Pineapple Cake Bars

Ingredients

For the Cake Bars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting (Optional Cream Cheese Frosting):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugar and eggs until light and slightly fluffy.
3. Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.
9. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk a little at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
10. Spread frosting over cooled bars, cut into squares, and serve!

Would you like a gluten-free or dairy-free version of this?