Pineapple Bliss Bars

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Quick Benefits

Pineapple Bliss Bars are a tropical-inspired dessert that offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. They’re easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and are perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or casual family desserts. With a buttery crust and creamy pineapple filling, these bars bring sunshine to your plate any time of year.

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Essential Ingredients

• Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Filling:
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, well-drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Topping:
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to create the crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the crushed pineapple, sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Once the crust is baked, pour the filling over the warm crust.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

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Health Benefits

While Pineapple Bliss Bars are a treat, they do offer some nutritional value:

• Pineapple provides vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Eggs offer protein and essential nutrients.
• Sour cream adds calcium and probiotics (if using full-fat cultured versions).

To make them slightly healthier, you could reduce the sugar or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent twist.
• Complement the tropical flavor with a fresh fruit salad or mint garnish for a bright finish.

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Creative Variations

• Add toasted coconut to the filling or as a topping for added texture.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
• Stir in a handful of white chocolate chips for a richer bite.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for a warm spice note.

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Pro Tips

• Drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy filling.
• Use parchment paper in your baking dish for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
• Let the bars cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Chill for 1–2 hours before serving for firmer texture and easier plating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes, just make sure to finely chop it and remove excess juice to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans for larger batches. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dessert actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle. Just keep it chilled until serving.

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