Pineapple Dream Bars
Table of Contents
Craving Sunshine? Try These Pineapple Dream Bars!
Ever get that hankering for a taste of the tropics? Me too! That's why I'm sharing one of my favourite pineapple dessert recipes .
These Pineapple Dream Bars are sunshine in every bite. They have a sweet and tangy flavour that makes them absolutely irresistible.
These little squares of Pineapple Bliss are perfect for that sweet tooth. Think of a buttery shortbread base. Now add a creamy, dreamy pineapple filling that's bursting with coconut goodness.
Honestly, what's not to love?
Tropical Treats: A Quick Getaway for Your Taste Buds
This recipe isn't some ancient family secret. But its roots go back to my search for the ultimate tropical dessert.
Think of the flavor of a piña colada, baked into a bar. It's not the easiest dessert. But believe me, it is worth every single second of effort.
These make around 12-16 bars. Perfect for sharing...or maybe not!
Why You'll Be Obsessed
One of the best things? Pineapple is full of Vitamin C. It's not exactly health food, but it has some goodness! Make these Crush Bars for a summer BBQ.
Honestly they are a great dessert for brightening up a rainy day. They are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. They are one of those pineapple dessert ideas you will make over and over.
This recipe is special because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy. Plus the toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch.
Are you ready to delve into Desserts With Pineapple Recipes ? Let's get started with the ingredients! Next, we're diving into making these amazing bars.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Tropical Toolkit
Ready to dive into these Pineapple Dream Bars ? Good on ya! Before we get started on these desserts with pineapple recipes, let's gather our troops the ingredients and equipment, that is.
Honestly, having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother. I've totally been there, halfway through a bake and realised I'm missing something.
Nightmare!
Main Ingredients: The Pineapple Bliss Brigade
First, the crust. You'll need 1 1/2 cups ( 192g ) all-purpose flour, plus a bit extra for dusting, 1/2 cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar, and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Then, the star 1/2 cup ( 1 stick, 113g ) of proper cold unsalted butter, cubed. Crucial . It must be cold.
Lastly, 1 large egg yolk and 1 tablespoon cold water.
Now, for that dreamy pineapple filling. Grab 1 (20 ounce) can of crushed pineapple (that's about 2 cups/450g ). Make sure it's really well drained! Seriously, squeeze out all the excess juice.
Then, 1/2 cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup ( 30g ) cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. We're also using 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) unsweetened coconut milk (makes it like a coconut pineapple dessert !).
Lastly, 2 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon lime juice (for that extra zing!), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup ( 50g ) shredded sweetened coconut, toasted.
Quality Indicators: For the butter, use the best quality you can find. It makes a huge difference. As for the pineapple , make sure the can isn't bulging or dented safety first, eh? And the coconut? Toasting it brings out so much flavour.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
For these easy pineapple treats to sing, you need the right flavour balance. The lime juice adds a lovely tang.
Don't skip it. Vanilla extract is your secret weapon, enhancing the other flavours. Feel free to add a tiny pinch of ground ginger to the filling for extra warmth.
For a no-bake pineapple dessert twist you could swap the shortbread for biscoff biscuits.
If you haven't got lime, lemon juice will do in a pinch. Honestly, no one will know the difference.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
You'll need a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lined with parchment paper trust me on this one. Makes life so much easier.
I cannot stress enough how handy this baking hack is! A food processor or pastry blender for the crust is super helpful, but you can always do it by hand.
A saucepan and whisk are essential for the filling. And a citrus zester if you want to get fancy with some lime zest on top! That's all you need for these pineapple dessert recipes .
Think of this almost as pineapple crush bars. Let's get baking for that tropical dessert recipes and enjoy this baked pineapple dessert .
Pineapple Dream Bars: Baking 'Em Just Right
So, you wanna bake these amazing Pineapple Dream Bars , do ya? Fair enough, they're well worth the effort. I mean, honestly, who can resist a little pineapple bliss ? Let's talk baking; it's all about getting that dreamy texture.
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Sorted
First things first, get organised. Mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Chop your butter into cubes. Get that crushed pineapple draining like its life depends on it.
Seriously , a soggy filling is nobody's friend. Make sure your baking tin is lined with parchment paper, makes life so much easier.
Remember, cold butter for the crust is key, or it will melt too quickly in the oven.
step-by-step: Baking to Perfection
Right, here’s the magic:
- Bake that crust first. About 15- 20 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) till it's just golden.
- Simmer the pineapple filling until it thickens. Keep stirring! You do not want it to burn.
- Pour that luscious filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle generously with your toasted coconut.
- Bake again for 20- 25 minutes , or until the filling is set.
Pro Tips: Get That Bake On!
Here's where the magic happens. Don't overbake the crust, a slightly underbaked crust is better. Toasting the coconut? Watch it like a hawk, it burns quicker than you think!.
