Pineapple Cheesecake Dessert Bars

By cecelia26_

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)

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Pour the batter on top of the crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set and edges are lightly brown.
5.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.