Desserts

Pineapple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Electric mixer

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until combined.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.
5. Sprinkle pineapple, walnuts, and coconut over the cream cheese layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 9 bars

Nutritional Information (per bar):
Calories: 300
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: can substitute with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits
- Butter: can substitute with vegetable oil
- Cream cheese: can substitute with low-fat cream cheese
- Granulated sugar: can substitute with brown sugar
- Walnuts: can substitute with pecans or almonds
- Coconut: can substitute with chopped macadamia nuts

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped maraschino cherries to the cream cheese layer
- Substitute crushed pineapple with 1 cup of fresh diced pineapple
- Substitute walnuts with 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts

Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra-rich cheesecake, add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture
- For a more tropical flavor, add 1 teaspoon of coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter with fresh pineapple slices and a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and a sprig of fresh mint.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold coconut milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the bars are too dry, add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice to the cream cheese mixture.

Food Safety Advice:
Always store cheesecake bars in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days.

Food History:
Cheesecake has been around since ancient Greece, where it was served as a dessert at banquets.

Flavor Profiles:
This recipe combines sweet and creamy flavors with a hint of tropical fruit and crunchy nuts.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert after a light meal, or as an afternoon snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Creamy, Pineapple, Rich, Pineapple-Flavored