Always, always let your pineapple dream bars cool completely before slicing. Trust me on this one! They'll be so much easier to handle.
Looking for some easy pineapple treats ? This is it, trust me!
And there you have it! With these simple steps, you'll be whipping up tropical dessert recipes that’ll knock everyone's socks off.
Give Pineapple dessert ideas a try. Remember, baking is all about experimentation. Have fun with it and don't be afraid to put your own spin on things.
And hey, if you fancy other desserts with pineapple recipes , try some crush bars . Cheers!
Recipe Notes: Your Pineapple Dessert Recipes Cheat Sheet
Right, let's chat about these amazing Pineapple Dream Bars . Honestly, even the best recipes can have a few "oh crikey!" moments.
So, I’ve compiled a few notes. This should help you along the way to create the perfect Pineapple Bliss !
Serving 'Em Up Right!
Presentation is key, you know? For a bit of poshness, slice the Crush Bars into neat squares and arrange them artfully on a plate.
Dust them with a wee bit more toasted coconut. A dollop of whipped cream? Absolutely!
As for sides, something light and refreshing is perfect. Think iced tea, or even a cheeky glass of Pinot Grigio. Fancy, eh? These desserts with pineapple recipes are so flexible.
Storing Your Pineapple Treasure
So, you’ve made these, and you've somehow managed to not eat the whole batch in one go. Colour me impressed! Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just pop them in an airtight container.
Freezing? Yeah, you can . Wrap them tightly in cling film. Then, shove them in a freezer bag. They will last up to a month.
Defrost completely before digging in. When you reheat them, it won't be quite the same as fresh from the oven, just so you know.
Let's Mix It Up a Bit!
Got allergies? Want to experiment? No worries! This recipe is surprisingly adaptable.
- dairy-free Delight: Swap the butter for a plant based alternative. Use your favorite plant based milk. Make sure it's creamy, like coconut. Voila!
- Seasonal Twist: In the summer, add some fresh mango or passion fruit to the pineapple filling for an extra tropical dessert recipes punch. You could even try some easy pineapple treats .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. These Pineapple Dream Bars have roughly 250-300 calories per serving. There's also 3g of protein, 15g of fat, 30g of carbs, and an estimated 20g of sugar.
Obviously, this is a treat, not a health food! They do contain fruit, so you're getting some vitamins. Plus, pineapple contains bromelain.
It's an enzyme with anti inflammatory properties. So that's something! Think of it as baked pineapple dessert .
Right, that’s all for now! Give these pineapple dessert ideas a go and don’t be shy about putting your own spin on things.
I believe in you! You are going to make something that the whole fam will love this week, and if the results are delicious Coconut pineapple dessert , even better! You could even try to make a No bake pineapple dessert and then give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My pineapple filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?
A runny filling usually means the pineapple wasn't drained well enough or the filling wasn't cooked long enough to allow the cornstarch to fully thicken it. Make sure to really squeeze out all the excess juice from the crushed pineapple before adding it to the saucepan.
Continue cooking the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding like consistency. Think of it like making a custard patience is key!
Can I make these pineapple dessert recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Pineapple Dream Bars are a great make-ahead dessert. They actually benefit from chilling in the refrigerator, as it allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set completely. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them, well covered, in the fridge.
They're perfect for when you need a sweet treat at a moment's notice, a bit like having a secret stash of custard creams!
My shortbread crust is too crumbly. How can I fix it?
A crumbly shortbread crust is often due to not enough moisture or overmixing. When making the crust, ensure the butter is very cold and cut into small cubes. If the dough seems too dry after adding the egg yolk and water, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until it just comes together.
Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can develop the gluten and make it tough. Remember, we're aiming for a "melt-in-your mouth" texture, not a digestive biscuit!
I'm allergic to coconut. What can I substitute in these pineapple dessert recipes?
No worries, you can still enjoy these bars! Simply substitute the coconut milk in the filling with regular milk or another plant based milk like almond or oat milk. Omit the toasted coconut topping or replace it with another topping like chopped macadamia nuts (if no nut allergies are present) or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
The lime juice will still give it that lovely tropical tang, so you won't miss out on the flavor profile too much.
How should I store leftover Pineapple Dream Bars?
Store any leftover Pineapple Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy. They're also delicious served chilled, so you're already one step ahead!
If you want to freeze them, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I adapt this recipe to be vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this a vegan Pineapple Dream dessert. Substitute the butter in the crust and filling with a plant based butter alternative. Use a plant based milk such as soy or almond milk in place of coconut milk, and replace the egg yolks with a vegan egg replacer or applesauce (about 2 tablespoons per egg yolk).
Double check that your sugar is processed without bone char to ensure it's fully vegan. With a few clever substitutions, you can enjoy a plant based version of this tropical treat!
Pineapple Dream Bars
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |