Easy Pineapple Coconut Bars: Tropical Dessert Delight!

Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars – doesn’t that just sound like a mini-vacation in every bite? I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that promises to whisk your taste buds away to a sun-drenched beach with every delicious square. For centuries, the vibrant, tangy flavor of pineapple combined with the rich, aromatic sweetness of coconut has been celebrated across tropical cultures, not just for their refreshing qualities but for their profound ability to evoke feelings of warmth and paradise.

Why These Bars Are Truly Irresistible

These delightful bars capture that essence perfectly, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your palate. What makes these treats truly irresistible, you ask? It’s the multi-layered magic: a buttery, crumbly base that melts in your mouth, a luscious, fruity filling bursting with tropical goodness, and a delightful, golden-brown toasted coconut topping that adds just the right amount of chew and crunch. They’re not just incredibly delicious; they’re also surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a casual family dessert or an impressive addition to any potluck or gathering. Get ready to fall in love with these easy-to-make Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars, a true testament to the power of tropical flavors.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shortbread Crust:
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
• For the Pineapple Coconut Filling:
  • 2 (20-ounce) cans crushed pineapple in juice, well-drained
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (170g) shredded unsweetened coconut (or sweetened, if you prefer a sweeter bar, adjust sugar accordingly)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• Optional Topping/Garnish:
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted, for garnish
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need:

To successfully create these incredible Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls (at least two)
• Medium mixing bowls (one or two)
• Electric mixer (stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer)
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender (optional, but helpful for the crust)
• Fine-mesh sieve or colander for draining pineapple
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife for cutting

Preparing the Shortbread Crust:

The foundation of our Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars is a buttery, tender shortbread crust. Getting this right sets the stage for a truly delightful treat.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This overhang will serve as handles later, making it incredibly easy to lift the baked bars out of the pan. I find this simple trick saves a lot of hassle and prevents the bars from sticking!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to gently mix these dry ingredients together, ensuring they are well-combined. This prevents pockets of unmixed ingredients in your crust.
3. Cut in Cold Butter: Now for the butter! Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. It’s crucial that the butter remains cold throughout this process; this is the secret to a tender, flaky shortbread crust. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to a tough crust. If using your hands, work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up too much.
4. Press into Pan: Transfer the crumbly crust mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass, the palm of your hand, or a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it forms a compact, uniform layer from edge to edge. A well-compacted crust provides a sturdy base for our filling.
5. Pre-Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps create a crisp crust that won’t become soggy once the moist pineapple filling is added. While the crust is baking, you can move on to preparing the delicious pineapple coconut filling.

Crafting the Pineapple Coconut Filling:

The star of these Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars is undoubtedly the vibrant, sweet, and tangy filling. Proper preparation here ensures a perfectly set and flavorful bar.

1. Thoroughly Drain Pineapple: This is arguably the most critical step for the filling. Open your two cans of crushed pineapple and pour them into a fine-mesh sieve or colander set over a bowl. Press down firmly on the pineapple with the back of a spoon or a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. I usually let it drain for at least 15-20 minutes, pressing periodically, to ensure it’s as dry as can be. Excess moisture will result in a runny filling, which we definitely want to avoid for firm bars.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until they are well combined and the mixture is light and slightly frothy. The sugar should be mostly dissolved at this point.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients for Filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt for the filling. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Gradually Incorporate Dry into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet egg and sugar mixture, whisking continuously until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher filling texture.
5. Fold in Key Flavor Components: Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, 2 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a wonderful brightness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple and coconut, elevating the flavor profile of your Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars significantly. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Assembling and Baking Your Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars:

With both the crust and filling ready, it’s time to bring everything together and bake these delightful bars to golden perfection.

