If you’re craving a taste of the tropics, look no further than these delectable Pineapple Cake Bars! Bursting with sweet pineapple flavor and topped with a luscious coconut icing, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible Pineapple Cake Bars!
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:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust and topping.
- Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Filling:
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour, sugar, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (including the juice) and sour cream until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the pineapple filling.
5. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
6. Make the Icing:
- While the bars are baking, prepare the icing by combining the coconut extract, powdered sugar, and half and half in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
7. Cool and Ice:
- Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
- Drizzle the coconut icing over the cooled bars.
8. Slice and Serve:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles.
- Serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Storage: Store any leftover Pineapple Cake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the topping by adding chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just be sure to finely chop it and drain any excess juice before adding it to the filling.
Q: Can I omit the coconut extract from the icing? A: If you’re not a fan of coconut flavor, you can simply omit the coconut extract from the icing. The bars will still be delicious with just a classic powdered sugar glaze.
Q: Can I use low-fat sour cream to reduce the calories? A: Yes, you can use low-fat or even fat-free sour cream if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for a keto diet due to the high sugar content from the pineapple and powdered sugar.
- Low-Carb Version: To make a low-carb version of these bars, you can try substituting the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. You can also reduce the amount of pineapple used to lower the carb count.
With their irresistible combination of sweet pineapple, buttery crust, and creamy coconut icing, these Pineapple Cake Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re enjoying them as a sweet treat on a sunny afternoon or serving them at your next gathering, they’re guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time. So, give this recipe a try and indulge in the tropical goodness of Pineapple Cake Bars today!
