Tropical Escape Soft Pineapple Crumble Bars

These Tropical Escape Soft Pineapple Crumble Bars bring a taste of the tropics to your dessert table. With a buttery crust, sweet pineapple filling, and a crumbly topping, these bars are a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a little tropical indulgence.

Tips:

1. Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple: While the recipe calls for canned pineapple chunks, you can substitute with fresh or frozen pineapple. Just make sure to drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy crust.
2. Press the Crust Firmly: When forming the crust, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure it holds together well after baking.
3. Even Distribution: When adding the pineapple and sour cream mixture, make sure to spread them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and well-set layers.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt, optional and to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup sour cream (plain or vanilla Greek yogurt may be substituted)
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• One 20-ounce can pineapple chunks, drained (fresh or frozen could likely be substituted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.

1. Make the Crust:

• In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, 1 cup flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, and optional salt. Using two forks or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized buttery bits.
• Reserve ¾ cup of this mixture for the crumble topping; set aside.
• Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
• Bake for 10 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling.

1. Make the Filling:

• In the same bowl used for the crust mixture, whisk together the egg, ½ cup granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and ¼ cup flour until smooth; set aside.

1. Assemble the Bars:

• Remove the crust from the oven. Evenly distribute the pineapple chunks over the crust, covering about 90% of the surface area.
• Carefully pour the sour cream mixture over the pineapple, ensuring it reaches the corners.
• Evenly sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top to create the crumble topping.

1. Bake:

• Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges and top are set.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely, at least 1 hour, before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your tropical escape with these soft and delicious Pineapple Crumble Bars!