1. Retrieve Pre-Baked Crust: Carefully remove the pre-baked shortbread crust from the oven. It should be lightly golden around the edges. There’s no need to cool the crust before adding the filling; you can pour the filling directly onto the warm crust.
2. Pour and Spread Filling: Evenly pour the prepared pineapple coconut filling over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust in the pan. Use your spatula to gently spread the filling to all corners, ensuring a uniform layer.
3. Optional Topping (if desired): If you like a little extra crunch and coconut flavor on top, now is the time to sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of shredded coconut over the filling. As it bakes, it will toast beautifully, adding another layer of texture and aroma to your Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars.
4. Bake to Perfection: Return the pan to the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The bars are ready when the filling is set (it should not jiggle significantly in the center when gently shaken) and the top is a beautiful golden brown. An inserted toothpick in the center might come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Cooling and Serving Suggestions:

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to these tempting Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars. Proper cooling is essential for neat, perfectly shaped bars.

1. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature. For the absolute best results and cleanest cuts, I highly recommend refrigerating them for an additional 1-2 hours (or even overnight) once they’ve reached room temperature. This firming-up process is crucial for the filling to fully set, ensuring that your bars hold their shape beautifully when cut. Resist the urge to cut them warm! Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
2. Lift and Cut: Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the baking pan and onto a cutting board. Discard the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into your desired size. I typically go for 12-16 bars, but you can make them smaller for a bite-sized treat or larger for a more substantial dessert. For perfectly clean cuts, wipe your knife clean with a damp cloth between each slice.
3. Garnish and Serve: If you’re feeling fancy, dust the cooled and cut Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. The optional toasted coconut topping also adds a lovely visual appeal and a slight crunch. These bars are fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars:

Achieving bakery-quality Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars is easier than you think with a few insider tips. I’ve gathered some of my best advice to ensure your baking success every time:

• Don’t Skimp on Draining the Pineapple:

  This cannot be stressed enough. If your pineapple isn’t thoroughly drained, your filling will be too wet, leading to a runny, soft bar that won’t hold its shape. You can even place the drained pineapple in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel and squeeze out even more liquid for optimal results. Think of it as a workout for your arms!

• Use Cold Butter for the Crust:

  Keeping your butter very cold for the shortbread crust ensures that it doesn’t melt too quickly during mixing. This creates pockets of steam in the oven, leading to a tender, flaky texture rather than a dense, hard one. If your kitchen is warm, you can even pop your bowl of flour and butter back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes if it starts to get too soft.

• Avoid Overmixing:

  Whether it’s the crust or the filling, overmixing can be detrimental. For the crust, it develops gluten, making it tough. For the filling, it can incorporate too much air, leading to a dry texture, or simply overwork the flour, changing the delicate consistency. Mix just until combined for the best texture in these Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars.

• Chilling is Non-Negotiable:

  I know it’s hard to wait, especially when your kitchen smells incredible, but chilling these bars completely is vital. Not only does it allow the filling to set properly, making them easy to slice, but it also enhances the flavors. The textures meld and the sweetness balances, making each bite even more satisfying. Plan ahead and give them ample time in the fridge.

• Storage Instructions:

  Leftover Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, though I find they stay freshest in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. They are also freezer-friendly! Cut bars can be wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

• Experiment with Zest:

  While lemon zest brightens the flavor beautifully, feel free to experiment with lime or even orange zest for a slightly different citrus note. Each will bring its own unique character to your Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars.

• Toast Coconut for Extra Flavor:

  If you’re using extra shredded coconut for a topping or garnish, lightly toasting it in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown before sprinkling it on adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor and a lovely aroma. Just be sure to watch it closely, as coconut can burn quickly!

• Don’t Forget the Parchment Paper Handles:

  Those parchment paper overhangs are not just for show! They make lifting the entire cooled slab of bars out of the pan incredibly easy, preventing any breakage or sticking. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in presentation and ease of cutting.

Following these tips will help you create a batch of Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars that are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Conclusion:

As we reach the sweet culmination of our culinary journey today, I genuinely hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve just discussed. These aren’t just any dessert bars; they are, in my humble opinion, an absolute triumph of tropical flavors and textures, a true testament to the simple joys of home baking. We’ve explored the incredible ease of their preparation, the delightful balance of sweet pineapple and rich coconut, and that utterly irresistible chewy, gooey texture complemented by a perfectly crumbly crust. I truly believe that once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’ve championed this recipe so passionately.

