Every family seems to have that one person who can bring the simplest dessert to a gathering and somehow have everyone asking for the recipe.
In my family, that person is Susan.
Whenever there’s a school bake sale, church gathering, neighborhood party, or family get-together, Susan makes the same easy 3-ingredient treat. She never fusses with complicated recipes, fancy decorations, or a long grocery list. She simply mixes three ingredients together, bakes them until golden, and somehow the entire pan disappears.
For the longest time, I wondered what made them so irresistible.
Eventually, I finally got her secret.
And honestly? It couldn't be easier.
The 3 Ingredients
You only need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained (about 20 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
That's it.
No eggs. No oil. No mixer. No frosting.
The pineapple provides moisture and plenty of fruity flavor, while the cake mix creates a soft, tender base. Coconut adds a little chewiness and a deliciously sweet, tropical finish.
How to Make Susan’s Easy Bake Sale Bars
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. For easier removal, you can line it with parchment paper and leave a little overhang on the sides.
2. Mix Everything Together
Pour the yellow cake mix into a large bowl.
Add the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice.
Stir in the shredded coconut.
Mix everything together until there are no obvious dry pockets of cake mix.
The batter will be thick. That's completely normal.
3. Spread Into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan.
Because the batter is quite thick, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it into an even layer.
Try to get it all the way into the corners so the bars bake evenly.
4. Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 25–35 minutes.
The top should look lightly golden, and the center should be set.
Because ovens vary, begin checking toward the earlier end of the baking time.
5. Cool Before Cutting
