Pineapple Coconut Bars

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A crisp shortbread crust is topped with a chewy gooey layer of pineapple and coconut to make these Pineapple Coconut Bars.

With a deep love of all things pineapple, I’ve been playing with the idea for Pineapple Bars for a while now and I’m thrilled to be sharing it with you at last!

Chewy, sweet, Pineapple Coconut Bars are a hit with everyone!

Not too sweet and slightly tart, these bars are a fruity tropical drink in bar cookie form. I liked these bars so much that I am making them again this weekend for a family barbecue and I’ll be posting a gluten-free version next week as well.

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Pineapple Recipes

When Dole asked me to create a pineapple recipe with their pineapple many years ago, my reply might have been the fastest yes I’ve ever typed. I’ve been partial to Dole ever since I started buying my own groceries.

Canned, fresh or frozen, I love pineapple in all forms. I didn’t even need to go to the store for the pineapple in this recipe. I had several cans ready to use, waiting in my pantry.

I have been on quite the pineapple kick lately, from crepes to salsa to stir-fry recipes; I can’t get enough of the sweet kick that pineapple adds to almost any recipe.

One of the reasons Dole pineapple is my favorite pineapple is because the slices, chunks, and tidbits hold their shape very well. There are never soggy or wilted pieces of fruit in the can.

I love how easy it is to just pull a bag out of the freezer or open a can and immediately get to enjoy the juicy sweet pineapple flavor I crave. As much as I enjoy fresh pineapple recipes, sometimes I just don’t have the time or energy to mess with the cutting and slicing.

I keep pineapple on hand year-round to add a sweet, tropical flavor to meals, snacks, and desserts. If you’re interested, you can check out all the pineapple recipes on my blog here.

Pineapple Coconut Bars

Coconut Recipes

Coconut and pineapple are a match made in tropical heaven. Whenever I can find a way to incorporate pineapple into coconut recipes and coconut into pineapple recipes, I go for it.

The texture of shredded sweetened coconut in these Pineapple Coconut Bars is off the charts delicious. The coconut adds a slight crunch to the smooth pineapple filling and looks pretty to boot.

I also love coconut sans pineapple and have had fun experimenting with different ways of using it in my baked goods, from Coconut Scone Cookies to Grandma’s Coconut Chews.

I’ve never met a coconut recipe I didn’t like. Next on my list to try are these Gooey Coconut Bars from Crazy for Crust.

Pineapple Coconut Bars recipe by Barefeet In The Kitchen

At the moment, these Pineapple Coconut Bars are all I need when it comes to fruity and tropical desserts. They’re also super easy to assemble and take less than an hour in the oven.

Perfect for parties, potlucks and afternoon snacks, everyone loves biting into these perfect pineapple coconut dessert bars. I mentioned before that they remind me of a fancy tropical drink (the Pineapple Coconut Sour cocktail) but in food form.

If that isn’t enough of a motivation to try these bars, I don’t know what is!

The flavors remind me a little of Pineapple Upside Down Cake but with a crisp, buttery crust and the perfect amount of coconut. If that sounds like your cup of tea, grab your pineapple and your shredded coconut and get baking.

Pineapple Coconut Shortbread Bars

Pineapple Coconut Bars

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the crust ingredients and press the mixture into the bottom of a well-greased or parchment-lined 10” square pan. Doubling this recipe will fill a 9×13 pan.
  2. Bake for 12 minutes (or 15 minutes for a doubled recipe).
  3. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool for 10 minutes while preparing the filling. Place the pineapple and 1 cup of shredded coconut in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, brown sugar and salt. Stir to coat. Mix together the eggs, vanilla and lime and stir into the pineapple mixture.
  4. Pour the filling over the crust and top with the remaining coconut. Bake for 25-27 minutes, until the coconut turns golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Pineapple Coconut Bars have been a favorite for years

If you would like to double this recipe, it will fill a standard 9×13 pan. You can make this recipe in an 8, 9 or 10-inch square pan. Simply increase the cooking times by a minute or two for slightly thicker bars in the smaller size pans.

If you are doubling the recipe, simply drain the pineapple (saving the juice for Pineapple Rice or this Smoothie or Sweet and Sour Stir Fry recipe) and use the full amount of pineapple in the can.

I highly recommend doubling the recipe, the bars freeze well and thaw perfectly in less than an hour!

Pineapple Coconut Bars

What’s your favorite recipe to make with pineapple? 

If you’re looking for ideas, this Pineapple Fluff Salad features a dreamy mix of cream cheese, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream is loaded with juicy bits of sweet tropical fruit.

