Pineapple Coconut Bars
A tropical, chewy dessert bar featuring sweet pineapple and shredded coconut baked in a buttery, soft base. Quick to make and perfect for dessert or snack time.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan (greased)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Colander and fork (for draining pineapple)
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz can pineapple tidbits, well drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter, allowing your bars to bake evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Drain and Prep Pineapple: Open the can of pineapple tidbits and pour them into a colander. Press gently with a fork or the back of a spoon to remove any excess juice. Removing extra liquid prevents the bars from becoming soggy while still keeping the pineapple sweet and flavorful. Set aside.
- Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the mixture until smooth, creamy, and slightly pale in color. This step ensures the sugar dissolves and the eggs are fully incorporated, creating a tender and uniform texture in the final bars.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gently fold them into the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed until a smooth, thick batter forms. Take care not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
- Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Carefully fold in the drained pineapple tidbits and shredded coconut. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the fruit and coconut throughout the batter, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of tropical flavor and chewy texture.
- Transfer to Baking Pan: Pour the completed batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top so it bakes uniformly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28–33 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at 28 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. Cooling ensures the bars set properly and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
- Add Finishing Touch: Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the bars lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish. This optional step adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness to each bite.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled bars into six even squares. Serve them as a snack, dessert, or share with friends and family. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
- Always drain the pineapple thoroughly. Excess juice can make the bars soggy and affect the texture. Pressing gently with a fork ensures the perfect balance of moisture without compromising firmness.
- Use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut depending on your preference. Sweetened coconut adds extra sweetness, while unsweetened keeps the flavor more natural and less sugary.
- Butter should be melted but slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing. This ensures a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- For even baking, make sure the batter is spread uniformly in the pan and tap it lightly to remove air bubbles.
- Powdered sugar is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch and makes the bars more visually appealing.
