Description
Pineapple Coconut Squares feature a buttery shortbread base, a sweet crushed pineapple filling, and a golden coconut topping. These easy dessert bars are perfect for parties, brunches, potlucks, and make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, plus 1 to 2 tablespoons more if the base feels too dry
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 can unsweetened crushed pineapple, 14 ounces, drained very well and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 1/2 cup shredded or flaked coconut, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender, fork, or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the shortbread mixture gently and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the base bakes, cream 1 tablespoon butter with 1/2 cup sugar and the room-temperature egg in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple and half of the coconut. Mix until evenly combined.
- Spread the pineapple coconut topping evenly over the baked shortbread base.
- Sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping sets and the coconut turns lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- Remove the egg from the refrigerator 45 to 60 minutes before baking so it blends smoothly into the topping.
- Drain the crushed pineapple very well, then squeeze out extra liquid with clean hands to prevent soggy bars.
- Store the cooled squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, with parchment or wax paper between layers.
- Freeze cooled squares for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.
- Thaw frozen squares overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 142
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 61
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 27