Short Description
Sweet Pineapple Crumble Bars bring a burst of tropical flavor to your dessert table. These delightful bars feature a buttery oat crust and crumble topping sandwiching a tangy-sweet pineapple filling. With just the right balance of texture and flavor, they’re perfect for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing, fruity treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with bright pineapple flavor
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Buttery, golden oat crumble with great texture
Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or snacking
A great way to use canned or fresh pineapple
No mixer needed — just one bowl and a saucepan
Versatile dessert that pairs well with ice cream
Kid-friendly and picnic-approved
Stores well for several days
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust & crumble:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the pineapple filling:
2 ½ cups crushed pineapple (drained if using canned)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crumble mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Pour in the melted butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the crust:
Firmly press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining one-third for the topping.
4. Prepare the pineapple filling:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir constantly and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
5. Assemble the bars:
Spread the pineapple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
6. Bake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Cool and slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For neat slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)
Estimated Calories: ~270 kcal per bar
Variations
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the crumble mixture for extra tropical flavor.
Nutty Crumble: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Citrus Zing: Add a bit of orange or lime zest to the filling for a citrusy kick.
Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger to the crumble for warm spice notes.
Berry Mix: Combine crushed pineapple with blueberries or raspberries for a fruit blend.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with plant-based butter alternatives.
Mini Bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Drizzle Finish: Add a glaze or drizzle of white chocolate once cooled for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Warm bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired, or enjoy chilled.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just finely chop and drain any excess juice before cooking.
How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?
Be sure to cook the pineapple filling until thickened and fully cooled before layering, and bake until golden.
Do I have to chill the bars before slicing?
It’s not required, but chilling helps achieve cleaner, firmer slices.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust baking time as needed.
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture; avoid quick or instant oats.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in the crumble mixture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in both the crust and filling, though texture may change slightly.
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
They’re delicious chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed with ice cream.
How thick should the filling be before using?
The filling should be thick enough to hold shape but still spreadable — it should not be watery.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, make them a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Sweet Pineapple Crumble Bars are a deliciously tropical dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With a buttery oat base, tangy pineapple center, and golden crumble topping, these bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect year-round. Whether served at a picnic or enjoyed as a mid-week indulgence, they’re sure to please.
Sweet Pineapple Crumble Bars – A Tropical Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Pineapple Crumble Bars are a tropical-inspired dessert featuring a buttery oat crust, sweet pineapple filling, and a golden crumb topping. Perfect for any time of year, these fruity bars bring a refreshing bite of sunshine to your dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble:
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
-
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pineapple Filling:
-
2 1/2 cups crushed pineapple (drained if using canned)
-
1/3 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tbsp cornstarch
-
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
-
Make the crumble mixture:
-
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown and granulated sugars, baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
-
Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
-
-
Form the crust:
-
Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan. Reserve the rest for the topping.
-
-
Make the pineapple filling:
-
In a saucepan, cook pineapple, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
-
-
Assemble the bars:
-
Spread the pineapple filling over the crust.
-
Sprinkle the reserved crumble on top.
-
-
Bake:
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
-
-
Cool & slice:
-
Let cool completely. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean bars.
-
Notes
-
Fresh pineapple can be used, finely chopped and slightly cooked down.
-
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
-
Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
