Sweet & Tangy Homemade Pineapple Bars Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance through my crispy pineapple bars, promising a delightful tropical escape right from your kitchen.

Sunshine bursts from each golden square, revealing layers of creamy richness.

Buttery graham cracker crusts provide the perfect foundation for tangy fruit filling.

Delicate textures merge effortlessly, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and joy.

Tropical notes weave through every bite, transporting you to relaxed island moments.

Smooth and luscious, these bars invite pure indulgence without complicated techniques.

Come savor a slice of happiness that promises to brighten your day.

Questions About Pineapple Bars? Get Answers

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just dice it finely and drain excess liquid to prevent the bars from becoming too watery.

• What if I don't have half-and-half for the coconut drizzle?

You can substitute with milk or cream. The consistency might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

• How do I know when the pineapple bars are done baking?

Look for a light golden top and a set filling that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Is it necessary to use a pastry cutter for the crust?

No, you can use your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to create coarse crumbs that will form a crumbly, buttery crust.

Why Pineapple Bars Are Sweet and Bright

• These pineapple bars deliver delightful flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• The recipe requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these bars offer a tropical twist that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Combining a crumbly crust, creamy pineapple filling, and optional coconut drizzle creates a multi-dimensional dessert that keeps taste buds excited.

What Goes Into a Great Batch of Pineapple Bars

• Flour, Sugar, Salt: Classic crust base with balanced sweetness and texture. All-purpose flour recommended, white granulated sugar works best.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky, tender crust texture. Unsalted butter preferred for precise salt control.

• Eggs, Sour Cream: Creates rich, creamy custard-like filling. Fresh eggs at room temperature provide smoother consistency.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned fruit providing tropical flavor and moisture. Drain well if using canned to prevent soggy texture.

• Confectioners Sugar, Half-and-Half, Coconut Extract: Creates optional sweet drizzle with light coconut essence. Pure vanilla extract can substitute coconut extract if desired.

How to Bake Pineapple Bars Without Fuss

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter

Set aside one cup of crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Pineapple Filling

• Large eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

• Drained crushed pineapple

Ensure mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Pour pineapple filling over pre-baked crust. Spread evenly across surface. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top. Slide into preheated oven. Bake at 350F for 50 minutes until golden and filling sets.

Step 4: Add Coconut Drizzle

• Confectioners sugar
• Half-and-half
• Coconut extract

Once bars completely cool, drizzle coconut glaze across surface. Cut into square servings. Enjoy your tropical dessert paradise!

Quick Tips for Better Pineapple Bars

• Perfectly Prepare Crust: Ensure cold butter stays chilled to create flaky, crumbly texture that holds together beautifully when pressed into baking dish.
• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove excess liquid from pineapple to prevent soggy bars and maintain ideal filling consistency for clean, crisp slices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and sour cream sit at room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly distributed filling that bakes perfectly.
• Check Doneness Wisely: Watch for light golden top and slight firmness in center when baking – avoid overbaking to keep bars moist and tender.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Toast reserved crumb topping briefly before sprinkling for extra nutty, rich depth that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.

Save Pineapple Bars and Keep Them Fresh

• Store leftover pineapple bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore the crisp crust and brings out the pineapple flavor.
• These bars taste delicious cold straight from the refrigerator, making them a perfect grab-and-go dessert for busy days.

What Goes Well with Pineapple Bars

• Mix light rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream for a refreshing drink that echoes the bar's fruity flavors.
• Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars to balance the tangy pineapple and enhance the dessert's richness.
• Brew a smooth latte and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top, creating a warm beverage that mirrors the coconut drizzle and adds depth to the dessert experience.
• Add a small side of candied macadamia nuts to provide a crunchy texture contrast and highlight the tropical Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile of the pineapple bars.

Pineapple Bar Variations You’ll Love

• Tropical Gluten-Free Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Pineapple Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap sour cream for coconut yogurt to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-calorie dessert bar.
• Keto-Friendly Pineapple Crumble: Use coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and add chopped macadamia nuts to the crumb topping for a low-carb ketogenic version.

Pineapple Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Tropical Hawaiian pineapple bars deliver sweet-tangy paradise with buttery graham cracker crust and creamy filling. Sunshine-packed dessert promises a delightful escape that will transport hungry friends to island bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ of a fresh pineapple, finely diced (or 1 16-ounce/454 grams can of crushed pineapple, drained)
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners:

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) confectioners sugar

Complementary Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (170 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) half-and-half or milk
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational layer by mixing flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then integrate cold butter until the texture resembles rough pebbles.
2. Partition the crumb mixture, setting aside one cup for the topping while pressing the remaining blend firmly into a greased baking dish, creating a compact base.
3. Briefly toast the crust in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 10 minutes, then extract and let rest.
4. Prepare the luscious filling by whisking eggs, sugar, sour cream, flour, and salt until achieving a silky consistency.
5. Gently incorporate drained pineapple chunks into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cascade the pineapple filling over the partially baked crust, spreading uniformly across the surface.
7. Scatter the reserved crumb mixture generously on top, creating a rustic, textured crown.
8. Return the assembled dessert to the oven, baking for roughly 50 minutes until the surface transforms to a delicate golden hue and the interior sets completely.
9. Allow the bars to cool thoroughly within the baking pan, promoting structural integrity.
10. Optional: Construct a luxurious coconut drizzle by blending confectioners sugar, half-and-half, and coconut extract into a smooth glaze.
11. Once completely cooled, delicately apply the coconut drizzle and slice into elegant squares.

Notes

• Adjust butter temperature carefully to ensure the perfect crumb texture for the crust, aiming for cold but slightly pliable butter pieces.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy, using a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to remove extra liquid.
• Customize the recipe by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or adding shredded coconut to the crumb topping for extra tropical flavor.
• Test for doneness by gently shaking the pan – the filling should have a slight wobble in the center but not be liquidy, indicating it’s perfectly baked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 249
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg