Amish Pineapple Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat with a sunny twist, look no further than Amish Pineapple Bars. These moist, tender bars bring a burst of pineapple flavor wrapped in a soft, cake-like base, finished off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting and a shower of toasted coconut and walnuts. Every bite is pure nostalgia and tropical joy, with a texture so irresistible you’ll want to share—and make—this recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Amish Pineapple Bars truly magical is the harmony of everyday ingredients working together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each item—from tangy lemon to tropical pineapple—adds distinct flavor, soft crumb, or that signature creamy finish. Here’s what you need and why:

• Oil: Adds moisture to ensure bars bake up tender and don’t dry out.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness so the bars hold together yet stay soft.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the sweetness, balancing flavors with a hint of freshness.
• Coconut Extract: Enhances the tropical notes and complements the pineapple beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic warmth that rounds out every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: The building block—gives shape to your bars’ soft, cake-like crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars just right and helps achieve a golden, tender bake.
• Salt: Tiny but mighty—pulls out all the best flavors.
• Baking Soda: Lifts and lightens the bar so it’s not dense or heavy.
• Crushed Pineapple (undrained): The star ingredient adds fruitiness, moisture, and an unmistakable sunny flavor.
• Butter (softened): For the cream cheese frosting, delivers tons of flavor and a silky texture.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Tangy, smooth, and utterly irresistible in the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting so it’s spreadable and luscious.
• Walnuts (optional): Toasted walnuts bring rich crunch and earthy flavor.
• Sweetened Flaked Coconut: Toasted for topping—crisp, sweet, with a tropical essence.

Variations

The charm of Amish Pineapple Bars is how wonderfully easy they are to adapt to your mood, pantry, or dietary preferences. Swap, tweak, and experiment—these bars are totally forgiving!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and enjoy bars just as moist and delicious.
• Pecan Lovers’ Version: Swap walnuts for toasted pecans to add a nutty, buttery twist to the topping.
• Skip the Nuts: Leave out the walnuts entirely for a coconut-only finish (perfect if you’re avoiding nuts).
• Zesty Citrus Upgrade: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter or frosting for a subtle, extra-bright note.

How to Make Amish Pineapple Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a rimmed sheet pan (about 10×15 inches is perfect). Because the batter is pourable, those edges are essential—no one wants to lose delicious batter over the side!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, beaten eggs, lemon juice, coconut extract, and vanilla extract. This fragrant mixture is the start of your flavor-packed base!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a second bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Mixing these separately means your baking soda and salt will be evenly dispersed throughout the batter—goodbye, clumps!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet, gently mixing until just combined. Fold in the entire can of crushed pineapple (undrained, except for the three reserved tablespoons for the frosting). The batter will be thick but luscious—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it evenly to the edges. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bars are golden, set in the center, and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 6: Make the Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

As the bars bake, beat your softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Mix in the reserved pineapple, vanilla, and coconut extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The frosting should be thick, fluffy, and slightly tangy from the pineapple.

Step 7: Toast the Coconut and Walnuts

Toast the coconut flakes and walnuts in a large dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often. They brown quickly, so keep a close eye and remove from heat as soon as they’re fragrant and golden.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the bars are cool enough (but they can be frosted while still slightly warm for extra gooeyness!), spread on the pineapple cream cheese frosting. Scatter the toasted coconut and walnuts generously over the top. Slice into bars, serve, and prepare to wow your crowd!

How to Serve Amish Pineapple Bars

Garnishes

These bars look spectacular with their whimsical sprinkle of toasted coconut and walnuts. For extra flair, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few curls of candied pineapple for an eye-catching, bakery-worthy presentation.

Side Dishes

Amish Pineapple Bars are perfectly at home as a brunch treat alongside fresh fruit salad, a chilled glass of lemonade, or strong hot coffee. For dessert, they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into triangles or diamonds for a fun twist, or arrange bites on a tiered cake stand for potlucks. For special occasions, serve mini bars in cupcake liners—each one a delightful, portable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Amish Pineapple Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delish for up to 5 days—though, if your household is anything like mine, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

For longer keeping, freeze fully cooled, unfrosted bars (if possible) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. You can freeze frosted bars as well—just separate layers with parchment and thaw before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Enjoy bars straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften the frosting. If you love a slightly warm bar, pop an unfrosted slice into the microwave for just a few seconds before adding topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so cheerful about Amish Pineapple Bars—they’re the bake that always makes everyone smile. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet piece with coffee, I hope you find as much joy in this recipe as I do. Give them a try—you might just start a new family tradition!

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