Pineapple Bars
Sweet and tropical pineapple bars combine moist cake, coconut, and crunchy nuts, making them a delightful treat perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix, egg yolks, and melted butter. Pat this mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff, then add sugar and fold in the drained crushed pineapple and coconut.
- Spread the pineapple and coconut mixture over the cake mix in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten until they form stiff peaks before folding in the other ingredients. You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version for a gluten-free option. Additionally, feel free to use different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to add more flavor, similar to what you might find in Grandmother'S Raw Apple Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These pineapple bars make a delightful dessert on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a tropical twist, consider serving them with a fresh fruit salad or alongside a slice of Chocolate Sheet Cake (Texas Sheet Cake) for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pineapple bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Bars contains roughly 418 calories, with 10g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple as a substitute for canned. Just make sure to finely chop and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. This will maintain the texture of the bars while adding a fresh flavor.
What can I do if I don't have coconut?
If you don't have shredded coconut, you can simply omit it or replace it with another ingredient like oats or crushed graham crackers for added texture. The bars will still be delicious without the coconut.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pineapple bars a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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).