These coconut cheesecake brownies combine an easy homemade brownie batter with a coconut cream cheese swirl. What a combination! I like adding a little oil to the brownie batter to keep the baked brownies extra soft and moist. These fudge-like brownies are a wonderful contrast to the creamy, tangy, and sweet pockets of coconut cheesecake. They’re the perfect choice if you need a fun & crowd-pleasing brownie recipe!
This dessert recipe yields a 9-inch square pan of cheesecake brownies. Imagine biting into coconut cream pie, brownies, and cheesecake all at onceโthat’s what you’ll get here. Unapologetically rich and totally unforgettable!
One reader, Gabi, commented: “These brownies are sensational! Incredible texture and the flavor is so addicting… my only adviceโgo make these right away! You won’t regret it. ๐ โ โ โ โ โ ”
Tell Me About These Coconut Cheesecake Brownies
- Flavor: I’ve made a lot of from-scratch brownie recipes before, but I really enjoy this one because the brownies remain soft, don’t dry out, and are intensely chocolatey. (We can thank the cocoa powder and vegetable oil/butter combination for all that!) We’ll use sweetened shredded coconut in the cheesecake swirl. The chocolate flavor is intense and can overpower the coconut, so I recommend adding some coconut extract too. Let’s make sure we can taste both the chocolate AND coconut.
- Texture: If you crave texture, you’ll enjoy these coconut cheesecake brownies because each bite has a bit of everythingโsoft, dense, chewy, creamy, and a little crackle on those shiny brownie tops.
- Ease: This is an easy recipe that bakers of any skill level can accomplish. Obviously these aren’t plain brownies, so set aside some time to prepare the cheesecake batter. Swirling the two batters together is nothing more than spooning, spreading, and swirling each together. There’s truly nothing complicated, so don’t overthink it!
Making the Coconut Cheesecake Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and electric mixer for this part of the recipe. The coconut cheesecake swirl isn’t only cream cheese, sugar, and coconutโI like adding a little softened butter to keep the cheesecake creamy. Butter obviously thins out the cheesecake batter, so let’s add a little flour and egg to thicken it back up. The printable recipe below gives us a creamy cheesecake batter that still maintains structure around the heavy brownies. That’s important!
For the coconut extract, you can usually find this with the vanilla extract or other flavor extracts (like almond) in the baking aisle. I use and recommend coconut extract for coconut cake and coconut cream pie, too.
Making the Brownie Batter
Use another large mixing bowl and grab a whisk for this part of the recipe. I recommend making the cheesecake batter first because the brownie batter thickens as it sits. And the thicker it is, the more difficult it is to swirl with the cheesecake.
I always love how vegetable oil keeps chocolate cake soft and moist, so I added some to this brownie batter and do the same thing in this brownie pie. In fact, I bet you could replace a couple Tablespoons of melted butter with the same amount of vegetable oil in these regular homemade browniesโyou’d have even softer brownies. I also love that all of the chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, so you don’t need baking chocolate like my frosted brownies. Baking chocolate adds wonderful chocolate flavor to brownies, but you may not always have it on hand. Cocoa powder is usually a more common and convenient ingredient.
(Side note: I do add chocolate chips, but you could easily leave those out. Did you know that adding chocolate chips to brownie batter helps achieve those shiny crackly tops? If you love that iconic shine, don’t skip the chocolate chips.)
You will LOVE these brownies even without the cheesecake swirl. If you want to skip the cheesecake, see recipe note below. (Could also bake as a brownie pie!)
Assembling Coconut Cheesecake Brownies
Like I mention above, do not overthink this step! Here’s what I do:
Spread about 1/3 of the brownie batter over the bottom of your lined pan. This makes a good base for the brownies. Drop spoonfuls of cheesecake batter randomly on top. Use your spoon or grab a knife to gently swirl together. Spoon about 1/3 more of the brownie batter on top. Do the same with more cheesecake batter. Gently swirl. Finish spooning remaining batters on top and gently swirl.
Success Tip: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars before slicing and serving. I use the same tip when making rice krispie treats and M&M cookie bars, too.
If you’re looking for Easter dessert ideas, these brownies are always a unique and well-loved addition to any spread!
More Favorite Brownie Recipes
- Mocha Cheesecake Brownies
- Guinness Brownies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars
- Nutella Brownies & Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownies
Coconut Cheesecake Brownies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (includes cooling)
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These rich and fudge-like coconut cheesecake brownies combine an easy homemade brownie batter with a coconut cream cheese swirl. I recommend making the cheesecake batter first because the brownie batter thickens as it sits. And the thicker it is, the more difficult it is to swirl with the cheesecake.ย
Ingredients
Cheesecake Batter
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (26g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1ย and 1/4 cups (100g)ย sweetened shredded coconut*
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cupย (62g) unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC).ย Line a 9-inch square baking pan (I love this one) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out of the pan. Set aside.
