Tropical Paradise with Pineapple Bliss Bars
Pineapple Bliss Bars are a tropical treat with a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, tangy pineapple filling. Topped with coconut and optional macadamia nuts, these bars bring the essence of a tropical paradise to your dessert table. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
For Garnish
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts (if using).
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pineapple mixture evenly over the crust.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
Once cooled, cut into bars and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra coconut flavor, try adding coconut extract to the crust or filling.
- To add more tropical flair, substitute half the crushed pineapple with mashed mango.
- Omit the macadamia nuts for a nut-free version or substitute with other nuts like pecans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts offers a refreshing taste of the tropics.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or treat for special occasions.
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts (optional)
For Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Directions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter.
- Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts (if using).
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pineapple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.Once cooled, cut into bars and garnish each with a maraschino cherry if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
- Coconut-Infused Version: Add an extra layer of coconut flavor by incorporating coconut extract into the shortbread crust or the pineapple filling.
- Pineapple Mango Twist: Substitute half of the crushed pineapple with mashed ripe mango for a tropical twist.
- Macadamia-Free Option: If preferred, omit the macadamia nuts for a nut-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Ensure it’s finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
Are macadamia nuts necessary?
No, macadamia nuts are optional. You can substitute them with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or omit them entirely.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-baking the crust helps prevent sogginess. Also, ensure the pineapple is well-drained before mixing it into the filling
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Pineapple Bliss Bars are a fantastic way to bring a taste of the tropics into your kitchen. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and absolutely delicious. The combination of creamy filling, crunchy crust, and the sweetness of pineapple creates a harmonious dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy these bliss bars at your next summer party or whenever you crave a sweet escape to a tropical paradise!
