Tropical Pineapple Oat Bars
These Tropical Pineapple Oat Bars are a deliciously sweet treat that capture the essence of a tropical getaway. Made with crushed pineapple and a hint of brown sugar, each bar is layered with a crumbly oat crust, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The bars are not only mouthwatering but also versatile; consider adding shredded coconut for an extra tropical twist. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delightful snack any time of day. Keep in mind that the cooling time is not included in the prep and cooking times. These bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple in juice
1 cup (Drained and measured)
White sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Cornstarch
2 1/2 tablespoons (Unmodified)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Unsalted, at room temperature)
Water
1 cup (Room temperature)
Shortening
3/4 cup (Softened)
Brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
All-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (All-purpose)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Unmodified)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
Rolled oats
1 1/2 cups (Old-fashioned or quick oats)
Instructions
1
To prepare the pineapple filling, combine 1 cup of crushed pineapple along with its juice, 1 cup of white sugar, 2 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once thickened, set aside to cool.
2
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and packed brown sugar until fluffy and well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed shortening and sugar.
5
Fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 1/2 x 2 inch baking pan to form the base layer.
7
Spread the cooled pineapple filling evenly over the oat layer.
8
Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the pineapple filling, lightly pressing down to ensure it adheres.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
10
After baking, while the bars are still warm, cut them into squares and remove from the pan. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Pineapple Oat Bars?
They are a sweet dessert treat featuring a thickened pineapple filling and a crumbly oat-based crust and topping.
What is the primary fruit ingredient in this recipe?
The main fruit is 1 cup of crushed pineapple along with its juice.
How do I prepare the pineapple filling?
Combine crushed pineapple, juice, white sugar, cornstarch, butter, and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long do the bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
What type of baking pan should be used?
A greased 13 x 9 1/2 x 2 inch baking pan is recommended.
Can I use different types of oats?
Yes, you can use either old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats.
Is butter or shortening used in the crust?
Shortening is used for the oat mixture, while a small amount of butter is used in the pineapple filling.
How do I combine the shortening and brown sugar?
You should cream them together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is fluffy.
Which dry ingredients are mixed separately before adding to the shortening?
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
How is the oat mixture layered in the pan?
Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom, spread the filling, and then crumble the remaining oat mixture on top.
Should the pineapple filling be hot when added to the crust?
The instructions recommend allowing the pineapple filling to cool before spreading it over the oat layer.
What is the role of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the pineapple filling.
Can I add other tropical ingredients to these bars?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding shredded coconut for an extra tropical flavor.
When should the bars be cut into squares?
The bars should be cut into squares while they are still warm.
Should I serve the bars immediately after cutting?
No, they should be allowed to cool completely before serving.
Is the cooling time included in the prep and cook times?
No, the cooling time is not included in those time estimates.
How much white sugar is used in the filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of white sugar.
How much brown sugar is used in the crust?
The crust mixture requires 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the amount of shortening needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of softened shortening.
How much flour is required for the oat mixture?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of table salt.
How much water is added to the filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of room temperature water.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
No, this recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda instead.
How much butter is needed for the pineapple mixture?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter at room temperature.
How do I ensure the top oat layer stays in place?
Lightly press down on the crumbled oat mixture after placing it over the filling.
What texture should the filling have before setting it aside?
The filling should be cooked until it has thickened significantly.
What is the quantity of rolled oats needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
Are these bars suitable for gatherings?
Yes, they are described as perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a snack.
What should the finished top layer look like?
The top should be lightly browned when finished baking.