Sweet Pineapple Bars Recipe

Irresistible Sweet Pineapple Bars Recipe for Tropical Bliss

Bursting with tropical flavors, these delectable pineapple bars capture the essence of summer in every delightful pineapple bars bite.

Ripe, juicy pineapples meld perfectly with a buttery crust that crumbles just right.

Each bar delivers a sunshine-sweet punch of fruity goodness.

The balance of tangy and sweet creates a dessert that dances on your taste buds.

Creamy, rich, and utterly irresistible, these bars promise a quick escape to a tropical paradise.

Whip them up for a guaranteed smile and a moment of pure culinary bliss.

How to Bake Pineapple Bars That Slice Clean

  • Craft the Crumbly Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F. Mix flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Crumble cold butter into the mixture until it looks like sandy pebbles. Separate one cup of this magical crumb mixture for later. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into a greased baking dish, creating a solid foundation. Bake this crust for 10 minutes until it’s just turning golden.

  • Whip Up the Tropical Filling

Grab a large bowl and whisk eggs, sugar, sour cream, flour, and salt until silky smooth. Gently fold in juicy pineapple chunks, letting their tropical spirit shine through.

  • Layer and Bake to Perfection

Pour the pineapple mixture over your pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly like a sunny blanket. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top for a delightful crunch. Slide into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a delicate golden brown and the filling sets firmly.

  • Add the Dreamy Coconut Finale

Once cooled, drizzle a silky glaze made from confectioners sugar, half-and-half, and a hint of coconut extract. Cut into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Add Some Extra Flair to Pineapple Bars

  • Keep butter ice-cold when mixing to ensure a flaky, tender crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite.
  • Prepare these bars a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment by mixing in shredded coconut to the crumb topping or adding a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for extra crunch and Hawaiian-inspired flair.
  • Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a delicious alternative for those avoiding dairy products.

Serve Pineapple Bars With a Light Garnish

  • Tropical Dessert Sidekicks: Complementary Pairings
  • Creamy Coconut Companion: Serve a scoop of coconut ice cream alongside these bars for an extra tropical twist that enhances the pineapple's sweet notes.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Pair with a chilled glass of passion fruit iced tea or a light rum punch to complement the fruity flavor profile.
  • Elegant Presentation Trick: Dust the bars with a light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or powdered sugar just before serving to add a professional bakery-style finish.
  • Summer Gathering Suggestion: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a perfect potluck or picnic dessert that travels well and impresses guests with its vibrant tropical taste.

Storage Tips for Pineapple Bar Freshness

  • Store these delightful pineapple bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their delectable texture and fresh tropical flavor.
  • Carefully wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their creamy, smooth texture after chilling.
  • Place a paper towel between bar layers when storing to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess, keeping the crust crisp and delightful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 249 kcal

Servings: 12

What Goes Into Pineapple Bars That Pop

For The Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy base and structure for the bars, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy crust edges, opt for pure cane sugar.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, flaky texture and brings incredible buttery taste, select high-quality cold butter.
For The Filling:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and create smooth, creamy consistency, use fresh room-temperature eggs.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and rich moisture, select full-fat version for best results.
  • Pineapple: Delivers tropical sweetness and fruity punch, choose ripe, golden fresh pineapple or high-quality canned option.
  • Flour: Helps thicken filling and provides structure, use same type as crust flour.
  • Salt: Balances sweet flavors and enhances overall taste.
For The Finishing Touches:
  • Confectioners Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet drizzle, sift to remove lumps.
  • Half-and-Half: Provides creamy consistency for drizzle, can substitute with milk.
  • Coconut Extract: Adds aromatic tropical flavor, choose pure extract for best taste.

Kitchen Tools for Sweet and Tangy Bars

  • Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for creating and baking the bars.
  • Medium Bowl: Used for mixing crust ingredients and preparing the filling.
  • Pastry Cutter or Fingers: Perfect for blending butter into flour mixture.
  • Whisk: Helps create smooth filling by combining eggs, sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Small Bowl: Needed for making the optional coconut drizzle.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading filling evenly and folding pineapple into mixture.
Print
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Sweet Pineapple Bars Recipe

Sweet Pineapple Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful Pineapple Bars blend tropical sweetness with buttery crumble, offering a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. Crumbly, golden edges and juicy pineapple filling promise pure dessert bliss you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup (170 g) cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ of a fresh pineapple, finely diced (or 16 oz / 454 g can of crushed pineapple, drained)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) confectioners sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) half-and-half or milk
  • 1 tsp coconut extract

Instructions

  1. Crust Foundation: Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Incorporate cold, diced butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into coarse crumbs. Segregate 1 cup of crumb mixture for topping. Compress the remaining mixture firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Roast the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Pineapple Filling Preparation: Whisk eggs, sugar, sour cream, flour, and salt until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gently fold in diced or drained crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  3. Layering and Baking: Cascade the pineapple filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading meticulously to create an even layer. Dust the reserved crumb mixture across the surface. Slide into the oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the topping adopts a gentle golden hue and the filling sets completely. Allow the bars to cool entirely within the pan.
  4. Coconut Glaze Finale: Blend confectioners sugar, half-and-half, and coconut extract in a small bowl until achieving a smooth, luxurious drizzle. Once the bars have cooled, artfully paint the coconut glaze across the surface before slicing into elegant squares.

Notes

  • Use cold, diced butter for the crust to create a flaky, crumbly texture that holds together perfectly.
  • Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy and ensuring a firm filling.
  • Spread the filling and crumb topping evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and a uniform texture across the entire pan.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the filling to set properly and make cutting cleaner and easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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