Pineapple Cake Bars are a delightful, tropical treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bars have a moist and fluffy cake base, topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple layer, making them irresistible and refreshing.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 🍞 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🥛 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Pineapple Topping:
- 🍍 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, drained
- 🍯 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🍋 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 🍯 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌰 Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut (for a tropical twist)
📝 Directions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Base:
- 🍞 Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 🧈 Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- 🥣 Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix just until combined.
- 🍰 Spread in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Prepare the Pineapple Topping:
- 🍍 Cook the Pineapple: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- 🍋 Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If using, fold in the shredded coconut for extra flavor.
4. Assemble and Bake:
- 🍍 Top the Cake Base: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- 🔥 Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake base is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve:
- ❄️ Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- 🍽️ Serve: Slice into bars and serve. These bars can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your moist, sweet, and tangy Pineapple Cake Bars, perfect for any gathering or as a tropical treat at home!
⏱ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12 bars
🔥 Calories: 200 kcal per bar
💡 Notes:
- For a more decadent treat, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and pineapple juice over the cooled bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Pineapple Cake Bars! 🍍✨