Eileen'S Pineapple Bars
Sweet and tangy pineapple bars with toasted coconut and nuts, featuring a rich glaze, perfect for a delightful dessert or snack to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until well combined.
- Add crushed pineapple and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to pineapple mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts and coconut.
- Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by boiling canned milk, sugar, and butter together for 2 minutes.
- Remove baked bars from oven and spread the hot glaze evenly over the top.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the white sugar with brown sugar. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts. To enhance the coconut flavor, try using toasted coconut flakes. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These pineapple bars can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a tropical twist, consider serving them alongside Easy Peach Crisp For Two for a fruity dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bars to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eileen'S Pineapple Bars contains roughly 361 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits! Substituting crushed mango or even finely chopped strawberries can give a new twist to the bars. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained to maintain the right batter consistency.
What can I do if my bars are too dry?
If your bars turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To remedy this, you can add a bit more canned pineapple or a splash of milk next time. For serving, drizzle with a bit of glaze to add moisture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These pineapple bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).