Classic lemon bars with a modern tropical twist. These Pineapple Lemon bars will bring back nostalgic memories of favorite childhood desserts.
Within this post you’ll make old school lemon bars with a twist. Plus you’ll learn why lemon bar recipes often call for non-reactive bowls and pans.
Remember those old school desserts you enjoyed as a kid? Favorites such as lemon bars, oatmeal cookies, crispy cereal bars and good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies. Well what’s old school is cool in my book. I’ve given a classic dessert a slightly modern tropical twist with these Pineapple Lemon Bars.
Don’t let the pineapple part fool you, these are authentic lemon bars filled with sweet and tart zest, but with an added bonus. Full of comforting flavor that reminds you of childhood wonder. And just like old school recipe, there is a bit of work involved. The recipe is detailed and easy to follow, and can be made in just under an hour. Who said desserts always had to be quick and simple?
For added lemon flavor and nostalgia I used lemon cookie thins. Remember thin cookies? A tasty treat on their own and even better in the crust of these Pineapple Lemon Bars. If you can’t find them then regular vanilla wafers will work fine.
Why do lemon bar recipes call for non-reactive bowls and pans?
Certain foods, especially acidic or salty ones react with metals like aluminium, copper or iron. If food sits too long it can dissolve the metal, imparting a metallic taste. It won’t reach dangerous levels but still safer to use stainless steel, glass or plastic bowls, and nonstick pans for acid ingredients. This recipe is loaded with lemons (acidic citrus), hence the suggestion. Learn more here from Chowhound.
Pineapple Lemon Bars recipe at-a-glance:
Difficulty: Medium
Flavor profiles: Tangy, citrusy, tart and very sweet.
Texture: Dense, chewy cookie crust topped with creamy lemon curd.
Leave a comment below and star rating if you made this recipe or want to share your thoughts.
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Pineapple Lemon Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup lemon cookie thins
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened, cut into 1-inch pieces
Pineapple Lemon Filling
- 5 large egg yolks
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice, 4-5 lemons
- ¼ cup grated lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons ¾ stick unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks, without liquid if canned
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line bottom and sides of a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- In a food processor pulse flour, cookie thins and powdered sugar until fine. Pulse in salt and butter pieces until course, about 10 seconds. Evenly pat mixture into bottom of prepared dish and bake until set, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven.
Pineapple Lemon Filling
- While crust is baking: In a medium nonreactive bowl lightly beat together eggs and yolks. Stir in sugar, lemon juice and zest until combined.
- Pour into a nonreactive pan over medium-low heat and add butter. Stirring often, cook until mixture reaches 170° F. with an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Immediately strain through a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Stir in pineapple chunks and pour over crust.
- Bake 15-20 minutes, until filling is shiny and jiggles slightly in center. Let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate to set, before cutting into squares.
I made some and took it to a house party!
It was a hit, every one wanted the recipe
Can I do it with lime juice too? Pineapple
Lime bars? Esther in Modesto CA
That’s awesome and I appreciate the feedback Esther! I never thought of it, but I bet these would be delicious with lime instead of lemon!
Never though of putting lemon and pineapple together. Such a good idea.
I’m a big fan of both lemon and pineapple so these bars will surely be a winner for me!
What a genius twist on the classic lemon bar. Perfect for summertime. I will be trying this out.
Wow these pineapple lemon bars look incredible. Will be making these for party soon. Thanks!
I just love lemon bars but I never make them. Thanks for this recipe!
These look insane! Insanely good!!!
Haha insanely good indeed! Thanks Natalie!
These look amazing!! I sure do love lemon bars. I really like that these can be made in under an hour. This recipe will come in handy for these warmer months!!! Thanks for sharing
Just under an hour, which is pretty good for an old school dessert. You’re welcome and thanks Jenn!
Bookmarked!! Lemon bars are one of my favorites! I can’t imagine how delicious the addition of pineapple would be! Can’t wait to try!
xo Ashley
Thanks so much Ashley! Hope you love them!
Lemon bars are one of my favorite sweet treats!! I never thought about adding pineapple, but I bet that is delicious!!
It is and makes a fun, easy addition. Thanks Jessica!
I LOVE lemon bars and I love the addition of the pineapple! These look so delicious — I cannot wait to try!
They totally are! Thanks Kristen!
I love the pineapple twist on the regular lemon bar! Big fan of pineapple and can’t use enough of it in the Summer time. My favorite fruit + baked goods = my kryptonite!
Haha sounds like this is a winner for you Amy! I love pineapple but totally don’t use it enough. Thanks!
These look so delicious and refreshing for Summer! I am throwing a shower this weekend and will definitely give them a try! XO
Anna
So glad to hear! Thanks and have fun Anna!
Wow these sound amazing! I love lemon bars, but would never have thought about pineapple lemon bars. Such a fabulous combo! Yum!
It totally is! Adds a little extra tart and sweetness. Thanks Emily!