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Pineapple Coconut Shortbread Bars

Pineapple Coconut Bars

4.74 from 26 votes
A crisp shortbread crust is topped with a chewy gooey layer of pineapple and coconut to make these Pineapple Coconut Bars.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients 

Crust Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter very soft or melted
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits in 100% juice drained
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Instructions

Crust Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the crust ingredients and press the mixture into the bottom of a well-greased or parchment lined 10” square pan. Doubling this recipe will fill a 9×13 pan. 
  • Bake for 12 minutes (or 15 minutes for a doubled recipe). Remove from the oven and let the crust cool for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.

Filling and Topping Instructions

  • Place the pineapple and 1 cup of shredded coconut in a bowl. Sprinkle with flour, brown sugar and salt. Stir to coat. Mix together the eggs, vanilla and lime and stir into the pineapple mixture.
  •  Pour the filling over the crust and top with the remaining coconut. Bake for 25-27 minutes, until the coconut turns golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal · Carbohydrates: 27g · Protein: 2g · Fat: 13g · Saturated Fat: 10g · Cholesterol: 35mg · Sodium: 102mg · Potassium: 138mg · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 17g · Vitamin A: 225IU · Vitamin C: 3.5mg · Calcium: 24mg · Iron: 1.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

{originally published 6/3/2013 – recipe notes updated 5/27/21}

Check out all of the Gluten Free Dessert Recipes on this website!

Pineapple Coconut Bars

Disclosure:  I was compensated to create a recipe for Dole Canned Pineapple (a product that I’ve used and loved in my own kitchen for years). All opinions shared about this product are my own.

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Mary Younkin

Mary Younkin

Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I'm also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.

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  1. Larry W. Pease sr says

    Made it. Added chopped cherries to the coconut topping
    Looks great. i doubled it and put in a med size cookie sheet with sides, works fine.5 stars

  2. Linda Borshay says

    I made this today. Because my pantry didn’t have Canned Pineapple, I used Fresh. Also, I had ½ pkg. Sweetened Coconut & ½ pkg. Organic, Unsweetened, so I used Half n Half at each point in the recipe. They’re delicious and to be honest, if I had used 100% sweetened coconut it would have been way too sweet for me.
    A couple of issues. The cookie base was not ‘crisp’. Description says crisp, should it be?
    I felt the pineapple was perhaps too wet, after dicing I should have drained it again. But overall I am very pleased with the outcome. Thinking about adding Rum To either the filling, or the cookie, or make a rum whipped cream! Piña Colada Pineapple Dessert.
    LOVED IT!5 stars

    • Mary Younkin says

      I’m thrilled that you love the recipe, Linda. Was the crust lightly browned after pre-baking it? If the pineapple was really wet, it may have caused it to soften. The crust is usually similar to a flaky shortbread, but not “crunchy” crisp.

    • Cathy Kiss says

      Hi Ellie. Just came across your post. I made the recipe using pineapple tidbits the first time and crushed pineapple the 2nd time. Both were delicious but I definitely prefer the consistency of the squares with the tidbits. I found the crushed pineapple even though I drained it, almost too moist and the pineapple taking over Athena flavour a bit.4 stars

  3. Laurel says

    These pineapple coconut bars were to die for!! Just wonder whether the crust will taste crisp if you double it for 13×9” pan? Thank you for the recipe!5 stars

    • Mary Younkin says

      Laurel – Yes the crust will still crisp up nicely. Just remember to bump the baking time up by a few minutes and you should be good.

  4. Julie Holliday says

    Have made this several times and always turns out delish, wondering if I can use graham cracker crust instead of shortbread just to change it up?? Thanks.5 stars

    • Mary Younkin says

      Julie – You could try it, I don’t think it will be as sturdy to hold up to the toppings. But it would probably taste great! Let me know if you try it.

  5. Cindy m says

    I doubled recipe and they were perfect! I am sure they will be a hit.. wish I could post a picture to show them off.5 stars

  6. Vixenvena says

    Amazing. These pineapple coconut bars are so good. I used a butane torch to toast the coconut. Mmmm… Definitely a family favorite!5 stars

  7. Ada says

    Hello! I’m so excited because I just made these for tomorrow and can’t wait to taste them. Just wondering though how do you store them?

  8. JZ says

    This is fabulous! And easy to make! My husband who neither criticizes nor compliments food said “those coconut things are really good.” I wanted to do a happy dance! 😁
    Very good recipe! Thanks for sharing.5 stars

  9. Cherie says

    Have you ever tried making these in a cookie sheet? I’m afraid a 13×9 won’t be enough 😂

  10. Katie H says

    Followed the recipe almost* exactly and they were so yummy.
    I used unsweetened coconut as it’s all I had. Worked totally fine if was definitely sweet enough5 stars