Sweet and Tangy Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies Recipe
Oh, fair culinary enthusiasts, lend me your ears! I bring you a delightful recipe born from the essence of the southern lands. A recipe so heavenly it will transport you to a tropical paradise on the very first bite. I proudly present to thee: Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies!
With my humble origins in the southern part of the United States, I have mastered the art of soul-touching cuisine. And what better way to entice your taste buds than with an irresistible treat that not only embodies the Southern charm and hospitality but also satisfies your sweet tooth with each and every crumb.
These pineapple bars are a sweet surprise with an airy texture that harmoniously blends with the juicy goodness of crushed pineapples and a buttery coconut crumble that will leave you yearning for more. This recipe is easy to follow, yet never fails to impress your guests, be it at a backyard party or a cozy Sunday brunch.
Friends, these southern-style Pineapple Bars are no ordinary dessert; they exude the same charisma and warmth as that of their birthplace. So come one, come all, indulge in this delicacy and let us savor this journey through flavors together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh sweet lovers of baked goods, gather closely to learn why this Southern Pineapple Bar Cookie recipe will melt your heart and satisfy those taste buds.
First and foremost, these bars are packed with delectable flavors that are sure to make you swoon. The combination of juicy crushed pineapple and flaked coconut makes for a tropical, yet earthy taste that is truly unforgettable. Plus, the burst of almond flavor in every bite will be sure to add an element of surprise to your palate.
But the real kicker here is the buttery pineapple crumble that tops these bars. It’s like biting into a warm hug on a breezy summer day – a hug that you won’t want to let go of anytime soon. It’s crunchy, sweet, and adds the perfect texture to these already mouth-watering bars.
What truly makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. These bars can be served at any occasion or for any mood. Fancying a light afternoon snack? These bars are perfect! Need something indulgent after dinner? Whip up a batch and share with friends and family! Moreover, they can easily be adapted into different variations by customizing ingredients like the substitution of fresh pineapples instead of crushed pineapples, and shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut.
Finally, not only will you love how delicious these Pineapple Bar Cookies taste, but you’ll also love how simple they are to make. With just one bowl and a few quick steps, you’ll have warm and delicious Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies ready in no time.
In summary, Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies are effortlessly delightful treats that are packed with flavor and easy to bake. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with them at the first bite!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these buttery pineapple crumble bars:
For the crust:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the filling:
- One can (20 oz) of crushed pineapple, drained
- 4 ounces (half a block) of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut
For the crumble topping:
- 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chopped into small pieces and chilled in the fridge
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup slivered or chopped almonds
Most of these ingredients are commonly found in your pantry. Keep in mind that for this recipe, it’s important to have the butter at room temperature, as well as the cream cheese. Draining the crushed pineapples is key to ensure a sturdy and not soggy crust.
The Recipe How-To
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
To begin this buttery pineapple crumble bar cookies recipe, you need to prepare your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp of baking soda and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter that is softened, 1 egg, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in small amounts until they are well combined.
Adding Pineapple and Coconut:
After well mixing the dry and wet ingredients, add in 1 can (20 oz) of drained and crushed pineapple and 1/4 cup of flaked coconut. Mix till the mixture forms chunks or crumbles.
Pressing Crumbs In a Baking Pan
Butter a 9-inch square pan or simply use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press some crumbs on the base of the pan forming an even thin layer. The remaining crumbs should be reserved for topping.
Baking Pineapple Bars
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
While waiting for your pineapple bars to bake, prepare the topping by mixing together 1/4 cup of butter, 1/3 cup of shredded coconut, and 1/4 cup of sugar in a separate bowl.
Once out from the oven use a knife to cut them into squares, then sprinkle the topping mixture over the bars.
For an extra pineappley texture, add chopped candied or fresh pineapple before adding toppings.
Serve your warm pineapple crumble bars with some cold glass of milk, coffee or tea!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! If thou art seeking ways to put thy own twist on the pineapple bars recipe, fear not, for I have some suggestions for thee!
Firstly, if thou prefer not to use flaked coconut, thou canst always substitute it with shredded coconut instead. It shall still provide a delightful texture and flavor to thy bars.
For those seeking a more intense pineapple flavor, thou canst add even more crushed pineapple or toss in some candied pineapple chunks to the mix.
If perchance thou art looking for a different kind of nutty flavor, fear not. Thou canst substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts.
Finally, if cream cheese is not readily available or thou simply dost not wish to use it, thou canst substitute it with mascarpone cheese. It will still give thee the same richness and tangy taste that cream cheese provides.
