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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!
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.
Pineapple Recipes
When Dole asked me to create a pineapple recipe with their pineapple tidbits many years ago, my reply might have been the fastest yes I’ve ever typed. I’ve been partial to Dole pineapple 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 pineapple salsa to this sriracha chicken stir-fry; 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.
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.
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. 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 Bars
- 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. 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!
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 Sweet and Sour Stir Fry) 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!
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.
Pineapple Coconut 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!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 6/3/2013 – recipe notes updated 5/27/21}
Check out all of the Gluten Free Dessert Recipes on this website!
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.
I rarely leave comments but my husband and I raved about this dessert when it was done. I made the dessert with blackberries instead of pineapple and it was delicious. Soft and gooey; just perfect. It is my new favorite go-to dessert. I’ll try it with other fruits as well. Thanks for a great recipe!!!
I’m thrilled that you liked it so much! I love the idea of trying it with blackberries too.
Can’t rave enough about these! Simply delicious! I’ve made them at least 6 times since I found this recipe. Best eaten warm and alone right out of the oven!
Why the lime? Could there be a substitutefor the lime?
Feel free to skip the lime or use lemon instead. I like the slight tang and balance it adds to the recipe, but it isn’t required.
This recipe does not say what ingredients and how much to use for gluten free
Could you tell me what I need to use and the amount of ingredients
Thank you
Fabulous recipe! I made this for my parents who love coconut and pineapple, and it was a huge hit. I added a splash of white rum to the filling and called them “Pina Colada Bars.”
One question — if making these ahead to serve in a day or two, would you refrigerate after they cool? Thanks!
I don’t think it would hurt to keep them in the fridge and it might keep them fresh for longer. I’m glad you like them!
Simply Delicious!! I don’t usually leave comments but these were so good and easy I wanted to let you know ! I didn’t have lime but used lemon instead and they were so good. I will definitely use other fruits, it will be my go to from now on! Thanks for sharing.
There seems to be an issue with the amount of coconut. Is it suppose to have 2 cups total of coconut? Would I sprinkle on and additional cup…instructions are incomplete.
Haven’t tasted them yet, hoping to get a quick response as they need to go into the oven
The bars have 1 cup of coconut stirred into them. Then they are topped with an additional cup of coconut. There is a total of 2 cups coconut in this recipe. (1 cup is listed for the bars and 1 cup is listed for the topping.) Enjoy!
by tidbits do you mean pieces of crushed pineapple or the larger non crushed chunks??? TY
Tidbits is actually a specific size. They are about 1/4 the size of pineapple chunks. You can find pineapple tidbits in the canned food section with the rest of the pineapple selection.
I rarely comment on recipes but OMG These were so delicious !! The recipe is a keeper for sure !! Thanks so much !!
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the pineapple coconut bars so much!! I LOVE this recipe.
I am soooo excited to try this recipe. The combination of pineapple and coconut is my favorite. Thank you for sharing. I think I may add a few macadamia nuts for a little extra crunch and island feel.
I hope that you love these bars as much as we do, Lisa.
Hi Mary,
Can you make those bars without coconut?
Thank you
Kat
This particular recipe will not hold together without the coconut, Katarina.
Could I make these ahead and freeze them?
Yes, these bars will freeze nicely, Jamie.
I’m getting ready to make these and is it really a whole stick of butter which is 1/2cup.?
That is correct for the crust, Pat.
I am making these and will be sending them to another state for friends who raved about them one other time I made them. Would they travel okay? Any tips? We simply adore these for guest dinners!
Honestly? I’m not sure about shipping these unless you’re shipping them frozen and with overnight delivery. This is a pretty soft bar and unfortunately, they aren’t likely to travel well when they get warm, Courtney.
2 questions can I freeze these and can I use crushed pineapple?
These bars will freeze nicely, Pat. Crushed pineapple will not work for this recipe. If you can’t find tidbits in the store, chunks may be used, just slice them smaller before using them.
The filling has flour in it, so it is not “ naturally gluten-free”.
Thanks for catching that, Celia! I’ve since made these with GF flour blends swapped in and they work great. I hope that helps!
Can I substitute gluten free flour in this recipe? I need to make gluten free squares for a tea.
Gail
A blend like cup4cup should work in this recipe, Gail. Happy baking!
Thanks Mary. I will let you know how it works. I bought the 1 to 1 Bob Mills Gluten Free Flour Blend. I love pineapple squares so I hope these work.
Gail
This is the recipe that pops up when clicking on the link for pineapple coconut bars on your gluten free recipe page. But this recipe doesn’t give substitutions for regular flour like your other recipes to make it gluten free,
oh my goodness! this one shouldn’t be listed there. I will correct that now. Thanks for the heads up, Beth!
Hi Mary! I just love your gluten free recipes, as I have no choice but to bake gluten free. Have you substituted the 1 cup of a.p. flour for gluten free flour? I know you always mention it when you do. But these looked so delicious that I had to ask. I know shortbread batter is different than cake batter, but a girl can hope. Right? Thank you.
Oops. I didn’t see the above comments. Sorry.
I cannot find pineapple tidbits in the grocery stores. Only sliced and crushed.
Hi Dianne, I’d pick up the pineapple slices and cut them into small tidbits. Crushed pineapple will not work for this recipe.