- Make the cheesecake batter first: Using a handheld mixer orย stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, granulated sugar, egg, and coconut extract and beat until fully combined. Finally, beat in the shredded coconut on low speed until combined. Set aside at room temperature.
- Make the brownie batter: Slice the butter into Tablespoon-size pieces and melt in the microwave in a large heatproof bowl or in a small saucepan on the stove. (Transfer melted butter to a large bowl if using the stove.) Whisk the oil and granulated sugar into the melted butter. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to slightly cool. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt and whisk until combined. Batter will be thick. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Assemble: (This step does NOT have to be exact or perfect. Do not overthink it– just spoon and swirl.) Spoon about 1/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it all over the bottom as best you can. Take about 1/3 of the cheesecake batter and drop spoonfuls of it on top of the brownie batter. Use your spoon or a knife to gently swirl together. Use another 1/3 of the brownie batter and drop spoonfuls of it on top. Use another 1/3 of the cheesecake batter and drop spoonfuls of it on top. Gently swirl together. Repeat spooning remaining brownie and cheesecake batters. Gently swirl together.
- Bake for 40-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. I recommend tenting the brownies with aluminum foil after about 25 minutes to protect the top from over-browning. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Cool brownies completely.
- Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang on the sides. Cut into squares.
- Cover leftover brownies and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions:ย Freeze cut brownies in single layers between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer | 9-inch Square Baking Pan | Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut:ย I strongly recommend using sweetened shredded coconut because itโs moister than unsweetened and that makes a big difference in the cheesecake swirl’s texture. Knowing the texture and flavor will change, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes if thatโs all you have. Give them a rough chop before using.
- Plain Brownies: For plain brownies, skip the entire cheesecake batter. Spread brownie batter into prepared 9-inch square pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Plain Cheesecake: For plain cheesecake brownies,ย leave out the coconut extract and coconut.
- 9×13 Inch Pan: I have not tested it, but this recipe should double easily for a 9×13 inch size pan. I’m unsure of the best bake time.
Reader Comments and Reviews
I loved this recipe so much that I would like to make it for my classmates in Culinary Arts, how do I make a big batch and double up the ingredients?
Hi Tam, this recipe should double easily for a 9ร13 inch size pan. We are unsure of the best bake time.
I made these without coconut as my son doesnt like anything coconutty. He liked the end result. Thanks for sharing!
I liked how easy the recipe was to follow (as all of Sally’s recipes are:)! I only had a 9in round baking pan, but it worked great… just baked 5-10min longer. I will say I think this recipe is good not great. Personally, the coconut shreds were too much texture and I wish I had left those out. The brownie was good and rich, but it was more cake like than chewy brownie. If you are wanting a really fudgy/chewy brownie, the other recipe here works better!
These were absolutely delicious! Easy to make and follow directions!!! I love this site, I first started with your simple muffin recipe and now I am ADDICTED! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of baking! I remain a faithful baker and look forward to using more of your recipes!!! Kari Hopper Oregon
Another winner, Thanks Sally!
These coconut cheesecake brownies are the best! We love them. These are my husband’s requests as of lately. So rich and fudge and the coconut is perfect. I will make these over and over!!
A family member can’t have coconut (or nuts), can I omit the coconut or would you suggest another addition?
Hi Nan, For plain cheesecake brownies, leave out the coconut extract and coconut.
I am baking these scrumptious brownies for a gathering. I live a bit out of town, and don’t have coconut extract. I have vanilla (of course) extract and paste, lemon extract and almond. I wanted to make something with puff pastry, and was all set up for that except my puff pastry was beyond outdated, so I found this. If I have to drive to town for coconut extract, I may as well buy the puff pastry. So, what would you do? skip the extract all together? Or drive in and get some and the puff pastry too. 1st world problem, yes. ps, I am also baking a lemon drizzle cake, more like a loaf cake. Thanks much, I’ll let you know how it all comes out.
Hi Erika, you can leave out the coconut extract in these cheesecake brownies for a lighter coconut flavor. You’ll still be able to taste it!
These did not work for me. There was simply too much chocolate. They were almost black when finished and quite bitter.
Sadly, I ruined these because I used LorAnn coconut flavoring, and the result was an inedibly bitter batch of coconut cheesecake brownies, in all their expensive-ingredient glory. I’m posting this just to warn others off of this particular brand of coconut flavoring.