By switching up these ingredients or combinations thereof, thou shalt be able to create new and improved versions the buttery pineapple crumble bars, pleasing thy guests with new tropical pineapple flavors. Try them out at thy next gathering, and let them know that thou art an accomplished chef! Fare thee well.
Serving and Pairing
Hark! Once thou hast baked thy luscious Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies, it is best served at room temperature to enhance the buttery aroma and flavors of juicy pineapple, creating a perfectly balanced taste.
Pair thy pineapple bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Since the cookies are sweet, pairing them with a bitter beverage enhances their taste balance. You can also slice the bars into smaller squares and serve as a petit-four at formal events or as an afternoon snack.
The Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies offer versatility in home baking that allows you to combine with other tropical fruits or nuts with complementary flavors for an enhanced taste experience that meets your individual preferences. Consider adding coconut shavings or candied almonds to complement the flavors, add texture and crunch.
These pineapple bars make an excellent dessert for any occasion. From pineapple upside-down cake to a savory dinner menu, these bars will steal the hearts of your guests. You can elevate your meal by serving alongside chess bars, pineapple cake recipe, pineapple pie recipe, or any other tropical dessert like a fresh pineapple coconut salad.
May thy Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies pairing be sweet as honey and heavenly on thy taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Oh, but what if thou art a busy bee and have no time to whip up these delightful Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies every time thy sweet tooth screams? Have no fear, for I shall provide thee with tips on how best to store and reheat these buttery pineapple crumble bars.
To make ahead, simply bake the bars according to the recipe instructions and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. These bars can last up to three days in the refrigerator.
If thou desirest to keep them for a longer period of time, thou canst freeze them. To do so, again bake the bars according to the recipe instructions and let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the bars are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the bars to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to three months.
When it comes to reheating, remove the bars from the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature before serving. If stored in the fridge, they can be eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per bar. If thou hast frozen them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
And there you have it! With these handy tips on storing and reheating, thou shalt be able to enjoy these delicious Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies any time thy heart desires without having to worry about starting from scratch every time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Hark, my dear friend! As thou ponder over the recipe, I implore thee to take heed of these tips for a buttery pineapple crumble that thou shalt treasure forever. Without further ado, let us begin:
First and foremost, in making the Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies Recipe, one must use softened butter. Softened butter makes it easier to cream with the sugar until light and fluffy, resulting in a smooth batter. It is also important to use granulated sugar and not powdered sugar since it can alter the texture of the dough.
Another must is the use of a large bowl in creaming together the cream cheese, sugar, butter, and other ingredients. In doing so, be sure that your ingredients are at room temperature. This will allow them to mix entirely and leave no lumps behind.
Mixing the batter should be done gradually and thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The flour-butter-chop mixture should be meticulously done up until it’s crumbly but still with a buttery texture.
When prepping for pressing the crust mixture into the pan, one should spread it effectively as possible so that it has a uniform thickness all throughout. Furthermore, do not overdo the pressing because too much force might make it hard for toppings to stick properly later on.
Lastly, baking temperature affects the final result’s taste and texture; hence I recommend baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. And after baking wait until it cools down before cutting into squares to achieve cleaner cuts.
With these tips in mind, I am sure that you will achieve perfect results for your own Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies Recipe!
Bottom Line
Hark, dear readers! My soul exalts with joy for sharing this delightful Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies recipe with thee. These cookies are simply divine and will leave a taste that lingers long after the last crumb vanishes from your plate. The decadent flavor of pineapples, coconut, and cream cheese will rest thy spirit, filling thee with blissful nostalgia.
I hope my detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations have made it easier for you to enjoy the buttery pineapple crumble bars in your kitchen. With its versatility and simple preparation techniques, this recipe is perfect for tea parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet indulgence to lift thy spirits.
So hasten to try my recipe for Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies and let their tantalizing flavor dance on thy tongue. Thank me later once thou art savoring its heavenly taste. Adieu!
Southern Pineapple Bar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup flour
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Drain pineapple. Set aside.
- Mix flour and butter. Chop 1/4 cup almonds. Add to mixture with 1/4 cup sugar. Mix till crumbly. Press crumb mixture into 9" square pan.
- Bake at 350° for 12 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, egg, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla and drained pineapple. Mix well.
- Pour over crust.
- Top with coconut and remaining sliced 1/4 cup almonds.
- Continue to bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on rack.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Add Your Own Notes
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