Hawaiian Pineapple Bars Recipe

Hawaiian Pineapple Bars are a tropical, sweet treat that combines the rich flavors of coconut, chocolate, and walnuts over a graham cracker crust. Though the recipe doesn’t include pineapple, it evokes the tropical spirit of the islands with its delicious, chewy texture and nutty crunch. This dessert is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and it’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups flaked coconut
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a firm and even crust.
3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
4. Top the Bars: In a separate bowl, mix together the flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the condensed milk layer, ensuring that everything is well-distributed.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly browned on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. They can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Pineapple Addition: For a true “Hawaiian” twist, add 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple to the coconut mixture before baking. This will enhance the tropical flavor and add extra moisture to the bars.
• Dried Fruit: Add dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or dried pineapple for additional sweetness and texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie base if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Chocolate Options: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store these Hawaiian Pineapple Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Alternatively, they can be kept in the refrigerator for a slightly firmer texture.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use graham crackers instead of graham cracker crumbs?
   Yes, you can crush your own graham crackers using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin.
2. Can I add fresh pineapple to the recipe?
   Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure it’s finely chopped and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the bars.
3. What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
   You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of regular milk and sugar, though the texture and sweetness may differ slightly.
4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. They store well, and the flavors will continue to meld as they sit.
5. Can I use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut?
   Yes, you can use either coconut flakes or shredded coconut. Just be sure to check the texture you prefer—flakes are larger, while shredded coconut tends to be finer.
6. Can I make these bars in a smaller pan?
   Yes, you can use a smaller pan, but adjust the baking time as needed. The bars will be thicker, so they may need a little longer in the oven.
7. How do I make these bars even more decadent?
   For extra richness, drizzle the top of the bars with melted chocolate after baking or add a layer of chocolate ganache on top before serving.
8. Can I use different nuts?
   Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts depending on your preference.
9. Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
   To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips in place of the traditional ingredients.
10. What can I serve these bars with?
    These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of coffee, or even a tropical fruit salad for a more summery dessert.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pineapple Bars are an irresistible treat that combines sweet, rich ingredients with a satisfying crunch. With layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate, and walnuts, these bars offer a tropical escape in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family dessert, a picnic, or just because, they are sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, these bars will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Print