Pineapple Bars are a tropical and delicious dessert with a buttery crust and a sweet, tangy pineapple filling. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing treat any time of the year. The bright pineapple flavor and soft, chewy texture make them a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Sweet and tangy pineapple filling is irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and canned or fresh pineapple.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for picnics, parties, and dessert tables.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Shredded coconut
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Pineapple Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the pineapple filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing. For easier cutting, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with shredded coconut if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Coconut: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a piña colada flavor.
- Make It Tropical: Add a handful of chopped macadamia nuts or white chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the filling for extra brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, finely chop or crush fresh pineapple and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Bake the crust until it is lightly golden before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
Can I add other fruits to these bars?
Absolutely! Mix in diced mango, pineapple chunks, or even berries for added flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The filling should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. A light golden color around the edges is also a good indicator.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking time may need slight adjustment.
Should I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut for topping?
Either works well, but sweetened coconut will add an extra touch of sweetness.
What can I serve with pineapple bars?
Serve them with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
How do I make the bars easier to slice?
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps them set and cuts cleaner squares.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these bars store well and can be made a day in advance.
Can I make a dairy-free version of these bars?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter in the crust and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
Conclusion
Pineapple Bars are a delightful and easy dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With their sweet, tangy filling and buttery crust, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Whether you enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, these bars are sure to become a favorite treat. Make a batch today and enjoy the bright, sunny flavors of pineapple in every bite!
Print
Pineapple Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pineapple bars are delightful treats that combine a buttery crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. Here’s a simple recipe to make these tropical dessert bars at home
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 of a fresh pineapple, finely diced (or one 16-ounce can of crushed pineapple, drained)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Coconut Drizzle:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half or milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, sour cream, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Fold in the diced or drained crushed pineapple.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pineapple filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
-
Optional Coconut Drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, half-and-half, and coconut extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled pineapple bars before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Storage: Store the pineapple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Variations: Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.