Get ready to escape to a tropical paradise with these 20 delicious Hawaiian dessert recipes! From classic haupia (coconut pudding) and lilikoi cheesecake, to creative twists like poi mochi donuts and pineapple coconut sorbet, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the islands, highlighting the unique flavors and ingredients that make Hawaiian desserts so special.
From the sweet and tangy flavors of guava and passionfruit, to the nutty richness of macadamia nuts and the smooth creaminess of coconut, each recipe is a celebration of the Aloha State’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a local looking for new inspiration or just a fan of tropical treats, these recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the islands…
Pineapple Coconut Haupia Pie
Pineapple Coconut Haupia Pie: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dessert
Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert, gets a sweet and tangy boost with the addition of pineapple and a flaky pie crust. This unique dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a refreshing treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cold butter, and ice-cold water. Mix until dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour coconut milk mixture (coconut milk, pineapple juice, sugar, and salt) into the pie crust.
5. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
7. Let cool before serving.
Guava Chiffon Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful Guava Chiffon Cake, infused with the sweet and tangy taste of guavas.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup guava puree
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan or angel food cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy.
4. Add melted butter, guava puree, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these indulgent treats featuring crunchy macadamia nuts and dark chocolate chips. Perfect for a sweet treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (60% cocoa)
– Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in chopped macadamia nuts and dark chocolate chips.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Cheesecake
Experience the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this creamy and tangy Lilikoi cheesecake. A perfect dessert for any occasion, this recipe combines the sweetness of sugar and cream cheese with the unique flavor of passion fruit puree.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 pounds cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup passion fruit puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar in a bowl, then adding melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, followed by sugar, passion fruit puree, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Haupia (Coconut Pudding) Squares
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this traditional Hawaiian dessert, Haupia Squares! This rich and creamy coconut pudding is set in a square shape, making it perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, heavy cream, and butter until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Press graham cracker crumbs into the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the Haupia mixture over the crust.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Haupia Squares!
Mango Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and delicious Mango Bread Pudding topped with a rich and creamy Rum Sauce. Perfect for warm weather, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of mangoes with the comfort of bread pudding and the indulgent flavor of rum.
Ingredients:
For the Mango Bread Pudding:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the Rum Sauce:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, mango, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, and melted butter. Pour over the bread mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. For the Rum Sauce, combine heavy cream, butter, rum, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve warm bread pudding with Rum Sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Poi Mochi Donuts
Experience the unique fusion of traditional Hawaiian poi and Japanese mochi doughnuts, filled with sweet coconut cream. These bite-sized treats are sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup poi (made from taro root or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Coconut cream filling (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, poi, sugar, and yeast.
3. Gradually add milk while stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until elastic.
5. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into donuts.
7. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before filling with coconut cream.
Coconut Cream Filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, including resting time.
Banana Lumpia with Caramel Dip
This sweet and indulgent treat combines the flaky goodness of lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) with the natural sweetness of bananas, all wrapped up in a crispy package. Pair it with a drizzle of caramel dip for an unbeatable combination!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of lumpia wrappers
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced into coins
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel dip (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together sugar and salt.
2. Add the banana slices to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
3. Place a lumpia wrapper on a flat surface. Arrange 2-3 banana coins in the center of the wrapper, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the bananas, then fold in the sides and roll up the lumpia to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and bananas.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the lumpia until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm lumpia with caramel dip for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes to fry the lumpia, plus preparation time.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, featuring caramelized pineapple rings and cherries atop a moist cake. With its golden-brown crust and fragrant aroma, this pineapple upside-down cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 1/4 cup cherry halves
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Arrange pineapple rings and cherry halves in the prepared baking dish.
4. Pour batter over fruit mixture and smooth top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Tropical Fruit Pavlova
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of tropical fruits atop a light and airy meringue base.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup mixed tropical fruit (such as mango, pineapple, kiwi, and passionfruit)
– Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer.
4. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until crisp and dry.
5. Allow the meringue to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Top the cooled meringue with mixed tropical fruit and whipped cream (if using).
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Coconut Tapioca Pudding
A creamy and refreshing dessert, Coconut Tapioca Pudding is perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a tropical treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tapioca pearls
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Rinse the tapioca pearls and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Add the tapioca pearls to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender and the pudding has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet Potato Haupia Bars
Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert, meets sweet potato in this unique and delicious bar recipe. These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy richness of coconut milk and a hint of tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, coconut sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Add flour, coconut milk, and salt to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pineapple Macadamia Nut Bread
Moist and flavorful, this sweet bread is perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and chopped
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, pineapple juice, and egg. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pineapple and macadamia nuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Lilikoi Malasadas (Portuguese Donuts)
These sweet treats combine the traditional Portuguese malasada dough with the bright, citrusy flavor of lilikoi (passionfruit). Perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon lilikoi puree
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add milk and mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Beat in eggs and melted butter.
4. Stir in lilikoi puree.
5. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat oil to 375°F (190°C).
8. Fry malasadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies with Macadamia Nuts
Elevate your cookie game with these buttery shortbread cookies, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a velvety chocolate coating. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
3. Stir in chopped macadamia nuts.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Sorbet
This sweet and tangy sorbet is perfect for hot summer days. With the combination of juicy pineapple and creamy coconut, it’s a unique flavor that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, heavy cream, shredded coconut, honey, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Once the sorbet has finished churning, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours.
4. Scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (including churning time)
Guava Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These sweet and tangy bars are infused with the flavors of guava, a tropical fruit commonly used in Caribbean cuisine. The creamy cream cheese frosting adds a rich and velvety texture to this dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup guava jam
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
3. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
4. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.
5. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and guava jam. Mix until well combined.
6. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Taro Coconut Custard
A creamy and exotic dessert that combines the sweetness of taro with the richness of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked taro, mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, shredded coconut, and salt.
3. Add the mashed taro, milk, egg yolk, and melted butter to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into 6 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
5. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 6
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Coconut Glaze
Escape to a tropical paradise with these soft, fluffy Hawaiian Sweet Rolls slathered in a rich Coconut Glaze. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– Coconut Glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and shape into rolls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before drizzling with Coconut Glaze (mix powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and heavy cream in a bowl).
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Pineapple Guava Smoothie Pops
Revitalize your summer with these refreshing popsicles that combine the sweetness of pineapple and guava fruits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup frozen guava puree
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice pop molds (6-8 pops)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple, guava, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top for expansion.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. To unmold, run the popsicles under warm water for a few seconds.
Cooking Time: None! Simply freeze and enjoy.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet taste of Hawaii! This article features 20 delicious tropical dessert recipes that showcase the islands’ unique flavors and ingredients. From classic haupia pie and macadamia nut cookies to innovative creations like poi mochi donuts and taro coconut custard, these treats are sure to transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian paradise. Whether you’re looking for sweet treats to satisfy your cravings or inspiration for your next baking project, this collection of recipes has something for everyone.
