Indulge in the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with these delightful bars that are perfect for any occasion. The combination of a buttery crust and a sweet, fruity topping creates a dessert that's both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you're serving them at a summer gathering or enjoying them as a treat at home, these bars are sure to bring a taste of paradise to your table.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, you might need to pick up a can of crushed pineapple and a bag of sweetened shredded coconut if they're not already in your kitchen. These two ingredients are essential for achieving the tropical flavor profile of the bars. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
Ingredients For Pineapple Coconut Bars Recipe
All-purpose flour: A versatile flour that forms the base of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
Sugar: Used to sweeten both the crust and the topping, balancing the tartness of the pineapple.
Crushed pineapple: Provides a juicy, fruity layer that complements the coconut.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds texture and a sweet, nutty flavor to the topping.
Beaten large eggs: Help bind the topping ingredients and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Technique Tip for Perfect Bars
To achieve a perfectly golden and crisp base for your pineapple coconut bars, ensure that the melted butter is thoroughly mixed with the flour and sugar. This creates a cohesive dough that will bake evenly. When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure an even layer, which helps prevent any uneven baking. Additionally, make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the bars.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option and adds a nutty flavor to the bars.
melted unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and enhances the coconut flavor in the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.
drained crushed pineapple - Substitute with mango puree: Mango puree offers a similar tropical sweetness and texture.
sweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut: Unsweetened coconut can be used to reduce sugar content, though you may need to adjust the sweetness elsewhere.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich sweetness and can add a unique flavor profile.
beaten large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative that can help bind the ingredients together.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the tropical ingredients.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze These Bars
Allow the pineapple coconut bars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bars soggy.
Once cooled, cut the bars into individual servings. This makes it easier to grab a piece whenever the craving strikes.
For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate, the bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cool temperature will help maintain their texture and flavor.
To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they remain fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
The pineapple coconut bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of bars from the freezer.
Thaw the bars at room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will bring back their delightful texture and flavor.
For a warm treat, consider reheating the thawed bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will refresh the flavors and give them a freshly-baked feel.
Remember, the key to maintaining the deliciousness of these dessert bars is proper storage, so take care to follow these guidelines for the best results.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pineapple coconut bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the bars' delightful texture, keeping the base crisp and the topping moist.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the coconut topping chewy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can help revive the crispness of the base while gently warming the pineapple and coconut topping.
For those who enjoy a slightly toasted flavor, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the bars on a piece of foil or a small baking tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid over-browning. This method can add a delightful crunch to the edges.
Essential Tools for Making These Bars
Oven: Used to bake the base and the pineapple mixture to achieve the desired texture and golden brown top.
9x13-inch baking dish: The container in which the base and pineapple mixture are baked, providing structure to the bars.
Mixing bowl: Utilized to combine ingredients for both the base and the pineapple mixture.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the pineapple mixture evenly over the baked base.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and crushed pineapple.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities, such as vanilla extract.
Whisk: Handy for beating the eggs and ensuring they are well incorporated into the pineapple mixture.
Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely after baking, ensuring they set properly before cutting.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and melt the butter, beat the eggs, and drain the crushed pineapple ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use parchment paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Mix efficiently: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to quickly combine the base and topping ingredients.
Cool quickly: Place the baked bars in the fridge to speed up cooling time before cutting.
Pineapple Coconut Bars
Ingredients
Base
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 0.25 cup sugar
Filling
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the base for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- In another bowl, mix together crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, ½ cup sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the pineapple mixture over the baked base and spread evenly.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
Check out these recipes too!
- Berry Goodness Recipe15 Minutes
- Berry Blast Smoothie Recipe5 Minutes
- Banana Nut Smoothie Recipe5 Minutes
- Avocado Kale Smoothie Recipe10 Minutes
- Avocado Green Smoothie Recipe5 Minutes
- Matcha Latte Recipe10 Minutes
- Lavender Lemonade Recipe15 Minutes
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe30 Minutes
- Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe45 Minutes
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast Recipe35 Minutes
- Grilled Chicken Mango Salsa Recipe25 Minutes
- Grilled Chicken Avocado Salsa Recipe30 Minutes
Leave a Reply