—you’ll need about 10 ounces.)
Have a fantastic week my friends! I hope you get to do something summery!
Coconut lime no-bake cheesecake is a refreshing no-bake dessert perfect for summer!
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- finely grated zest of 3 limes
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice*
- 4 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces vanilla sandwich cookies such as golden Oreos
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces finely chopped white chocolate
- 24 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream at room temperature
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 10 ounces lime curd recipe above
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut toasted if desired**
- Set a fine mesh sieve over a medium mixing bowl next to the stove.
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Set pan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches 175 to 180 degrees on a candy thermometer and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Do not let mixture boil.
- Pour mixture through the sieve into the mixing bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature before using. (Curd can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before making the filling.)
- Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray, then dab with a paper towel. Set pan aside.
- Place the cookies in the bowl of a food processor and process until they’re fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs, melted butter, and salt in a medium mixing bowl and mix until well combined. Pour into the prepared pan and press into an even layer on the bottom and up the sides. Freeze crust while you proceed with the recipe.
- Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. With microwave set to 50 percent power, heat the chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool for several minutes before proceeding.
- Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer set to medium-high until cream cheese is light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar, stopping to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Beat in the 1/4 cup heavy cream and mix until combined. Add the melted chocolate and the coconut, then beat for 2 minutes on high. Pour two thirds of the filling into the prepared crust. Top with the lime curd and use a kitchen knife to swirl the curd into the cheesecake. Top with remaining filling and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Freeze cheesecake while you make the topping.
- Place the bowl of a stand mixer and the whisk attachment in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat on high until the whipped cream holds stiff peaks. Spread the whipped cream over the cheesecake and top with the coconut. Cover the cake with foil and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight, to set.
- To slice your cheesecake, run a knife between the cake and the pan, then release. If you can’t detach the pan from the cake with just that method, run hot water on the outside of the pan, then try again. Slice, serve, and enjoy.
*Be sure to zest your limes before you juice them; juicing a zested lime is almost impossible.
**To toast the coconut (an optional step), preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread the coconut out in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5 or 6 minutes, removing from the oven to toss several times. The coconut will burn really fast so watch the oven carefully. Once some of the coconut is golden, remove from the baking sheet and place in a small bowl. Set aside to cool completely before using.
Cake adapted from No-Bake Treats
Lime curd adapted from How to Bake Everything
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
You put the lime in the coconut! hahahahaha! Okay, that was cheesy 😉 I love lime and coconut together and can’t believe you put white chocolate in this! So decadent and I’ve got to make this for my next BBQ cookout.
Kelsie says
Hahaha! I considered calling it “lime in the coconut” cheesecake but was afraid people wouldn’t get the reference :). Thank you Karrie! Hope you’re having a great week!
dawnyucuiscooking says
My weekend was great too and I also ate a ton food. There was no cheesecake where I was at, but I sure wish I could have had a piece of this one. It sounds so delicious I love the coconut lime combination.
Kelsie says
I’m so glad you had a great weekend! I’ll send some cheesecake your way, Dawn! Have a great week 🙂
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
Hahaha you have me cracking up over here!! Loving this no bake recipe for sure!! Totally perfect for summer but I’m not sure I would trust myself alone with a cheesecake like this in the house hehehe 🙂 xoxo
Kelsie says
I still have some in the freezer. . .HELP! It’s dangerous! Than you Kelly 🙂 Have a great week, my dear!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
That looks seriously light and fluffy! What a divine looking cheesecake. Isn’t coconut and lime the best together? 😀
Kelsie says
Thank you Lorraine! Coconut and lime are a dream together :). Have a great week!
Lindsay | With Salt and Pepper says
Oh my god I’m all over anything lime and cheesecake…Love that this is a no bake!!! Easy!!
Kelsie says
Thank you Lindsay! I’m a lime and cheesecake fan too :). Hope your week is going well!
evolvewithmary says
I remember my first no-bake cheesecake, I was amazed and couldn’t believe it was so easy to make. Fast forward to this dreamy coconut lime no-bake cheesecake and my mouth is already watering. The toasted coconut on the top makes me want to make this right now!!!
Kelsie says
Thank you Mary! No-bake cheesecakes are dangerously easy aren’t they? Have a great week, my friend!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
this looks so dreamy ? the lime sounds like it’d make this refreshing enough to eat during summer. i had so much food this weekend (ice cream and smoothie bowls and cake and toasts and bbq oh my) and am actively craving fresh vegetables at the moment.
Kelsie says
Thank you Heather! I hear you. . . After my weekend, I’m thinking of going on an all broccoli diet for the rest of the week!
lynne hoareau says
Wow ! This really sounds divine Kelsie. The coconut and lime sounds like a match made in heaven ! I adore anything coconut 🙂
Kelsie says
Thank you Lynne! Coconut and lime are really a perfect pair :). Hope your week is going well!
pglooney says
First of all I love that there is white chocolate in this. White chocolate is a necessity with me when going with lime! Secondly, I’m jealous of everyones nice weather. Apparently new england forgot what june is supposed to feel like.
Kelsie says
Haha! Oh no! I’ll bottle up some of our sun and send it your way :). I totally agree when it comes to lime and white chocolate–so good! Have a great week, Patrick!
3scoopsofsugar says
I’m loving this!! Lime + Coconut…YUM! I am definitely trying this one out this summer!! Great post!
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Megan! Have a great week!
Marie @ Yay! For Food says
My weekend consisted of lots of grilling, hiking, and not working! 🙂 Anyway, this cheesecake is definitely dreamy! You always seem to combine flavours together that I love; mmmm, coconut and lime (especially in lime curd form)! Yes please!
Kelsie says
Thank you Marie! It sounds like you had a pretty perfect weekend :). Have a great week!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I totally have to enjoy summer via this wicked cake, but it is so cold here! Like, summer is never coming, I’m sure of it! This cake is definitely dreamy and I could face plant into that whole thing and eat it all myself. Yeap. No shame. Love it! You wouldn’t delivery, per chance, would ya 😉 ??
Kelsie says
Thank you Dawn! I would be more than happy to bring you cake! Any time :). Hope you’re having a great week!
wearenotmartha says
omg this looks sooooo good! My weekend was more chilly and rainy than hot and sunny (boo!), but I still managed to eat my share of treats. And I just had a doughnut for my Tuesday morning breakfast…. And now I want this cheesecake, too!!
Sues
Kelsie says
Thank you Sues! I’m sending you sunny thoughts :). PS, now I want a doughnut for dinner. . .
eastofedencook says
It’s cold, damp and foggy here, but a no-bake cheesecake sounds heavenly! Coconut lime, is just the tropical escape I’m craving.
Kelsie says
Ugh. Cold, damp, and foggy are no fun. You definitely need some tropical flavors right about now! Have a great week, Deb!
Maria Doss says
I know that this is gonna be good when the title has “dreamy” in it. I’ve never made lime (or lemon) curd and/or cheesecake. Makes me wonder if I’m really from Mars??? ??? Have a great week Kelsie!
Kelsie says
Haha! With all the delicious desserts you post I’m surprised you haven’t made a cheesecake Maria! It’s definitely one of my favorites :). Have a great week!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
Kelsie, at least your tried with your 3 day goal. 😀 I can’t even make it past one day! Your dessert looks and sounds amazing!! Lime curd? I gotta try it! I’ve made the lemon and recently saw blueberry curd, and now lime. YUM!! It’s hard to stay out of summer desserts like this!! Yum! Have a wonderful day!!
Kelsie says
Thank you Kim! Blueberry curd sounds like a dream; I’m going to have to try it. How good would that be in a cheesecake? I’m going to be thinking about that for awhile :). You have a wonderful day, too!
Milena | Craft Beering says
Kelsie, this cheesecake is amazing. I could eat the lime curd chilled with a spoon and sip on a margarita and have a blast. I won’t even worry about completing the rest of the components:) We were so good sugar wise this weekend! With the exception of two stronger ales, but over the course of three days this is good:) I could have totally enjoyed this cheesecake guilt free!
Kelsie says
Thank you Milena! I agree–the lime curd with a margarita would be a pretty perfect afternoon :). Teach me how to be better with sugar though! Have a great week, my friend!
Carlee says
Ha! I feel I have your sweet tooth’s twin 😉 This looks absolutely amazing. Definitely worth a little sugar coma. We had the pie-off this weekend so I am still recovering myself. I am both cheering and mourning the sudden lack of pie after being surrounded by it all weekend!
Kelsie says
OMG WHAT? I want to have a pie-off! That sounds like so much fun. Our sweet tooths (sweet teeth?) are definitely related :). Have a great week, Carlee!
David | Spiced says
“Cheesecakes have taken a backseat.” A backseat in what car? Because I need to be in that car…taking a roadtrip across the entire country. Just me and this amazing cheesecake. And whatever you do, please don’t look in the rearview mirror. 🙂 Seriously, though, I love the flavors you’ve got going on here! This sounds so bright and tropical…and pretty much perfect for summer! I ate way too much over the long weekend as well, but somehow I managed to not go overboard on desserts. That’s a first for me. And probably a last. Either way, this cheesecake looks amazing, and I’m trying to figure out how to get it into my life ASAP. Cheers!
Kelsie says
Haha! All I can think about now is a roadtrip with a cheesecake. Best. Roadtrip. Ever. I’m impressed that you didn’t go overboard with the sweets. I hope one day I can say the same thing. . .Have a great week, David!
Ashika - Gardening Foodie says
I have never made a lime cheesecake before, it has always been either granadilla or strawberry. I have got to try this one because I really love baking with lime or lemons.
I also love that you make your own lime curd in this recipe, because store bought is quite expensive.
Thanks for the recipe…cannot wait to try?
Enjoy the rest of your week
Kelsie says
Thank you so much Ashika! I never buy lime or lemon curd; it’s really not that hard to make my own!