Pineapple Cake Bars

Dive into the tropical flavors of our Pineapple Cake Bars! This easy-to-follow recipe combines the zesty sweetness of crushed pineapple with a buttery crust and coconut-infused icing. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at any gathering.

Table of Contents

Getting Started: Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pineapple Cake Bars

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt to make the crust mixture. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for later use.
Press the Crust: Press the remaining crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form the base of your Pineapple Cake Bars.
Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden. This initial baking step helps to ensure that the crust holds together and doesn’t become soggy once the filling is added.
Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In another mixing bowl, blend together the eggs, flour, sugar, crushed pineapple, and sour cream until well combined.
Layer the Filling: Once the crust is pre-baked, spread the prepared filling evenly over the top of it in the baking dish. This delicious filling will infuse each bite of the bars with fruity flavor and moist texture.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the filling, creating a crumbled topping. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the bars.
Bake Until Golden: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake the bars for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the filling is set. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Cool and Ice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by beating together the coconut extract, powdered sugar, and half and half until smooth. Drizzle the coconut-infused icing over the cooled bars, adding more half and half if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Slice and Serve: Finally, slice the bars into individual servings and serve them to your eager guests or enjoy them yourself as a delightful treat.

Pineapple Cake Bars are a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of tropical paradise with Pineapple Cake Bars?

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used in place of canned if desired. Just be sure to finely chop it before adding it to the filling mixture.

Can I omit the coconut extract from the icing?

While coconut extract adds a delicious tropical flavor to the icing, you can certainly omit it if you prefer a more traditional icing flavor.

How should I store leftover Pineapple Cake Bars?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage.

Can I use low-fat sour cream in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat sour cream for the regular sour cream called for in the recipe. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the bars.

Can I add nuts or coconut to the topping for extra crunch?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the topping with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.