Amish Pineapple Bars

So, you guys probably remember me talking about The Ranch. That's where we get those heavenly, moist pineapple bars from the Amish with that wonderful cream cheese frosting.

I was almost even considering giving up my life of laptops and cameras to become Amish for these babies. But then I remembered that I have something that the Amish don't have: Google.

Not to mention gaucho pants. Perhaps you remember this wonderful fashion from, oh... 2005 or so. I might possibly still secretly wear them every day that I don't go out in public. Sadly, Amish girls can't wear pants, so I gave up the becoming Amish idea preeeetty fast.

But as I was saying. Google. It helped me find this website of Amish recipes. I tweaked the pineapple bars to my liking, and voila. We no longer need to give up all our greatest passions in life for a simple dessert. You're welcome.

Amish Pineapple Bars

1/2 cup oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
2 1/2 cups flour

1 3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
20 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained (three tablespoons set aside for the frosting)

Mix together the oil, eggs, lemon juice and coconut extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until blended. Stir in the undrained pineapple. Bake on a greased 17 x 11 pan (cookie sheet) at 350º for 25 - 30 minutes. Can be frosted immediately.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup softened butter
4 oz. softened cream cheese
3 tablespoons crushed pineapple
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
3 cups powdered sugar

1 cup walnuts (I only did walnuts on half. There are nut haters among us.)
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the pineapple and extracts. Add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and beat until smooth. Toast the walnuts and coconut briefly in the oven or on the stove top until the coconut is browned. Sprinkle over frosted cake.

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