Pineapple-Chocolate Squares
Delightful pineapple-chocolate squares combine rich chocolate with tropical pineapple and crunchy pecans, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 2 (1 oz.) unsweetened chocolate squares, melted and cooled ⓘ
- 1 (8 3/4 oz.) can crushed pineapple, well-drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy; beat in eggs.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Divide batter into two portions.
- To one portion, add chopped pecans and melted chocolate; spread into a greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Add crushed pineapple to the remaining batter and carefully spread over the chocolate layer.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until done.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy texture. If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional desserts like Granny'S Pumpkin Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside Chocolate Popcorn Balls for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pineapple-Chocolate Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Chocolate Squares contains roughly 341 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 974mg per serving (42% 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned, but be sure to finely chop and thoroughly drain it to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the texture of the squares and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy these delicious squares without gluten-related concerns.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate before mixing it into the batter. This will intensify the chocolate notes and create a richer taste experience in each square.
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).