Pineapple Lemon Bars

Pineapple Lemon Bars

Indulge in a slice of sunshine with these delightful Pineapple Lemon Bars! Bursting with tropical flavors, this dessert combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the sweet, refreshing taste of pineapple, all enveloped in a creamy filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for summer picnics or a sweet treat any time of year, these bars are sure to impress your guests and entice your taste buds. Historically, lemon bars have their roots in American baking, gaining popularity in the 1960s, but adding pineapple gives this classic dessert a wonderful twist that celebrates the bright flavors of the tropics.

Servings: 16

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted)
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup)
  • Eggs (2 large)
  • Lemon juice (1/4 cup, freshly squeezed)
  • Pineapple juice (1/4 cup, preferably from fresh pineapple)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until well combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the lemon juice, pineapple juice, and flour, mixing until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to fully set.
  8. After chilling, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares or bars for serving.

Dietary Information

Servings: 16 • Dish Type: Dessert • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 35 minutes • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time) • Calories: 210 • Fat: 10g • Carbs: 28g • Protein: 3g • Sodium: 150mg • Sugar: 12g