Tropical Pineapple Cake Bars Bliss

Indulge in the tropical delight of Pineapple Cake Bars, a perfect blend of sweet pineapple filling, buttery crust, and a hint of coconut in the icing. These layered treats are simple to make, requiring fewer than ten ingredients, yet they boast an impressive look and flavor that rivals any bakery offering. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars will become a favorite in no time. Let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful Pineapple Cake Bars.

Ingredients :

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
• 1 (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

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the bars don’t stick.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. This process is crucial as it ensures the crust will be flaky and tender.
4. Reserve 1 cup of this crumbly mixture for the topping later. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the crust.
5. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In another bowl, mix together the pinch of salt, eggs, flour, and sugar until well combined.
2. Drain the can of crushed pineapple slightly to remove excess liquid, then add it to the egg mixture along with the sour cream. Stir until the filling is smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake

1. Take the reserved crumbly crust mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the filling layer.
2. Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake for 1 hour. The filling should be set, and the top should be golden and slightly crispy.
3. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the dish for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period helps the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, coconut extract, and half-and-half. Whisk until the icing is smooth and can be drizzled. If the icing is too thick, add a little more half-and-half, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the icing over the cooled bars. The icing adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of coconut that complements the pineapple filling beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bars are completely cool and the icing has set, cut them into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve the Pineapple Cake Bars as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They are perfect on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion :

Pineapple Cake Bars are a delightful way to enjoy a taste of the tropics in a simple, homemade treat. With their buttery crust, tangy pineapple filling, and sweet coconut icing, these bars are sure to impress both in flavor and appearance. Easy to make with common ingredients, they are a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the sweet and refreshing flavors of these Pineapple Cake Bars with family and friends, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!