Refreshing No-Bake Pineapple Coconut Bars

Introduction

Refreshing No-Bake Pineapple Coconut Bars are the perfect summer treat! Bursting with tropical flavors, these bars require no baking, making them easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. With a delightful combination of creamy coconut, tangy pineapple, and a crumbly graham cracker crust, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy them at your next picnic, potluck, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home!

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup shredded coconut

Pineapple chunks for garnish

Additional shredded coconut for garnish

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking Time: None

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)

Yield: 12 servings

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to form the crust.

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.

3. Stir in the lemon juice and mix until the mixture thickens.

4. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and 1 cup of shredded coconut.

5. Spread the mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.

6. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the top for garnish.

7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

8. Cut into bars and garnish each bar with a pineapple chunk before serving.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined.

Form the Base

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish to create an even crust.

Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, beat 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk, mixing until completely combined.

Add Flavor

Stir in 1/4 cup of lemon juice and continue mixing until the mixture begins to thicken.

Incorporate Pineapple and Coconut

Gently fold in 1 can (20 oz) of drained crushed pineapple and 1 cup of shredded coconut into the mixture until evenly distributed.

Spread the Filling

Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Garnish

Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the top of the filling for garnish.

Chill

Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or until they are set completely.

Serve

Cut into bars and garnish each bar with a pineapple chunk before serving.

Notes

Prep and Cook Time

Total preparation time is 20 minutes, with no cooking time required. The total time including chilling is 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Serving Size

This recipe yields 12 servings, with each bar containing approximately 320 kcal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cook techniques

Mixing Ingredients

Thoroughly combine the ingredients for the crust and filling to achieve a smooth texture. Use a mixing bowl to prevent spills.

Pressing Crust

After mixing the crust ingredients, press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure it holds together when cut into bars.

Beating Cream Cheese

Beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk. This prevents lumps in your filling.

Gradually Adding Ingredients

Add sweetened condensed milk gradually to the cream cheese for a seamless blend, preventing clumping.

Folding in Ingredients

Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and coconut instead of stirring vigorously, which maintains the mixture’s lightness.

Chilling the Bars

Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours until set, as this allows the filling to firm up for easier cutting.

FAQ

Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or any other similar cookie crumbs.

How long do the bars last in the refrigerator?

The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if kept in an airtight container.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but ensure it’s well-drained before mixing it into the filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.

What can I use instead of lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Conclusion

These Refreshing No-Bake Pineapple Coconut Bars are not only a delightful treat but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for summer parties or any gathering, they offer a tropical flavor that will transport you to a sunny beach. With the combination of the creamy filling, the crunchy crust, and the fresh garnishes, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Variation with Mango

Replace the crushed pineapple with crushed mango for a different tropical twist.

Chocolate Drizzle

Add melted chocolate drizzled on top for a decadent contrast to the tropical flavors.

Coconut Lime Version

Incorporate lime zest into the filling for a zesty and refreshing boost.

Almond Extract Addition

Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for additional depth of flavor.

Fruit Layering

Layer the crushed pineapple with fresh diced strawberries or kiwi for a colorful and delicious variation.

Nutty Crust Option

Mix crushed nuts like macadamia or almonds into the graham cracker crust for added texture and a nutty flavor.

Vegan Version

Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk.

Frozen Bars

Freeze the bars instead of refrigerating for a cold, ice-cream-like treat during hot days.