Teresa's Recipes
Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars
Prepare your taste buds for a sun-soaked journey to the tropics! These scrumptious Pineapple Coconut Bars, with their buttery crumb base, sweet pineapple filling, and a toasted coconut topping, are reminiscent of a vibrant luau party on a warm Hawaiian beach. A beloved dessert in the Pacific Islands since the mid-20th century, these treats perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Aloha with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, for dusting Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2, large Eggs
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 can (20 ounces), drained Crushed pineapple
- 1 cup, divided Sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup, melted Unsalted butter
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 16
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2 cup of the shredded coconut. Mix well until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to create an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the drained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will be your pineapple filling.
- Pour the pineapple filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded coconut evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the coconut topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial for the bars to set and firm up properly.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to further firm up before slicing.
- Once chilled, slice into squares and dust each bar with powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy your tropical treat!
Tips
- For a variation, try adding a few tablespoons of rum to the pineapple filling for a Pina Colada twist.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the pineapple filling to your liking.