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The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must to experience while in Oahu. It was so fun to experience all of the different cultures of Hawaii. The best part was the luau. They served these delicious cookie pineapple dessert bars. I wanted to recreate them but I added a little twist. Cheesecake. I almost titled these Better than Hawaii Dessert bars. All of the delicious flavors of Hawaii in one delicious bite. Pineapple, macadamia nuts, and coconut. These became one of my favorite dessert bars. But lets be honest… nothing is better than Hawaii!
At the luau, they put on an amazing performance! It was so much fun and the food was amazing. Later that night we went to their fire night show. Everything was incredible about our experience at the PCC!
Now let’s talk about how amazing these bars turned out. A shortbread cookie crust layer on the bottom. A delicious and creamy cheesecake combined with macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, pineapple and coconut. Top it off with some toasted coconut and your mind will be blown. Take a bite, close your eyes, and pretend that you are in Hawaii!
More amazing recipes from Hawaii Week:
Chili Macadamia Crusted Tilapia
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Pineapple Cheesecake Dessert Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup white chocolate chips, divided
- ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts, divided
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- toasted coconut, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper then lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the flour, ¼ cup sugar, and butter in a medium bowl. Using the back of a fork, mix until crumbly. Press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, about ⅛-inch in thickness.
- Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
- Add the cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar to a large bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat until combined. Add the 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 baked crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set and the edges are lightly brown.
- Remove the bars 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is absolutely amazing! My favorite dessert ever. However, it is a little sweet. Can I omit the sugar in the crust, and the additional granulated sugar in the filling?
I haven’t tried that before, but it should work! Let me know how it turns out.
Go next level and toast those mac nuts. You’re welcome!
How many days the pineapple bars last in room temperature and in chilled temp.? Thank you
You will want to keep them in the refrigerator when not eating them. Otherwise they would last about the same day or maybe two days. It has too many dairy products that need to be kept cool. Hope you enjoy your bars. They are so good! Thanks so much for following along with me! XOXO
I am looking for instant cheesecake pudding mix.I know its not made by kraft foods because I checked..Do you know who makes it I would really llike to taste it, and I have a few recipes that call for it in the ingredients, I know that I can use vanilla, however I would like to try this one.
Instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix is made by Jello. I hope you can find it. 🙂
I am not a fan of coconut. Do you think if I simply omit it the bars will still come out ok?
Yes they will still turn out great! 🙂