These Pineapple Cream Cheese Dessert Bars are a delightful treat with a creamy, tangy filling nestled in a buttery crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you’re craving a refreshing, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pineapple cream cheese filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired, cut into squares, and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Cream Cheese Dessert Bars!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.