Escape to the islands with these 20 delicious and authentic Hawaiian dessert recipes! From classic haupia pie to sweet potato squares, and from pineapple upside-down cake to passion fruit cheesecake, we’ve gathered the best of Hawaiian desserts for you to try. With a mix of traditional and modern twists, our collection of tropical treats is sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed beaches and lush rainforests of Hawaii.
Whether you’re a local or just a fan of Hawaiian cuisine, these recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and exploring the unique flavors of the Aloha State. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two!) of Pineapple Coconut Bars, whip up a batch of Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies, or create an unforgettable dessert with Haupia Ice Cream. The possibilities are endless!
Hawaiian Haupia Pie
Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert, is now transformed into a creamy and rich pie that’s sure to delight your taste buds. This unique dessert combines the flavors of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted macadamia nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup haupia mix (or homemade coconut milk mixture)
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together haupia mix, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated.
4. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the coconut mixture.
5. Top with chopped macadamia nuts.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Enjoy your creamy Hawaiian Haupia Pie!
Pineapple Coconut Bars
These Pineapple Coconut Bars are a delightful combination of tropical flavors, with a shortbread crust, a sweet and tangy pineapple filling, and a crunchy coconut topping. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 sugar. Add melted butter; mix until combined.
3. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
4. Spread pineapple filling over crust.
5. Sprinkle coconut and brown sugar evenly over pineapple layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Guava Chiffon Cake
This light-as-air cake is infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of guava, perfect for a warm weather dessert or snack. With its delicate crumb and subtle fruit notes, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (30g) guava jam or preserves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10-inch (25cm) tube pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Fold in guava jam or preserves.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies are packed with the rich flavors of macadamia nuts and dark chocolate chips. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a gift for friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in macadamia nuts and chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake gets a burst of tropical flavor from the sweet and tangy passion fruit (lilikoi). Perfect for warm weather, this dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.
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, separated
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup lilikoi puree (passion fruit)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sugar, sour cream, lilikoi puree, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan over the crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
Cooking Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
Malasadas (Hawaiian Donuts)
Malasadas are a popular treat in Hawaii, often enjoyed at Portuguese-inspired bakeries and festivals. These sweet, fluffy donuts are a staple of the islands’ culinary scene.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast to warm water (about 105°F) and let it activate for 5 minutes. Then, add the mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add milk and eggs, mixing until a thick batter forms.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and let cool on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the malasadas.
Sweet Potato Haupia Squares
Sweet Potato Haupia Squares Recipe
Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert, meets the comfort of sweet potato in this unique and delicious treat. These moist squares are perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup haupia mix (or substitute with equal parts cornstarch, sugar, and coconut milk)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, haupia mix, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Press half of the graham cracker crumbs into the prepared baking dish. Top with the sweet potato mixture.
4. Sprinkle remaining graham cracker crumbs on top. If using pecans, sprinkle them over the crumbs.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mango Bread Pudding
Mango Bread Pudding Recipe
Sweet and tangy mango combines with warm bread to create a unique dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 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
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mango, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Pour in heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb liquid.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Tapioca Pudding
This Coconut Tapioca Pudding recipe is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the creamy texture of pudding with the sweetness of coconut and the chewiness of tapioca pearls. Perfect for warm weather, this dessert is light, refreshing, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (pearled sago)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the pudding thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate pot, cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions.
6. Combine cooked tapioca pearls with pudding mixture and refrigerate until chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A classic dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday treats, this pineapple upside-down cake is a sweet and tangy delight. With its caramelized pineapple rings and brown sugar crust, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
– 1 cup (120g) fresh pineapple rings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Pour in pineapple juice and mix until smooth.
5. Arrange pineapple rings on the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour batter over the pineapple and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Lumpia with Caramel Sauce
This sweet and crispy Filipino-inspired treat combines ripe bananas with a gooey caramel sauce, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this indulgent delight at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, see below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced bananas and granulated sugar. Mix well.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the banana mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a lumpia shape. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the lumpias until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Drain the lumpias on paper towels and serve warm with caramel sauce for dipping.
Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe:
– Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 350°F.
– Remove from heat and slowly whisk in 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
POG (Passion Orange Guava) Sorbet
A refreshing tropical treat that captures the essence of passion fruit, orange, and guava! This POG sorbet recipe is perfect for warm weather or any time you need a sweet escape.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed juice (passion fruit, orange, guava)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Combine the mixed juice and sugar in a medium saucepan.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the water and honey until dissolved.
4. Let cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once set, scoop the sorbet into individual serving cups or a freezer-safe container.
7. Cover and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Chocolate Haupia Layered Cake
This layered cake combines rich chocolate cake with a creamy coconut haupia filling, perfect for any Hawaiian-inspired celebration. With only 6 moist and decadent layers, this show-stopping dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the haupia:
– 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour six 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the cake according to package instructions.
3. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the layers with haupia filling.
4. Prepare the haupia by whisking together coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Assemble the cake and serve.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes for cakes, 10-15 minutes for haupia filling.
Poi Mochi
Poi Mochi Recipe: A Sweet Japanese Treat
Poi Mochi is a popular Japanese dessert that combines the chewy texture of mochi with the sweet flavor of red bean paste. This simple recipe yields soft and delicious Poi Mochi perfect for snacking or as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup red bean paste (anko)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball slightly to create a disk shape.
5. Place a tablespoon of red bean paste in the center of each disk.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or square shape.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Tips:
– Use a non-stick pan to prevent the Poi Mochi from sticking and to make it easier to remove them once cooked.
– If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a colorful touch.
– Store any leftover Poi Mochi in an airtight container at room temperature.
Lemon Crunch Cake
This refreshing lemon cake is packed with a crunchy lemon streusel topping and a burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for springtime gatherings or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Lemon Streusel Topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, and buttermilk.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Top with Lemon Streusel Topping (see below).
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Lemon Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Mix all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over cake before baking.
Kulolo (Taro Coconut Dessert)
A classic Hawaiian dessert, Kulolo is a rich and creamy treat made with taro root, coconut milk, and sugar. This traditional recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of Hawaii.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups taro root, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the taro root, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut milk and shredded coconut. Let cool slightly.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water until smooth. Stir into the taro mixture.
4. Pour the Kulolo into individual serving cups or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Bread
Moist and flavorful, this pineapple coconut bread is perfect for a snack or as a side to your favorite meal. The combination of sweet pineapple and creamy coconut will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh pineapple chunks (optional)
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 unsweetened shredded coconut.
3. In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, melted butter, eggs, and baking powder. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Haupia Ice Cream
Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert that’s creamy and rich. This ice cream recipe gives it a cool twist, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Guava Malasadas
Get ready to savor the sweet and tangy flavors of Brazil with these crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Guava Malasadas!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup guava jam or preserves (homemade or store-bought)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and guava jam to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to medium-high heat.
6. Once hot, drop small balls of dough into the oil (about 1/4 cup each).
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
8. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total cooking time, including resting time.
Enjoy your delicious Guava Malasadas!
Tropical Fruit Trifle
This tropical fruit trifle is a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings. Layers of juicy fruits, creamy whipped cream, and sweet cake come together to create a delightful treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pound cake (homemade or store-bought), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 cup mixed tropical fruits (such as pineapple, mango, kiwi, and passionfruit)
– 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add granulated sugar and whip until combined.
2. Cut the pound cake into 1-inch cubes and place half of them in the bottom of a 9×13 inch serving dish.
3. Top the cake with a layer of whipped cream, followed by a layer of mixed tropical fruits.
4. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the fruit and add another layer of cake cubes.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Discover the sweet and tangy flavors of Hawaii with these 20 tropical dessert recipes. From classic haupia pie to innovative creations like guava chiffon cake and passion fruit cheesecake, there’s something for every taste bud. Try making malasadas (Hawaiian donuts) or macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies for a delicious treat. Or, impress your friends with show-stopping desserts like pineapple upside-down cake and kulolo (taro coconut dessert). Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a special occasion treat, these Hawaiian-inspired recipes are sure to delight.