Sunny Pineapple Oatmeal Delight Bars
Transport yourself to a sunlit afternoon with these delicious Pineapple Oatmeal Delight Bars. Inspired by a cherished church friend from my childhood, this recipe brings memories of warm gatherings and sweet aromas filling the kitchen. Each bite combines the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple with a buttery, golden oatmeal crust that offers a satisfying crunch while remaining soft and chewy. The subtle balance of sugar allows the natural sweetness of the pineapple to shine through. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a delightful gift wrapped snugly for a loved one. While traditionally prepared, consider adding your favorite nuts or coconut for an extra layer of texture. Don't forget to bake this delight on a sturdy surface to keep it intact. These bars are sure to become a cherished favorite, just as they have in my family!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce can, do NOT drain)
Sugar
1 (cup)
Cornstarch
3.5 (tablespoons)
Oatmeal
1.75 (cups (quick or old-fashioned))
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Brown sugar
1 (cup)
Flour
1.5 (cups)
Baking powder
1 (teaspoon)
Butter or margarine
3/4 (cup, softened)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch, mixing them well to avoid clumps.
2
Add the can of crushed pineapple (including all juice) to the sugar mixture and cook over medium heat.
3
Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine oatmeal, salt, brown sugar, flour, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute dry ingredients.
5
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work in the softened butter until the mixture resembles uniform crumbs.
6
Set aside 1 1/4 cups of the crumb mixture for topping.
7
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan, ensuring to work up the edges slightly to create a barrier for the filling.
8
Pour the cooled pineapple filling over the pressed crust, spreading it out evenly.
9
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the pineapple filling, ensuring an even distribution.
10
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly firm.
11
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles to serve.
Nutrition Information
5.25g
Fat
18g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
6.83g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sunny Pineapple Oatmeal Delight Bars?
They are tropical dessert bars featuring a buttery, golden oatmeal crust and a sweet crushed pineapple filling.
What is the texture of these pineapple bars?
These bars offer a satisfying crunch from the oatmeal crust while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
Should I drain the pineapple for the filling?
No, do not drain the pineapple; use the entire 20-ounce can including all the juice.
How do I prevent clumps in the pineapple filling?
Mix the sugar and cornstarch together well in a medium saucepan before adding the pineapple to avoid clumps.
What size can of crushed pineapple is required?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple.
What is used to thicken the pineapple filling?
Cornstarch is the thickening agent used for the pineapple mixture.
How should I cook the filling?
Cook the sugar, cornstarch, and pineapple over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick.
Do I need to cool the filling before assembly?
Yes, remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool completely before pouring it over the crust.
What type of oats are best for this recipe?
You can use either quick oats or old-fashioned oatmeal.
How do I mix the butter into the crust ingredients?
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like uniform crumbs.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How much of the crumb mixture should be saved for the topping?
Set aside 1 1/4 cups of the crumb mixture to sprinkle over the top of the pineapple filling.
What size baking pan should I use?
Use a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Does the baking pan need to be greased?
No, the recipe calls for an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
How do I form the bottom crust?
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, working up the edges slightly to create a barrier.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden and slightly firm.
Should I slice the bars immediately?
No, allow the bars to cool in the pan completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles.
Can I add other ingredients for more texture?
Yes, you can consider adding your favorite nuts or coconut for an extra layer of texture.
Are these bars suitable for a bake sale?
Yes, they are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or as a gift.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What is the fat content of these bars?
There are 5.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in each bar?
Each serving contains 6.83g of sugar.
What types of sugar are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses both granulated white sugar (for the filling) and brown sugar (for the crust).
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of flour.
Is there any fiber in these bars?
Yes, there is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Does the recipe use baking powder?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the dry ingredient mixture.