Pineapple Pie Bars

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

First, make the filling. Add canned of pineapple with their juices, sugar, and cornstarch to a heavy-bottomed skillet. Bring the mixture to boil over medium high heat. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Then remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Set aside to cool. This filling can be made in advance and refrigerated.

Next make the crust. Combine margarine, flour, sugar, coconut flakes, vanilla, and egg in an extra large bowl. Mix until well combined. Use your fingers to press ¾ of the dough into an ungreased 13×18 baking sheet. Spread the pie filling over the dough in an even layer, and then crumble the remaining dough over the pie filling. Bake at 350ºF for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Cool and cut into squares. Makes approximately 24 squares.

While bars are cooling, prepare the topping. Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with sugar. Dollop on bars as desired.

Pineapple pie filling recipe adapted from AllRecipes.