Pineapple Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with a buttery crust and a sweet coconut icing. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for a dessert to impress your guests. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup sugar
For the Filling:
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 16 oz can crushed pineapple
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Icing:
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons half and half
Instructions
Preparing the Crust and Topping
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold cubed butter and using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press into Pan: Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside the remaining mixture for the topping.
Making the Filling
- Prepare Pineapple Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add Pineapple and Sour Cream: Stir in the crushed pineapple (including the juice) and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Crust: Pour the pineapple filling over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Baking
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the pineapple filling to form the topping.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
Making the Coconut Icing
- Prepare Icing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half, and coconut extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle Over Bars: Drizzle the coconut icing over the cooled pineapple bars.
- Chill: Allow the icing to set before slicing the bars into squares and serving.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes:
- Cold Butter: Using cold cubed butter helps create a flaky and tender crust.
- Pineapple: Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the crushed pineapple before adding it to the filling to prevent the bars from becoming too watery.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or macadamia nuts to the crust or topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top of the bars before baking for a more pronounced coconut flavor and texture.
- Citrus Zest: Add some lemon or lime zest to the icing for a citrusy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before adding it to the filling.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I omit the coconut extract?
A: If you’re not a fan of coconut flavor, you can omit the coconut extract from the icing. You can also substitute it with vanilla extract for a more traditional icing flavor.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars without the icing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these bars.
Pineapple Cake Bars are a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and sweet indulgence. With a buttery crust, creamy pineapple filling, and coconut icing, these bars are sure to transport your taste buds to paradise. Whether you’re serving them for dessert or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Try making a batch today and enjoy the irresistible taste of the tropics!
