Get ready to experience a tropical explosion of flavors that will transport you to a sunny paradise with these irresistible Orange Pineapple Crumble Bars! Imagine biting into a perfect balance of buttery, crumbly crust and a vibrant, zesty fruit filling that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the bright tang of orange. These bars are not just a dessert – they're a vacation for your palate, packed with sunshine and pure deliciousness that will have everyone begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the mixture.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, orange juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes slightly translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pineapple mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Pour the pineapple filling evenly over the prepared crust, spreading it to the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the pineapple filling, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 even squares.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make your crust soggy.
- Make sure your butter is completely melted for the perfect crumb texture.
- Use a light touch when pressing the crumb mixture into the pan – too much pressure can make the bars tough.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean, neat squares.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving.
- If you want a more intense citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the crumb mixture.
- These bars are versatile – serve them as a dessert, breakfast treat, or afternoon snack.
- For best texture, store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
