Pineapple Bliss Bars with Creamy Topping

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

2In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, shredded coconut, granulated sugar (½ cup), and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbly.

3Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

4While the crust is baking, in another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, (8 oz) powdered sugar (¼ cup), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and salt (¼ teaspoon) until smooth and creamy.

5Add the sweetened condensed milk and drained crushed pineapple (1 cup) to the cream cheese (8 oz) mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

6Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pineapple cream cheese (8 oz) mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.

7Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is set and slightly golden on the edges.

8Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

9Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

10Cut into squares and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks (¼ cup) and chopped walnuts (½ cup) if desired before serving.