Description
Heavenly Pineapple Coconut Pecan Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
Evenly distribute the crushed pineapple over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and white chocolate chips over the pineapple layer.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your greased 8-inch square pan.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Next, layer the well-drained crushed pineapple, followed by sprinkles of chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and white chocolate chips.
4. Add the Final Touch: Drizzle the 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk in a zigzag pattern across the entire top layer.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the top is lightly golden. The key step is to let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before cutting; this ensures clean bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars chilled for a firmer texture. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or as a sweet finish to a summer barbecue. For a festive twist, garnish with a small piece of toasted pineapple or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
How-to Summary
Create a graham cracker crust, top with sweetened cream cheese, layer with pineapple, pecans, coconut, and white chocolate, drizzle with condensed milk, and bake. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, but ensure it is finely crushed and very well-drained. Canned pineapple is recommended for consistency and moisture control.
How should I store these bars? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers hold up best when kept chilled.
Can I freeze them? Absolutely. Freeze the whole pan or individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I substitute for pecans? Walnuts or macadamia nuts make excellent substitutes, or you can omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
My crust is crumbling when I cut. What happened? This usually means the crust wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the pan or the bars were cut before they were fully cooled. Ensure you press the crust down hard and allow for complete cooling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Pineapple: Excess liquid will make the bars soggy. Press the crushed pineapple in a sieve or with paper towels.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Ensure it is fully softened at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Cutting While Warm: This is the top mistake. The layers need time to set. Patience is key for clean squares.
- Overbaking: Bake only until the top is lightly golden. Overbaking can dry out the cream cheese layer.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Pineapple Coconut Pecan Bars are a perfect fusion of tropical flavors and creamy, crunchy textures. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive dessert that is both easy to make and unforgettable to eat. They are sure to become a requested favorite for any occasion.