Pineapple-Coconut Squares
These Pineapple-Coconut Squares combine a buttery crust with a tangy pineapple topping and a sweet coconut layer, creating a delightful tropical treat. Perfect for dessert or tea time, they appeal to coconut lovers and those craving a fruity, rich flavor experience. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, at medium speed, cream the butter with 1/4 cup of sugar.
- Beat in the flour to form a soft dough.
- Press the dough evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish and 1/2 inch up the sides.
- Bake until brown, about 15 minutes; then let cool.
- Spread crushed pineapple over the cooled crust.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar to the beaten egg.
- Mix in the melted margarine, vanilla, and coconut.
- Spread the coconut mixture over the pineapple layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming, which helps incorporate air into the mixture. If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh pineapple or even canned peaches for a different flavor. Additionally, using unsweetened coconut can help balance the sweetness of the dish, especially if you're a fan of recipes like Easy Monkey Bread.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a great dessert for summer gatherings or potlucks, pairing well with a refreshing fruit salad or a slice of Great Grandmother's Hoe-Downs(Sugar Cookies) for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pineapple-Coconut Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their original texture, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Coconut Squares contains roughly 332 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% 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! Just make sure to finely chop or crush it to achieve a similar texture to canned crushed pineapple. You may need to adjust the sweetness, as fresh pineapple can be less sweet than canned varieties.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Additionally, double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
How can I make the squares more tropical?
To enhance the tropical flavor, consider adding some chopped macadamia nuts or a splash of coconut milk to the coconut mixture. You could also top them with sliced bananas or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
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).