Think about it: the vibrant, sun-kissed sweetness of pineapple, perfectly harmonized with the creamy, aromatic depth of coconut, all nestled in a golden, buttery crust. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an edible escape, a mini-vacation for your taste buds, transforming your kitchen into a tropical paradise with every baking session. These Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars are a dessert that genuinely delivers on its promise of delight. They manage to be sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet comforting enough for a cozy evening at home. Their versatility makes them a staple in my baking repertoire, and I’m confident they’ll soon become one in yours too. They possess that rare quality of being universally appealing – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always leaves people asking for the recipe. The aroma alone as they bake is enough to uplift spirits, filling your home with a scent that promises warmth and happiness.

Now, let’s talk about how to make these delightful bars even more extraordinary, or perhaps how to tailor them to your specific preferences. While they are utterly perfect straight out of the oven, or after they’ve chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, there are a few serving suggestions and variations I absolutely love. For an elevated experience, try serving them slightly warm with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the bar’s chewy interior, creating an incredible textural contrast. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of lime zest, adds a light, airy touch that cuts through the richness beautifully. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top always enhances the presentation and brings an extra layer of nutty crunch. For an even more intense pineapple flavor, a drizzle of warm pineapple syrup or a few slivers of fresh pineapple on the side can be absolutely divine.

But don’t stop there! If you’re feeling adventurous, these bars are incredibly adaptable. Consider adding a handful of chopped macadamia nuts to the filling for an extra layer of tropical crunch and buttery flavor. For those who enjoy a little spice, a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can introduce a warm, exotic note that complements the pineapple and coconut surprisingly well. You could also experiment with a dark chocolate drizzle over the cooled bars for a richer, more decadent twist – pineapple and chocolate are a surprisingly good pairing! For a tart contrast, a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries could be folded into the filling before baking, adding a burst of fruity brightness. If you’re aiming for a different crust, try using crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers mixed with melted butter for a new foundation. For those with dietary considerations, this recipe is quite forgiving. You could easily substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust, or explore vegan alternatives for the condensed milk and butter to make these bars accessible to even more friends and family. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination and what you have in your pantry!

So, there you have it. My heartfelt recommendation and a plethora of ideas to make these spectacular bars truly your own. I genuinely implore you to set aside some time soon and give these Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars a try. Don’t just read about them; experience the joy of making them yourself. The process is incredibly rewarding, and the results, I promise, are nothing short of spectacular. Baking is, after all, an act of love – for yourself, for your family, and for anyone lucky enough to share in your creations. I’m incredibly excited for you to discover the magic that happens when these simple ingredients come together. Once you’ve baked them, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please come back and share your experiences in the comments section. Did you add any unique twists? How did your family react? What was your favorite part of the process or the taste? Your feedback and creative modifications not only make my day but also inspire others in our wonderful baking community. Let’s spread the tropical joy, one delicious bar at a time!

Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars

These Pineapple Coconut Delight Bars offer a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious pineapple coconut filling, and an optional toasted coconut topping, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for any gathering.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
1 Hours

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
16 bars

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Crust:
• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold, cubed
• For the Pineapple Coconut Filling:
• 2 (20-ounce) cans crushed pineapple in juice, well-drained
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (170g) shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• Optional Topping/Garnish:
• ¼ cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter until coarse crumbs form. Press firmly into the prepared pan and pre-bake for 18-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
2. Step 2
   Thoroughly drain 2 (20-ounce) cans crushed pineapple, pressing out excess liquid for at least 15-20 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk 4 eggs, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk ½ cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in drained pineapple, 2 cups shredded coconut, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest.
3. Step 3
   Pour the filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Optionally, sprinkle an additional ¼ cup shredded coconut on top. Return to the 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the filling is set and golden brown.
4. Step 4
   Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 2-3 hours, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours (or overnight) for best setting. Use parchment overhangs to lift bars from the pan and cut into 12-16 pieces. Garnish with powdered sugar or toasted coconut if desired, then serve.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.