Pineapple Dream Bars
Sweet, tropical Pineapple Dream Bars feature pineapple, coconut, and nuts on a buttery crust, perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a flavorful, chewy treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/4 oz.) can Dole crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon rum extract ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixer bowl, beat butter and 1/3 cup brown sugar until creamy.
- Blend in 1 cup of flour until the mixture is crumbly.
- Pat the mixture onto the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Consider using chopped pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars with a scoop of Butter Crisp Ice Cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. They also pair well with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, garnish with additional chopped cherries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pineapple Dream Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Dream Bars contains roughly 558 calories, with 3g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 824mg per serving (36% 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, but make sure to finely chop it and drain excess juice. Canned crushed pineapple is convenient and ensures consistent moisture, but fresh pineapple will give a fresher flavor.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pineapple Dream Bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier treat when served.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or simply prefer a different nut, chopped pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. You could also omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version 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).