TROPICAL DESSERT BARS

Tropical Dessert Bars image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

BOTTOM LAYER:
17 1/2 oz pkg. sugar cookie mix
1/2 c butter
CREAM CHEESE PINEAPPLE LAYER:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained well -reserve 2 tablespoons of juice
COCONUT LAYER:
1 1/2 c flaked coconut
1/2 c macadamia nuts, chopped
1/4 c butter

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350^. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.
2. Stir cookie mix and melted butter with fork until crumbs form. Press evenly in bottom of prepared pan. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs just until blended, Beat in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and 2 Tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice. Pour mixture over warm crust. Sprinkle very well drained pineapple evenly over top.
4. Stir coconut, macadamia nuts and butter in small bowl until evenly moistened. Sprinkle over pineapple layer. Bake 30-35 minutes or until filling is set and coconut is lightly browned. Cool 1 hour on wire rack. Chill 1 hour. Cut into bars.