These Pineapple Cake Bars are a tropical delight, combining the sweetness of ripe pineapple with a soft, buttery cake base. Perfect for summer gatherings or a simple afternoon treat, these bars offer a balance of tangy fruitiness and rich cake texture. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, the result is a moist, flavorful dessert that pairs beautifully with a light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple.
- Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
- Allow the cake bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, slice into squares or bars of your desired size.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve these tropical delights on a platter and savor the sunny goodness of Pineapple Cake Bars.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light pineapple glaze for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Cake Bars
- Drain the pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
- Experiment with different nuts or adjust the quantity of coconut based on your preferences.
- Fresh vs. canned pineapple: While canned crushed pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor.
These Pineapple Cake Bars bring a burst of tropical sunshine to your dessert table. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or serving them at a picnic, they’re sure to be a hit! 🍍✨