These Pineapple Coconut Crumb Bars are easy, sweet and taste like tropical dessert. Crunchy coconut crumb topping and gooey pineapple filling make for irresistible combo!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a square 8" baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add cooled butter and stir with a fork, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve one cup of the mixture and press the rest onto the bottom of prepared pan.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together crushed pineapple, sugar and cornstarch. Pour over crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining dough mixture over the filling.
Bake bars on center rack of the oven for 23 to 25 minutes or until the topping is golden, with golden brown spots.
Cool bars completely on cooling rack. Next, gently lift out of the pan and set on cutting board. Cut into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
The most important secret to making these crumb bars is to melt the butter and let it cool completely. If the butter is hot, it will cook the flour mixture and the crumbs won't form. I recommend melting the butter in a bowl in the microwave, cooling for 4 to 5 minutes on the counter and then pop it into the fridge for 3 to 4 minutes. It should not be solid but cool.Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple from the juice. A little bit of it is okay but squeeze out as much as you can and reserve to drink later or add to smoothies.