Pineapple Nut Squares
Pineapple Nut Squares are moist, flavorful bars combining the sweetness of pineapple with crunchy nuts. Perfect for dessert or tea-time treats, they offer a delightful balance of tropical fruitiness and nutty crunch, appealing to both fruit lovers and those seeking a comforting baked good.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and cream with sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time; mix well.
- Sift flour, soda, and salt together.
- Drain pineapple well.
- Add butter, sugar, and eggs, mixing alternately with the flour mixture.
- Add chopped or sliced nuts and crushed pineapple.
- Pour into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy texture. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall taste of the squares, making them even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for gatherings. For a complete dessert table, consider browsing more American recipes that complement these squares.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pineapple Nut Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Nut Squares contains roughly 268 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% 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 crush it and drain the excess juice to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. Fresh pineapple will give a brighter flavor and a bit more texture to your squares.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts or pecans are great choices for this recipe, as they add a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the pineapple. You can also experiment with macadamia nuts for a tropical twist, or use almonds for a milder flavor.
Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Pineapple Nut Squares gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking soda, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).