Is there a brand of coconut extract or essence that anyone would particularly recommend?
We enjoy using McCormick brand (not sponsored, just genuine fans!). Hope this helps for next time.
I’m having trouble finding real coconut extract anywhere. Could an imitation coconut extract be used? Could I just omit the coconut extract entirely?
Hi Lori, imitation extract is just fine here.
WOW!! These things are incredible!! The recipe as-is is fantastic! Will be making them again, plus I will try making just the brownie part because those brownies…….OOOOOOOHHH!! Best ever. Sally, I have made a LOT of your recipes and they are all wonderful. Keep it up!
I would like to add tahini to the brownie batter as it gives such a wonderful flavor to all things chocolate. Do you think replacing approx half of the melted butter with tahini would work? I would plan to warm the tahini and stir into the warm melted butter then continue with the recipe.
We’ve never tried it, Pam! But let us know if you do.
I tried the tahini as stated above but it doesn’t work well to simply sub for butter. The batter stiffened considerably. The flavor I liked as I always like tahini & chocolate together but apparently a recipe that specifically is tailored to using tahini is needed. By the way, I’m making your honey whole wheat rolls for the 2nd time. If they’re like my first batch then they’ll be really good. Can’t wait to eat them!
Can you exclude the coconut and just have a cheesecake filling ?
Hi Karen, absolutely. For plain cheesecake brownies, leave out the coconut extract and coconut.
Can i use almond flouir for cheesecake batter? I am using a gluten free brownie mix for my friend who has celiac.
Hi Denise, we haven’t tested it with almond flour, but it has very different baking properties than all-purpose flour so we’re unsure of the exact results here. You might have better luck using a 1:1 gluten free flour blend instead. Let us know what you try!
I would like to add unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened, what are your thoughts?
Hi Thea, we strongly recommend using sweetened shredded coconut because itโs moister than unsweetened and that makes a big difference in the cheesecake swirlโs texture. Knowing the texture and flavor will change, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes if thatโs all you have. Enjoy!
What happens if you do not put in the chocolate chips? Will the recipe still turn out?
Hi J, you can leave the chocolate chips out if desired. The brownies won’t be quite as chocolatey.
Can I make unsweetened shredded coconut into sweetened? I just don’t seem to find it anywhere.
Hi Asya, our team hasn’t tested this, but a quick search online shows some instructions for making sweetened coconut by combining unsweetened coconut flakes with confectioners’ sugar, and, in some recipes, water. If you find a method that works, please report back!
Are these very very sweet?
Another EXCELLENT Sally’s recipe! I left out the chocolate chips as I do not like them in brownies. I did add a dash of salt to the cheesecake layer. Other than that I followed the directions. Mine was done at 40 minutes. Delicious!
Love salt!!! I always add a little extra to baked goods.
Hi Sally! I’ve made this recipe before and my family and I loved it! I wanted to make this recipe for my mom’s birthday because she loved them. But I wanted to try putting a little dollop of icing on them. What type of icing would you recommend?
They tasted good, but they were extremely dense. I wonder if a little baking soda in the brownie batter would make them lighter. Also, I don’t think the chocolate chips are necessary. They make the brownies denser and more fudge-like.
Hi Sally! I love your recipes!!! Would I get the coconut flavor by just using coconut extract? Iโm not a fan of the texture of coconut.
Also, would this recipe work in an 8×8 pan? I donโt have a 9×9.
Hi Chris, you can omit the coconut shreds and use just the extract if desired. You’ll still get a coconut flavor. You can also bake these in an 8ร8. The brownies will just be super thick and may take longer to bake. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.
Hey Sally! Does it matter what baking dish I use? Glass, ceramic, or metal?
Hi Jacy! You can use whichever you prefer, as long as it’s 9×9. A glass or ceramic dish will take longer to bake through than metal.
How much longer does it usually take to bake in glass rather than metal?
Hi Kimberly, it will vary, but it shouldn’t be much more than a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it!
Can I use chopped chocolates as substitute for chocolate chips? It’s so hard to get chocolate chips in our town
Absolutely!
We loved your coconut cream pie! I made it for my husband and I. I had never dared make a cream pie before but followed your recipe to the letter and it was outstanding! I think this would be even better if you had a graham cracker crust. Will try it & let you know. Love all your recipes.
Making a treat for a school event and they must be peanut/tree nut free. Do I need to make any changes or can I just omit coconut amd coconut extract?
Thx, love all of your recipes Sally!!
Hi Jennifer, absolutely! For plain cheesecake brownies, leave out the coconut extract and coconut.