Pineapple Dream Bars

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.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 24

Calories: 186.3

Dietary: Vegetarian

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

1/2 cup Butter, softened
1 cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
1 1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 can (8 oz) Crushed Pineapple, drained well
2 large Eggs
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Rum Extract or Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cups Flaked Coconut, sweetened
1 cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup Chopped Maraschino Cherries

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
2
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/3 cup of the brown sugar until combined.
3
Blend in 1 cup of the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
4
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan to form an even crust.
5
Bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6
Remove the pan from the oven but keep the oven on.
7
While the crust bakes, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid with the back of a spoon.
8
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and remaining 2/3 cup brown sugar until thick and pale.
9
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
10
Stir the dry ingredients and rum extract into the egg mixture until just combined.
11
Gently fold in the drained pineapple, flaked coconut, chopped walnuts, and chopped cherries.
12
Spread the filling evenly over the hot baked crust.
13
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.
14
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.

Keywords: pineapple, bars, dessert, coconut, walnuts, cherries, baking, easy, summer, potluck, fruit, sweet, crust, filling, classic, homemade, tropical, snack, afternoon, party

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pineapple-dream-bars/