Hawaiian Fruit Bars
Sweet and tropical Hawaiian Fruit Bars combine crushed pineapple, apples, coconut extract, and cinnamon for a flavorful treat perfect for snack time or dessert. Suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole wheat bread, made into fine crumbs in blender ⓘ
- 1-1/3 cups instant nonfat dry milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, no sugar added ⓘ
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and grated ⓘ
- Artificial sweetener to equal 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients in the order given.
- Mix after each addition with a wire whip or electric mixer.
- Pour batter into an 8 x 8 inch nonstick pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until done.
- Loosen the cake from the pan with a spatula.
- Cut into bars, dividing equally into 4 portions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole grain bread crumbs instead of just whole wheat. If you want a lower calorie option, you can substitute the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect the texture. This recipe works well with variations such as adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit bars make a great snack or dessert and can be served alongside a cup of Gold Coast Coffee for a delightful treat. They also pair well with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can serve them as part of a brunch spread, or even as a healthy addition to lunch boxes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Hawaiian Fruit Bars to cool completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Fruit Bars contains roughly 460 calories, with 10g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container. They actually taste better after a day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just reheat as needed or enjoy them chilled for a refreshing snack.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to finely chop or crush it to match the texture of canned pineapple. You might need to adjust the sweetness level with your artificial sweetener since fresh pineapple can vary in sweetness. Just remember to drain any excess juice to maintain the right consistency.
What can I substitute for the apples?
If you’re looking for a substitute for the apples, finely grated zucchini works well and keeps the bars moist. You could also try using mashed bananas for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that using different fruits may slightly alter the sweetness and texture of the bars.
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).