Pineapple Cheesecake Dessert Bars

By srumbel

Delicious and creamy pineapple cheesecake bars give you the perfect taste of Hawaii!
from therecipecritic

Ingredients

• ◦1 1/3 cups all-purpose bleached flour
• ◦1/4 cup granulated sugar
• ◦1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ◦8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ◦1 cup powdered sugar
• ◦1 large egg
• ◦1/4 cup granulated sugar
• ◦1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
• ◦1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ◦1/2 cup white chocolate chips, divided
• ◦1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts, divided
• ◦1/2 cup coconut flakes
• ◦toasted coconut (optional for garnish)

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Combine flour, ¼ cup sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 pan until it is about ⅛ inch thick. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
Mix cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar until frosting consistency. Add egg, ¼ cup sugar, crushed pineapple, coconut, and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Fold in ¼ cup white chocolate chips, and ¼ cup macadamia nuts.
Pour the batter on top of the crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set and edges are lightly brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with ¼ cup white chocolate chips and ¼ cup macadamia nuts. Garnish with toasted coconut if desired. Let bars cool for an hour before cutting and store in the refrigerator.