Tropical Pineapple Bliss Bars are a delightful dessert that brings the refreshing flavors of pineapple together with a creamy, tangy filling over a soft, buttery crust. This treat is perfect for summertime gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a sweet tropical escape. The combination of the slightly tart pineapple with the rich, creamy filling makes this an irresistible dessert that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just looking for a simple recipe to try, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the crust, you’ll need the following
ingredients:
2 cups of all-purpose flour,
1/2 cup of granulated sugar,
and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
that has been softened to room temperature.
For the filling, you’ll need 1 can of crushed pineapple,
drained (about 20 ounces), 1 cup of sour cream,
1/4 cup of granulated sugar,
2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
These basic ingredients come together to create a dessert that is simple yet filled with flavor. The pineapple adds a juicy, refreshing element, while the creamy filling provides richness and smoothness to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
Step one is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bars from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, which makes it easier to lift the bars out after baking, especially if you plan to cut them into neat squares.
Now, let’s move on to the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the dough will start to come together when pressed. This step is crucial for forming a sturdy yet tender base for your tropical bars. Once mixed, press this crumbly dough into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is spread evenly across the bottom and pressed firmly. The crust should be about a quarter-inch thick and should cover the entire bottom of the dish uniformly. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. While the crust is baking, you can start preparing the filling.
For the filling, drain your can of crushed pineapple thoroughly. It is important to remove as much liquid as possible so that the filling doesn’t become too watery. Once drained, set the pineapple aside. In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The sour cream will provide a tangy, rich flavor to the filling, while the sugar balances the tartness. The eggs are crucial as they help the filling to set during baking. After the mixture is smooth, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break down the pineapple too much.
Once the crust has finished baking and has cooled slightly, pour the pineapple filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure the filling covers the crust completely and reaches the edges of the pan. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the filling has set, and the edges are lightly golden brown. You can check the doneness by gently shaking the pan. The center should no longer jiggle, but the filling should still look soft and creamy.
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is an essential step, as it allows the filling to set completely, making it easier to cut the bars cleanly. Once cooled, you can cut the bars into squares of your desired size. If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, dust the top of the bars with a light coating of powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds a lovely contrast to the tangy pineapple and makes the bars look even more tempting.
Tropical Pineapple Bliss Bars are best served chilled, so you may want to refrigerate them for at least an hour before serving. This dessert is perfect for warm days when you want something sweet, refreshing, and not too heavy. The combination of the buttery crust and creamy pineapple filling will have everyone reaching for seconds.
These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert option. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a picnic, or just want a delicious treat to enjoy with your family, Tropical Pineapple Bliss Bars are sure to be a hit. With their vibrant flavors and simple preparation, these bars are a go-to recipe for anyone looking to bring a taste of the tropics to their table.
Enjoy making and sharing these sweet and tangy pineapple bliss bars!