If you’re looking for a cheerful treat that blends a sunny pop of pineapple with comforting, old-fashioned sweetness, Amish Pineapple Bars are destined to become a new favorite. Soft, moist, and crowned with a dreamy cream cheese frosting (plus plenty of toasted coconut!), these bars nail that perfect balance between homey nostalgia and a dessert that steals the spotlight at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Texture: Homemade Amish Pineapple Bars are decadently soft and moist thanks to crushed pineapple and a whisper of oil—each bite simply melts in your mouth.
- Irresistible Tropical Flavor: A dash of coconut extract and a burst of tangy lemon juice make these bars bright, fragrant, and deliciously unique.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Adaptable: Whether for potlucks, coffee breaks, or celebrations, these bars are always a conversation starter and can be tailored to suit any taste.
- Easy, Simple Pantry Ingredients: No hard-to-find items—just wholesome, familiar ingredients you probably already have waiting in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just classic pantry ingredients that, when mixed together, create pure magic. Each element in Amish Pineapple Bars is thoughtfully chosen, building both flavor and texture, with a pop of color from the pineapple and coconut.
- Oil: Keeps the bars incredibly moist and tender—vegetable or canola oil both work perfectly.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the goodness together for the perfect chewy bite.
- Lemon Juice: A bit of brightness to balance the sweetness and add a little zing!
- Coconut Extract & Vanilla Extract: These extracts layer lovely tropical and comforting flavors into every bite.
- Flour: Gives the bars their structure, but don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bars, letting the pineapple shine.
- Salt & Baking Soda: Essential for flavor and proper rise—don’t skip them.
- Crushed Pineapple (undrained): The star ingredient! Adds moisture, flavor, and a subtle golden hue. Remember to reserve a little for the frosting.
- Butter & Cream Cheese: For a luscious, tangy, fluffy frosting you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting until it’s perfectly spreadable.
- Walnuts (optional): Adds wonderful crunch and a nutty note when toasted.
- Sweetened Flaked Coconut: For toasty, golden, irresistible topping and extra tropical flair.
Variations
What’s wonderful about Amish Pineapple Bars is just how easy they are to adapt. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins, swap ingredients for special diets, or put your own twist on the frosting and toppings to match your mood or what’s in your pantry.
- Swap Walnuts for Pecans: Pecans give an even sweeter, buttery crunch if you’re out of walnuts (or just prefer a different nut).
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese in the frosting for an allergy-friendly treat that still tastes rich and luscious.
- Fresh Pineapple Upgrade: Have fresh, juicy pineapple? Dice and pulse in a food processor in place of canned—it imparts a slightly more vibrant flavor.
- No Coconut Extract? Increase the vanilla, or try almond extract for a deliciously nutty undertone.
How to Make Amish Pineapple Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a rimmed sheet pan. Since you’ll be pouring in a fairly loose batter, make sure your pan has edges to keep everything contained. This keeps the bars from sticking and makes cutting a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, lemon juice, coconut extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended. This fragrant mixture sets the stage for the tropical flavors to come alive.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a second bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures a consistently light crumb—no clumps or surprise salty pockets here!
Step 4: Bring Everything Together & Add Pineapple
Add the dry mixture to your wet mixture and stir gently until just combined—overmixing will make the bars tough. Then, fold in the undrained crushed pineapple (don’t forget to reserve a few tablespoons for the frosting!). The batter will be thick, but the pineapple juice will create the signature tender texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your greased sheet pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bars are puffed, golden, and a toothpick comes out nearly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bars bake, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a big bowl until smooth and light. Stir in the reserved pineapple, vanilla, and coconut extract. Add powdered sugar little by little (it helps prevent clouds of sugar in your kitchen!) and beat until fluffy and thick. Now you’ve got a frosting worthy of these bars.
Step 7: Toast Coconut & Walnuts for Topping
In a large skillet, toast the flaked coconut and chopped walnuts over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Stir constantly—they go from perfect to scorched in a flash. Cooling them on a plate helps them crisp up beautifully!
Step 8: Frost, Top, and Slice
Once the bars are cool enough (or if you simply can’t wait, it’s okay if the frosting melts a touch!), slather on a thick layer of frosting. Sprinkle generously with your toasted coconut and walnuts. Cut into 12–16 bars and revel in your masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Making Amish Pineapple Bars
- Don’t Drain the Pineapple: The juice is your secret weapon for ultra-moist, flavorful bars—just be sure to reserve a bit for the frosting!
- Gentle Mixing Is Key: Stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears to keep the bars soft (overmixing makes them dense).
- Perfect Toast: Toast coconut and nuts separately if you want the most even color and crunch—watch closely, they toast fast!
- Cool Before Frosting: If you want distinct, cloud-like frosting, let the bars cool completely before slathering on the cream cheese layer.
How to Serve Amish Pineapple Bars
Garnishes
Pile on a little extra toasted coconut, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or even a few curls of lemon zest for a dazzling finish. For a hint of elegance, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks inviting and highlights the tropical theme.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a truly special spread, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or an array of berries—the acidity and brightness play off the rich frosting in the most delightful way.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut Amish Pineapple Bars into bite-sized squares and stack them on a tiered cake stand for eye-catching height. Or, plate individual bars with a swirl of whipped cream and a cherry on top for an old-school bakery vibe that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover bars tightly and refrigerate—they’ll stay soft and fresh for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more irresistible on day two and beyond!
Freezing
Amish Pineapple Bars freeze like a dream! Wrap individual bars (frosted or unfrosted) well in plastic and foil, then tuck them into an airtight container for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge for a cool, creamy treat.
Reheating
If you love your bars just slightly warm, remove from the fridge and let them come to room temperature—or pop unfrosted bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Add frosting and toppings after warming for the neatest results.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for Amish Pineapple Bars?
Yes, you can! Just finely chop or lightly pulse fresh pineapple (including its juice), using about the same weight as a standard can. The flavor is bright and vibrant, though the texture will be slightly more rustic—just make sure you include all the natural juice for that signature moistness.
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Is there a way to make Amish Pineapple Bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the walnuts in the batter and on top. The bars will still have gorgeous texture from the coconut, and you can add extra toasted coconut or even sunflower seeds for a lovely crunch.
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Can I make Amish Pineapple Bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Once baked and frosted, cover and refrigerate them—they’ll taste even better the next day. Add the toasted coconut and walnuts just before serving for best crunch.
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How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Gently insert a toothpick near the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. The edges should look lightly golden and begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a little sunshine on a cloudy day or eager to wow your friends at your next get-together, Amish Pineapple Bars deliver feel-good flavor every single time. I just know you’ll fall in love with how simple, nostalgic, and joyfully delicious they are—go ahead and treat yourself to a batch (or two) soon!
Print
Amish Pineapple Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist Amish Pineapple Bars topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, crunchy walnuts, and sweet coconut flakes. This recipe is perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained (three tablespoons set aside for the frosting)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons crushed pineapple
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a sheet pan with edges.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oil, beaten eggs, lemon juice, coconut extract, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the undrained crushed pineapple.
- Bake the bars: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in reserved crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and coconut extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Toast coconut and walnuts: Toast coconut flakes and walnuts in a skillet over medium heat, being careful not to burn them.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars are done, frost them with the cream cheese mixture, and top with toasted coconut and walnuts.
Notes
- For added crunch, try adding chopped macadamia nuts to the topping.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
