Tropical Paradise Layer Bars
Escape to the tropics with every bite of these Tropical Paradise Layer Bars. A delightful concoction inspired by the classic 7 Layer Bars, these bars blend the creamy richness of white chocolate and the crunch of honey-roasted macadamia nuts with the sweet and tangy flavors of well-drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. The buttery graham cracker crust serves as the perfect foundation, while layers of deliciousness create a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for bake sales, summer gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of paradise, these bars are sure to impress both family and friends. For a fun twist, try baking them in a mini muffin pan to create delightful tropical tarts that are just the right size for snacking!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3/4 cup (cut into squares)
graham crackers
2 cups (finely crushed)
white chocolate chips
1 cup
honey roasted macadamia nuts
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
crushed pineapple
15 ounces (well drained)
sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces
shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the butter squares in a 9x13-inch baking pan and allow them to melt in the oven as it preheats.
3
While the butter is melting, place the graham crackers in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.
4
Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter. Use a spatula to gently mix until all crumbs are soaked in the butter, then firmly press the crumb mixture down to form a solid, even crust.
5
Begin layering by sprinkling the white chocolate chips over the graham cracker crust, followed by the coarsely chopped honey-roasted macadamia nuts. Evenly distribute the well-drained crushed pineapple over this layer and press down lightly to combine.
6
Carefully pour half of the sweetened condensed milk over the pineapple layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Next, sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top and press it down gently. Pour the remaining condensed milk over everything.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow all the layers to set properly. For an added touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled bars.
9
Cut into squares or rectangles, serve, and enjoy the tropical bliss!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Paradise Layer Bars?
Tropical Paradise Layer Bars are a tropical twist on classic 7 Layer Bars, featuring white chocolate, macadamia nuts, pineapple, and coconut on a graham cracker crust.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: butter, graham crackers, white chocolate chips, honey-roasted macadamia nuts, crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The bars should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a standard 9x13-inch baking pan for this recipe.
How do I melt the butter for the crust?
Cut the butter into squares, place them in the baking pan, and let them melt in the oven while it preheats.
What is the best way to crush the graham crackers?
You can either pulse them in a food processor until they become fine crumbs or place them in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
How many cups of graham cracker crumbs are required?
You will need 2 cups of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs.
Do I need to mix the crumbs with the butter?
Yes, sprinkle the crumbs over the melted butter and use a spatula to gently mix until they are soaked, then press firmly to form the crust.
What type of chocolate chips are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of white chocolate chips to complement the tropical flavors.
What kind of macadamia nuts are best for these bars?
Honey-roasted macadamia nuts are recommended for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
How should the macadamia nuts be prepared?
The macadamia nuts should be coarsely chopped before being sprinkled into the layers.
Is there a specific way to prepare the crushed pineapple?
Yes, ensure the 15 ounces of crushed pineapple are well-drained to prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
How much sweetened condensed milk is needed?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk.
How is the sweetened condensed milk added to the layers?
Pour half of the milk over the pineapple layer, and the remaining half over the coconut layer at the end.
How much shredded coconut is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of shredded coconut.
In what order should the ingredients be layered?
Layer in this order: graham cracker crust, white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, crushed pineapple, half the condensed milk, shredded coconut, and the rest of the condensed milk.
How long do the Tropical Paradise Layer Bars bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Can I eat the bars immediately after taking them out of the oven?
No, it is important to let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set properly before cutting.
Can these be made as individual tarts instead of bars?
Yes, you can bake them in a mini muffin pan to create bite-sized tropical tarts.
What is a good topping for these bars once they are cool?
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars.
Are these bars suitable for summer events?
Yes, their tropical flavor profile makes them perfect for summer gatherings, bake sales, and outdoor parties.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
The bars offer a combination of a buttery, crunchy crust, creamy chocolate, and chewy fruit and nut layers.
How should I cut the bars?
Once completely cooled, you can cut them into squares or rectangles of your preferred size.
Can I use regular macadamia nuts if I don't have honey-roasted?
Yes, regular roasted macadamia nuts will work, though the honey-roasted variety adds a specific sweet flavor.
Should I press the coconut down?
Yes, after sprinkling the coconut over the layers, press it down gently before pouring the final amount of condensed milk.
How much butter is used in the crust?
The crust requires 3/4 cup of butter.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as tropical, 7 layer bars, dessert, coconut, white chocolate, macadamia nuts, baking, snack, treat, and summer recipes.
Is the pineapple used fresh or canned?
The recipe uses 15 ounces of well-drained crushed pineapple, which is typically found in canned form.
Why are they called 'Paradise' bars?
They are named for their combination of tropical ingredients like pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts that evoke a vacation feel.