Pineapple Bliss Bars

These Pineapple Bliss Bars are a delightful tropical treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With their golden crust, juicy filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Pineapple Filling:

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper if needed.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1½ cups flour , ½ cup sugar , and salt .
2. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes , or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 cup sugar until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the ¼ cup flour , baking powder , and vanilla extract , and whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple , ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the pineapple filling evenly over the partially baked crust, spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Dust

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the filling set properly.
2. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
3. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Tips for Success

• Drain the Pineapple Well: Pat the crushed pineapple dry with paper towels or strain it thoroughly to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Optional Add-Ins: Stir in shredded coconut or chopped nuts (like macadamia or pecans) into the filling for added texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pineapple Bliss Bars are a tropical twist on classic dessert bars, offering a perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet-tart pineapple filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The crust is rich and crumbly, while the filling is soft, flavorful, and bursting with pineapple goodness. Whether you’re bringing these to a gathering or enjoying them at home, they’re guaranteed to impress. Dive into this sweet, tangy treat and savor every bite of its blissful flavor!