Pineapple Bliss Bars – A Tropical, Buttery Treat!

If you love pineapple desserts, these Pineapple Bliss Bars will be your new favorite! These soft, buttery bars are bursting with sweet, tangy pineapple flavor, a hint of coconut, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving them at a summer party, holiday gathering, or as an afternoon snack, these bars bring a taste of the tropics in every bite! Let’s get baking!

Description

These Pineapple Bliss Bars are soft, moist, and packed with juicy pineapple, topped with a luscious glaze for extra sweetness. Made with simple ingredients, these bars are easy to bake and absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drained, with ¼ cup juice reserved)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for tropical flavor)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Stir in crushed pineapple (drained) and shredded coconut if using.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

1. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let set before slicing.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

• Cut into 12 squares and enjoy!
• Garnish with toasted coconut or extra pineapple bits for a fancy touch.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
• Want extra crunch? Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts.
• If using fresh pineapple, finely chop it and drain well before adding.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: pineapple bars, tropical dessert, easy pineapple recipe, pineapple coconut bars

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk & spatula
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Parchment paper

Helpful Tips for Perfect Pineapple Bliss Bars

1. Drain the Pineapple Well

• Too much moisture = soggy bars! Press the crushed pineapple with a paper towel after draining.
• Reserve ¼ cup of juice for the glaze—don’t toss it all!

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Stir just until combined—overmixing makes the bars dense instead of soft and tender.

3. Prevent Overbaking

• Check at 25 minutes—they should be lightly golden but still soft in the center.
• Overbaking dries out the bars, so remove them when a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.

4. Let the Bars Cool Before Adding Glaze

• Warm bars absorb glaze and can become too soft. Let them cool completely for a smooth drizzle.

5. Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple

• Fresh pineapple adds a more vibrant flavor—just chop finely and drain well.
• Canned pineapple is easier and keeps the bars moist and consistent.

6. Make the Glaze Thicker or Thinner

• For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
• For a lighter drizzle, add extra pineapple juice.

7. Want Extra Flavor? Try These Additions!

½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy taste.
¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for crunch.
½ teaspoon coconut extract for stronger tropical vibes.

8. Best Way to Cut Clean Squares

• Chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing for neater edges.
• Use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts.

9. How to Store & Keep Fresh

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days.
• Freeze (without glaze): Up to 2 months.

10. How to Serve for Extra Yum!

Warm with vanilla ice cream for a pineapple cobbler feel.
Top with toasted coconut or white chocolate drizzle.
Pair with coffee or tea for a tropical afternoon treat.

Conservation and Storage for Pineapple Bliss Bars

Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If stacked, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Best stored without glaze if keeping at room temp.

Refrigeration (Best for Longer Freshness)

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Let bars come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

Freezing Before Adding Glaze (Best Method)

1. Allow the bars to cool completely.
2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Freezing After Glazing

• Place bars on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour to firm up the glaze.
• Wrap in plastic wrap + foil or store in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: No reheating needed—just serve and enjoy!
• Warm Option: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Make-Ahead Tip

• Bake the bars a day in advance, refrigerate, and glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor.

this RECIPE

Substitutions and Variations for Pineapple Bliss Bars

This recipe is super versatile! Whether you need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-sugar option, or want to add fun twists, here are some delicious ways to customize your bars!

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option:

• Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.

Dairy-Free Option:

• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Egg-Free Option:

• Use 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) as a binding replacement.

Lower-Sugar Option:

• Reduce sugar to ½ cup or replace with coconut sugar or honey.

No Pineapple Juice for the Glaze?

• Use orange juice or coconut milk instead for a creamy, tropical glaze.

Flavor Variations

1. Coconut Pineapple Bliss Bars

• Add ½ teaspoon coconut extract for extra tropical flavor.
• Stir in ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes into the batter.

2. Pineapple Upside-Down Bars

• Arrange maraschino cherry halves on the batter before baking for a fun upside-down cake twist.

3. Pina Colada Bars

• Mix in ½ teaspoon rum extract for a Pina Colada-inspired flavor.
• Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical crunch.

4. Spiced Pineapple Bars

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy taste.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar instead of glaze.

5. Chocolate Pineapple Bliss Bars

• Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
• Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips into the batter for extra sweetness.

6. Nutty Pineapple Bars

• Add ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts, pecans, or walnuts for crunch.
• Sprinkle nuts over the glaze for extra texture.

7. Pineapple Lemon Bars

• Swap vanilla extract for lemon extract for a citrusy zing.
• Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter for brightness.

8. Frosted Pineapple Bars

• Instead of glaze, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top!
• Mix in a touch of pineapple juice into the frosting for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas

Pair with vanilla ice cream for a pineapple cobbler feel.
Top with toasted coconut or a caramel drizzle.
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or iced tea for a refreshing treat.

Frequently Asked Questions Pineapple Bliss Bars

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Just finely chop the fresh pineapple and drain it well to remove excess moisture. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of flour if the batter seems too wet.

2. How do I keep my bars from being too moist or soggy?

• Drain the crushed pineapple well before adding it to the batter.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the bars dense.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly softer, but they’ll still be delicious!

4. Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

5. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

• For a thicker glaze: Add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
• For a thinner drizzle: Add extra pineapple juice ½ teaspoon at a time.

6. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes!

• Without glaze (best method): Wrap in plastic wrap + foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before glazing.
• With glaze: Flash-freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then store in a freezer-safe container.

7. Can I make these into muffins or cupcakes?

Yes! Pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. How can I add extra texture and flavor?

• Stir in ½ cup chopped nuts (macadamia, pecans, or walnuts) for crunch.
• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical finish.

9. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes!

• Bake the bars a day in advance, store in the fridge, and glaze just before serving.
• They actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld!

10. What’s the best way to serve Pineapple Bliss Bars?

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Chilled with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
• With coffee or tea for a light, tropical snack.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Bliss Bars are soft, buttery, and full of tropical flavor! Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.

Try them and let me know what you think! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your tropical creation!

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