Description
These Pineapple Bliss Bars are sweet, buttery, and bursting with tropical flavor! 🍍✨ Featuring a tender shortbread crust, a vibrant pineapple filling, and a light crumb topping, they’re the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, or a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pineapple Filling:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Optional): 1/4 cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Make the crust and topping mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping.
- Form the crust:
- Press the remaining flour-butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the pineapple filling:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together drained crushed pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, pineapple juice (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble:
- Spread the warm pineapple filling over the partially baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top. (Add shredded coconut here if using.)
- Bake:
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the pineapple filling.
- Substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pineapple Bliss Bars, Pineapple Dessert Bars, Tropical Pineapple Bars, Sweet Pineapple Bars, Easy Dessert Recipe