Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful treat that brings the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple right to your kitchen. They are sweet, chewy, and packed with white chocolate and macadamia nuts, making them perfect for dessert lovers. These bars are easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them a great choice for gatherings or a simple family dessert. Plus, they’re sure to impress your friends with their delicious combination of flavors.

How to Make Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons rum (OR 1 tsp rum extract)
• 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• 6 ounces dried pineapple (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Spray a 9×13 pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together. Stir with a fork until combined.
4. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan with a spatula or your fingers.
5. In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and rum (or rum extract). Gently whisk until thoroughly mixed.
6. Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the crust, then add the white chocolate chips, chopped pineapple, and macadamia nuts.
7. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the top of the layers.
8. Bake for 23 to 27 minutes, watching closely after 20 minutes. They are done when the edges turn lightly brown.

How to Serve Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars

Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares and serve them at room temperature. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack at home. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

How to Store Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Pineapple Coconut Magic Bars

• For extra flavor, toast the coconut in the oven for a few minutes before adding it to the bars.
• If you don’t have macadamia nuts, you can substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts.
• For a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped chocolate or an extra layer of coconut on top.

Variation

You can make these bars even more interesting by adding other dried fruits such as mango or apricots. You can also swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of dried?
Using fresh pineapple is not recommended, as it can add too much moisture and affect the texture of the bars.

2. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges have slightly browned. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh.