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To make Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars, gather the following items: - 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained - 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. - Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free treat. - If you don’t have coconut milk, regular milk works too. - Try using agave or honey instead of sugar for a healthier sweetener. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Here are some tips: - Choose ripe pineapple for a sweet and juicy flavor. Look for a fragrant and firm fruit. - For coconut, check that it is fresh. It should smell sweet, not sour. - When buying eggs, look for ones with a clean shell and check the date. - Use flour that is unbleached for a more natural taste. Always check dates for freshness. By paying attention to the quality of your ingredients, you set the stage for delicious Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars. {{ingredient_image_2}} Let’s get started on these tasty Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars! First, gather your ingredients. You will need crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, flour, sugar, coconut milk, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This recipe is simple and fun. 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to get even baking. 2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can use cooking spray or parchment paper. This ensures easy removal later. 3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, melted butter, coconut milk, and vanilla. Stir these until they blend well. 4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. 5. Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently. Don’t worry about lumps; this keeps the bars soft. 6. Add Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Fold them into the batter carefully. 7. Pour Batter: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Make sure it fills all corners. 8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. 9. Cool Down: After baking, take the pan out and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, move the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. 10. Slice and Serve: Once cool, cut the bars into squares. For extra flair, sprinkle more shredded coconut on top. To check if your bars are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Remember, every oven is a bit different. Enjoy making these easy and tasty Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars! To get the best texture in your Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars, focus on mixing. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can make your bars tough. You want them soft and chewy. The crushed pineapple adds moisture, so make sure it’s well-drained. This keeps your bars from being too soggy. A few mistakes can spoil your bars. First, don’t skip the step of draining the pineapple. It’s vital! If you use too much liquid, the bars can become too wet. Second, check your oven temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges. Lastly, be careful with the baking time. If you bake too long, the bars will dry out. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Serving these bars can be fun! Try placing them on a colorful platter. Add fresh pineapple slices for a bright touch. You can drizzle coconut milk over the top for extra flavor. For a special treat, add a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut on each bar. These small touches can make your dessert look fancy and inviting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Pineapple: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned. It will enhance the tropical taste of your bars. Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary based on your oven. Always use a toothpick to check if the bars are fully baked; it should come out clean. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily add new flavors to your Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars. Lime juice gives a zesty kick. Just add one tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the wet mix. You can also add lime zest for more flavor. For a warm, spicy taste, add grated ginger. About one teaspoon of fresh ginger works well. These flavors mix perfectly with the pineapple and coconut. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap out the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. This change keeps the bars soft and tasty. Your family and friends will not know they are gluten-free! To make these bars vegan, you can replace the eggs. Use flax eggs instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. This works well as a binding agent. Also, swap the unsalted butter with coconut oil. This keeps the coconut flavor strong. To keep your Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between them. This method prevents sticking and keeps the bars moist. Store the container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to five days. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. When stored properly, these bars are best within five days in the fridge. If frozen, they taste great for up to three months. However, for the best flavor and texture, try to eat them sooner. The bars may lose some of their freshness over time, especially if not stored well. Enjoy them while they are still delicious! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them a day or two in advance. Once they cool, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. You can make these bars healthier with a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. This reduces refined sugar. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and coconut milk. Also, add in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. These bars pair well with many things. Serve them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or mango. A scoop of coconut ice cream makes a great treat, too. You can also drizzle some coconut milk on top for extra flavor. For a fun twist, try adding a tropical smoothie on the side. Enjoy your tropical feast! In this post, I shared how to make Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars. We covered key ingredients, how to pick fresh ones, and offered swaps if you need them. I walked you through the baking steps and shared tips for checking when they're done. I also gave advice on achieving the best texture and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about various flavor options and how to store leftovers. With this guidance, you can enjoy these sweet treats and share them proudly. Happy baking!

Tropical Pineapple Coconut Bars

Deliciously sweet bars made with crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, perfect for a tropical treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 1 2 unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 4 unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 2 vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for effortless removal of the bars once baked.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, melted butter, coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed and blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs until they become frothy. Carefully fold the beaten eggs into the batter, mixing until everything is fully combined without overworking the mixture.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, making sure to spread it evenly into the corners for uniform baking.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bars are ready.
  • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • After cooling, slice the baked creation into bars.

Notes

For an extra touch, consider sprinkling additional shredded coconut on top for garnish before serving.
Keyword bars, coconut, dessert, pineapple