The Ultimate Tropical Escape: Easy Pineapple Cake Bars

When life gives you a craving for the tropics but you’re stuck in your kitchen, there is only one solution: Pineapple Cake Bars. This recipe is a delightful hybrid between a buttery shortbread cookie and a moist, tangy cake. Featuring a golden, crumbly crust, a lush pineapple and sour cream filling, and a coconut-infused drizzle, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Hi, I’m Jason Griffith, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that a good dessert bar should be easy to eat with one hand and impossible to put down. These Pineapple Cake Bars have become a staple in my household for everything from summer barbecues to cozy Sunday afternoons. Much like my Big Family Banana Pudding, they are designed to feed a hungry group with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

What sets this recipe apart from a standard yellow cake is the texture. The base starts with a cold-butter crust that mimics the snap of a high-end pastry. Then, the filling uses crushed pineapple and sour cream to create a custard-like consistency that is incredibly moist without being mushy.

If you’ve enjoyed making my Unicorn Poke Cake, you know I love a dessert that looks impressive but relies on smart, simple ingredients. These bars are exactly that. Plus, the coconut extract in the icing provides that “piña colada” vibe that makes every bite feel like a vacation.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): The sturdy base for our crumble.
• Cold Butter (¾ cup): Cubed. Using cold butter is essential for a flaky, shortbread-style texture.
• Sugar (½ cup): Just enough to sweeten the dough.
• Salt (Pinch): To balance the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Crushed Pineapple (16 oz can): Do not drain the juice! The liquid helps create the cake-like texture.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): This adds a subtle tang and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
• Eggs (2 large): To bind the filling together.
• Sugar (1 cup): To sweeten the tart pineapple.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): To thicken the custard.
• Salt (Pinch): To enhance the fruit flavors.

For the Icing:

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base of our sweet drizzle.
• Half and Half (2 tablespoons): For a creamy, opaque finish.
• Coconut Extract (1 teaspoon): The secret ingredient for that tropical aroma.

Swaps and Notes

• The Butter: Ensure your butter is straight from the fridge. If the butter melts before it hits the oven, the crust will be greasy rather than crumbly.
• Greek Yogurt Swap: If you’re out of sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt works as an excellent 1:1 substitute.
• Pineapple Variations: While crushed pineapple is best for a uniform bite, you can use tidbits if you prefer larger chunks of fruit.
• Extracts: If you aren’t a fan of coconut, swap the coconut extract for vanilla or almond extract for a more traditional flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut in the cubed cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Reserve and Press: Measure out 1 cup of this crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
4. Blind Bake: Bake the crust for 15 minutes. It should look set and very lightly golden around the edges.
5. Mix the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, crushed pineapple (with juice), sour cream, and salt in a large bowl.
6. Assemble: Pour the pineapple filling directly over the hot, pre-baked crust.
7. Top It Off: Evenly sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crust crumbs over the top of the pineapple layer.
8. The Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour. The top should be golden brown and the center should be set (it shouldn’t jiggle excessively when moved).
9. Cooling Phase: This is the hardest part—let the bars cool for at least 15-20 minutes. They need this time to “set” so they can be sliced cleanly.
10. Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar, coconut extract, and half and half until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the warm bars.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Over-mix: When blending the filling, mix just until the flour disappears to keep the bars light and airy.
• Clean Slices: For the cleanest squares, wipe your knife with a damp paper towel between every cut.
• Check Your Oven: Since every oven runs differently, start checking the bars at the 50-minute mark. You want a deep golden color on the crumbs.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bars are the perfect afternoon treat. For a complete “sunny day” vibe, I highly recommend serving these alongside a glass of my Blueberry Lemonade. The tartness of the berries and the tropical pineapple are a match made in heaven.

If you’re hosting a spring gathering, these look beautiful on a dessert platter next to my Spring Flower Pretzel Bites. The contrast of the salty pretzels and the sweet pineapple bars is always a hit!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated for 18 bars:

• Calories: 215 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 22g

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Room Temperature: You can keep these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Because of the sour cream and fruit content, I prefer keeping them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 5 days and actually taste amazing when chilled!
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before eating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the tropical flavors and easy preparation of these bars, you have to try these other fan favorites from the site:

• Easy Coconut Macaroons (3 Ingredients!) – Perfect for when you have leftover coconut extract!
• Big Family Banana Pudding – Another classic “crowd-feeder” that never fails.
• Unicorn Poke Cake – For when you want something bright, colorful, and fun.

Final Thoughts

These Pineapple Cake Bars are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a professional-quality dessert. They are bright, buttery, and full of sunshine. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add nuts? Did you try a different extract?

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts! Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac on social media for more easy, delicious recipes.