Description
This easy Sugar-Free Coconut Cream Lush is a creamy, no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery sugar-free graham cracker crust, fluffy coconut cheesecake filling, silky coconut pudding, and a light whipped topping finished with golden toasted coconut. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and make-ahead desserts, this irresistible treat delivers tropical coconut flavor without added sugar when prepared with suitable sugar-free ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sugar-Free Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups sugar-free graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Coconut Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 2 cups sugar-free whipped topping, thawed
For the Coconut Pudding Layer
- 2 small boxes (approximately 1.3–1.5 ounces each) sugar-free instant coconut cream pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk, or the amount specified on the pudding package for a firm consistency
For the Whipped Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups sugar-free whipped topping, thaw
Instructions
- Toast the coconut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shredded coconut on a small baking sheet and toast for 5–8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the crust: Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar-free sweetener, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
- Press and chill the crust: Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared dish. Press firmly into an even layer using the bottom of a measuring cup. Place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to help the crust firm up.
- Make the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar-free sweetener, and coconut extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 2 cups of thawed sugar-free whipped topping until fluffy and evenly combined.
- Layer the cheesecake filling: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing it to the edges. Return the dish to the freezer for another 10–15 minutes while preparing the pudding.
- Prepare the coconut pudding: Whisk the cold milk and sugar-free instant coconut cream pudding mixes in a large bowl for approximately 2 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add the pudding layer: Carefully spread the coconut pudding over the cheesecake layer using a spatula, creating an even surface.
- Add the whipped topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of thawed sugar-free whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
- Garnish with toasted coconut: Sprinkle the cooled toasted coconut evenly over the top.
- Chill and serve: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until the layers are set. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For the smoothest cheesecake layer: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
- For cleaner layers: Briefly chill the crust and cheesecake filling before adding the next layer.
- Pudding alternative: If sugar-free coconut cream pudding is unavailable, use sugar-free vanilla instant pudding with a little coconut extract. Follow the package’s liquid instructions.
- For the best texture: Refrigerate overnight whenever possible.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep chilled when serving.
- Freezing: Freezing for up to 1 month is possible, but the pudding and whipped topping may become watery or change texture after thawing.
- Sweetener tip: Use a powdered sugar-free sweetener for the cheesecake filling to help prevent a gritty texture. Sweeteners vary in sweetness, so adjust according to taste.
- Serving tip: Dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean, attractive dessert squares.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15 servings
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g