Tropical Fruit Bars are a charming vintage dessert that reflects the mid-century love of convenient pantry ingredients combined with bright tropical flavors. Featuring crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, honey, roasted cashews, and a hint of orange juice concentrate, these chewy dessert bars offer a refreshing alternative to traditional brownies or cookies. The simple batter comes together quickly before being baked until golden, creating a soft, moist texture filled with fruity sweetness and crunchy nuts. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or holiday dessert trays, these nostalgic bars celebrate the popularity of tropical ingredients that became household favorites during the 1950s and 1960s. Their naturally sweet flavor and delightful combination of textures continue to make them a unique homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ¾ cup roasted cashews (chopped )
- 15 oz crushed pineapple in juice (1 can, undrained)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Beat the softened butter, eggs, honey, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla together with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and mix just until combined.
Step 2: Fold in the Fruit
- Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Add the chopped roasted cashews.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple with its juice until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking pan.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and set in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Toast the coconut before adding it for extra flavor.
- Substitute macadamia nuts or pecans for the cashews.
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
- Stir in chopped dried mango or papaya.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crisp finish.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with a light orange glaze after cooling.
- Refrigerate leftovers for an even chewier texture.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Nutrition
Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 215IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1.4mg