Pineapple Dream Bars
Description
These Pineapple Dream Bars are a classic dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. The recipe features a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust topped with a moist filling made from crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut, and chopped walnuts. Bright maraschino cherries add pops of color and sweetness throughout. The result is a tender, chewy bar that feels like a warm hug from the tropics. They are easy to make with pantry staples and are perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or as a comforting treat after dinner. The combination of texturescrunchy nuts, chewy coconut, and soft fruitmakes every bite interesting and satisfying.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
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In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/3 cup of the brown sugar until combined.
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Blend in 1 cup of the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan to form an even crust.
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Bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
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Remove the pan from the oven but keep the oven on.
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While the crust bakes, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid with the back of a spoon.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs and remaining 2/3 cup brown sugar until thick and pale.
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In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Stir the dry ingredients and rum extract into the egg mixture until just combined.
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Gently fold in the drained pineapple, flaked coconut, chopped walnuts, and chopped cherries.
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Spread the filling evenly over the hot baked crust.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.
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Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 186.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20.7g32%
- Saturated Fat 6.6g33%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 307.5mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Substitutions: Use vanilla extract instead of rum extract if preferred. You can substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Tip: Ensure the pineapple is very well drained to prevent the bars from becoming too wet or soggy.
Variation: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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