Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

🍍🍒🏝️ Eat your piña colada rather than drinking it with these no-mixer bars that taste TROPICAL! Pineapple, coconut, white chocolate, and cherries! These Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Their delightful tropical flavor and vibrant colors make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical Flavor: The combination of pineapple and coconut creates a refreshing taste that transports you straight to a tropical paradise.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal equipment, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, these bars fit every occasion perfectly.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavors and fun textures make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored for later, making them an excellent choice for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help you work efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-by-8-inch baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray
• Large microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your bars.
• Aluminum Foil: Lining the pan with foil makes for easy removal of the bars after baking, simplifying cleanup.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: This is essential for melting butter quickly without fussing with the stovetop.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter (melted; unsalted is preferred)
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• one 8-ounce can crushed pineapple (drained extremely well)
• heaping 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (halved)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes (measured loosely and not packed)
• two-thirds of one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (just eyeball it)

How to Make Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then spray it with cooking spray. This step is crucial as it prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute on high power until fully melted.

Step 3: Mix in Graham Cracker Crumbs

Add the graham cracker crumbs to the melted butter. Toss lightly with a fork to ensure all crumbs are evenly coated in butter.

Step 4: Form the Crust Layer

Turn the crumb mixture out into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly using a spatula or your fingertips to create an even, smooth crust layer across the bottom of the pan. Don’t worry if it seems like there’s not enough crust; it will set nicely in the oven.

Step 5: Add Layers of Goodness

Evenly sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple over the crust layer. Then add halved maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut on top of the pineapple.

Step 6: Drizzle Sweetened Condensed Milk

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers. This will act as a bonding agent that holds everything together during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 34 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning—coconut can change color quickly! If necessary, tent the pan with foil during this stage.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, place your pan on a wire rack and let it cool for at least two hours or overnight before slicing into bars. They will firm up as they cool but remain soft and delicious for days!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars at any occasion!

How to Serve Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

Serving Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars is all about enhancing their tropical flavor and fun presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these delicious bars!

With Fresh Fruit

• Tropical Medley: Pair the bars with slices of fresh pineapple, mango, or strawberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Coconut Flakes: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for an extra crunch and tropical flair.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy base complements the fruity layers, creating a delicious combination.
• Coconut Sorbet: For a dairy-free option, serve with coconut sorbet to enhance the coconut flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Fruit Tarts: Include mini fruit tarts to provide a variety of textures and flavors alongside the bars.
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add an elegant touch to your dessert spread.

How to Perfect Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

To ensure your Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant taste.
• Drain Pineapple Well: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly; excess moisture can make the bars soggy.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; they should be golden brown but not burnt.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting them cool completely helps them firm up, making slicing easier and cleaner.

Best Side Dishes for Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

These side dishes pair wonderfully with Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars, adding variety and balancing flavors.

1. Citrus Salad: A light salad featuring oranges and grapefruit drizzled with honey complements the sweetness of the bars.
2. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa with lime juice adds a zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich bars.
3. Pineapple Coconut Rice: Flavorful rice cooked in coconut milk pairs excellently, enhancing the tropical theme.
4. Chilled Cucumber Soup: A refreshing soup can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet bars.
5. Tropical Fruit Skewers: Skewers with assorted fruits like kiwi, banana, and mango offer a fun way to enjoy fresh flavors.
6. Coconut Chia Pudding: This creamy pudding provides a nutritious yet indulgent side that matches well with the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not draining the pineapple well: Failing to drain the crushed pineapple can lead to soggy bars. Make sure to press out excess moisture so your bars stay firm.

• Skipping the foil lining: If you don’t line your baking pan with foil, removing the bars later will be a hassle. Always line and spray the pan for easy removal.

• Overbaking the bars: Keeping them in the oven too long can cause the coconut to burn. Monitor closely during the last 10 minutes of baking.

• Using packed coconut flakes: Measuring shredded coconut should be loose, not packed. This ensures a balanced texture in your bars.

• Cutting too soon: Cutting into your bars while they are still warm can result in messy pieces. Let them cool completely for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars:

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Using fresh pineapple is possible, but ensure it is very finely chopped and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that may affect the texture of your bars.

How do I know when my bars are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the center should be mostly set with a slight jiggle. Keep an eye on them as they bake!

Can I substitute other types of chocolate?

Yes! You can use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile than white chocolate in your Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can add nuts like chopped macadamia or almonds for extra crunch or swap maraschino cherries with dried fruits such as mango or apricots for a twist.

Final Thoughts

Pina Colada Seven Layer Bars offer a delightful tropical treat perfect for any occasion. Their mix of flavors—pineapple, coconut, and cherries—creates an irresistible combination. Feel free to customize these bars by adding your favorite nuts or adjusting the fruit toppings. Give them a try; you won’t regret it!