Tropical Coconut Pineapple Bars
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Bars are a deliciously moist treat combining the tang of pineapple with sweet coconut and a tender cake base. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful snack, they feature a vibrant flavor profile that appeals to fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Prepare the cake mix by mixing 1/2 cup yogurt and 1 egg into the box of yellow cake mix.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake for 10 minutes.
- While baking, in a bowl, combine the remaining yogurt, 1 egg, drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and coconut.
- Carefully spread the pineapple mixture on top of the partially baked batter.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
- Mix the confectioners' sugar with 2 tablespoons of reserved pineapple juice to make a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using a different flavored yogurt, such as coconut or pineapple, to enhance the tropical flavor. You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version for a gluten-free alternative. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the confectioners' sugar and add more pineapple juice. This recipe is easy to double for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Tropical Coconut Pineapple Bars as a delightful dessert at summer gatherings or alongside a tropical fruit salad. They pair beautifully with Peanut Butter Snowballs for a fun dessert platter. Top with whipped cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold as a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Coconut Pineapple Bars contains roughly 560 calories, with 5g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these bars in advance?
Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. After baking and cooling, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even tastier the next day.
What can I use instead of Dole crushed pineapple?
If you can't find crushed pineapple, you can substitute it with finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits, ensuring to drain them well. This will maintain the tropical flavor in your bars.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).