15 Traditional Hawaiian Desserts

Hawaiian desserts? Let me tell you, they’re all about those tropical vibes and fresh fruit! Coconut, pineapple, or passion fruit–each one is super delicious and totally tropical!

1.Instant Pot Kulolo

Kulolo is a creamy, chewy pudding-like treat made with taro. Traditionally, it requires hours of baking or steaming, but with an Instant Pot, you can cut that time in half!

The key to its rich flavor? Use brown sugar and grate the taro for the best results. This warm, comforting dessert just got a whole lot easier, thanks to your Instant Pot!

2.Rainbow Jello

This layered Jello dessert is as cute as it is delicious! While it’s simple to make, it does require a little patience since each layer needs to set before adding the next.

The wait is totally worth it for those clean, vibrant layers. The addition of milky Hello adds a creamy touch and creates a nice contrast between the colors.

It’s a fun twist on a classic treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults!

3.Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Cake

The best part about a poke cake? Even if you overbake it by mistake, the pudding soaks in, keeping it super moist. This recipe uses crushed pineapple, which infuses the cake with sweet, fruity bursts.

Paired with a creamy topping, it’s a match made in heaven!

4.Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars

These bars are a triple threat of deliciousness. Start with a buttery shortbread crust that’s the perfect base. Then comes the pineapple cheesecake filling–so good you might want to eat it straight from the bowl!

And let’s not forget the chewy coconut topping, which is so irresistible you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything. Together, they create a scrumptious dessert that’s perfect for grabbing on the go and freezes beautifully for later.

5.Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread

Had enough banana bread? Think again! This recipe isn’t just another banana bread–it’s a game-changer. With the sweetness of cherries, the tang of crushed pineapple, and the chewy goodness of coconut, this bread is in a league of its own.

For the best flavor, use bananas that are super ripe (they should be spotty and soft). Pro tip: toast the coconut before adding it to the batter for an extra depth of flavor.

This isn’t the banana bread you’re tired of–it’s a whole new level of delicious!

6.Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Grilled fruit is a summer dessert that deserves way more love. Sure, those big cakes and huge scoops of ice cream are tempting, but trust us–grilled fruit is right up there with the best of them.

The brown sugar sprinkled on top helps bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a rich caramel flavor that’s just irresistible. When you throw it on the grill, the heat works its magic, softening the fruit and giving it a nice char.

The result? A melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as delicious as it is simple. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for the grill instead of the ice cream bowl this summer.

7.Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars

These buttery bars are impossible to resist! They start with a simple shortbread base that won’t overpower the flavors on top. Packed with brown sugar, coconut cream, lemon juice, and macadamia nuts, these treats are perfect whether you’re grabbing a quick morning snack or ending your day with something sweet.

8.Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Step into the past with this soft, fruity, and totally retro cake–it’s like a time machine to the 1970s! The best part? It’s a breeze to make! Grab a boxed cake mix and some pineapple slices, and you’re ready to go.

Prep time? Just 10 quick minutes! Once it’s baked, don’t forget to flip it out of the pan before it cools. Trust us, you don’t want it sticking around in there!

9.Hawaiian Ambrosia

Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dessert that often raises eyebrows. While it’s called a salad, it’s definitely a sweet treat. Packed with juicy pineapple, mandarins, grapes, and shredded coconut, this dish is a fruit lover’s paradise.

For those with a sweet tooth, it’s also loaded with Cool Whip and mini-marshmallows, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a holiday feast, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to please everyone.

10.Copycat Guri Guri

Guri Guri is a game-changing ice cream hybrid that’s as easy as it is delicious. Made with strawberry syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of cream, this unique treat comes together without needing an ice cream machine.

Simply freeze the mixture and stir it every so often to keep it light and smooth. Strawberry is the star flavor, but pineapple offers a tasty tropical twist.

Enjoy this creamy, dreamy dessert your way!

11.Passion Fruit Ice Cream

You might have noticed that Australian recipe lists often feature coconut and passion fruit. It turns out Hawaii shares the same love for these flavors!

There’s something about the tropical vibes and stunning landscapes that make these ingredients a perfect match. Passion fruit pulp can be found in some grocery stores or ordered online.

Just remember, it’s important to use the pulp instead of passion fruit juice for the best flavor and texture.

12.Hawaiian Dream Cake

Here’s a tropical twist on cake that’s sure to transport you to the islands. By swapping water for pineapple juice, this cake gets an undeniable tropical vibe.

Plus, the crushed pineapple in the faux-cheesecake layer adds even more island flavor. The result? A wonderfully moist and tender texture with a thick, creamy pudding that’s just irresistible.

To keep things light and fresh, it’s topped with sweetened whipped cream and finished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a delightful crunch.

13.Hawaiian POG Recipe

Meet P.O.G., the ultimate tropical trio of passionfruit, orange, and guava. This vibrant blend is like a vacation in a glass, offering a refreshing twist on traditional OJ.

For the best flavor, grab your blender and go fresh–though if passionfruit is scarce, pineapple makes a great stand-in. No blender? No problem! Just mix store-bought juices for the same delicious taste.

And if you’re in the mood for something extra, a splash of rum turns this morning pick-me-up into a fantastic cocktail.

14.Haupia Cake

This coconut pudding is a Hawaiian favorite, and one bite will show you why. It makes a light and refreshing change from the usual sweet frostings we’re used to.

The coconut flavor really gets to shine in this recipe. While the all-white finish is stunning, adding a layer of crushed pineapple or passion fruit in the middle would add a nice tropical twist.

15.Chocolate Haupia Pie (Ted’s Bakery Copycat)

Haupia, a traditional Hawaiian dessert, is a coconut pudding that’s as smooth as custard. Made with cornstarch, it has a silky, gelatin-like texture that’s simply irresistible.

The second layer is a decadent mix of haupia and chocolate chips, creating a rich, creamy treat once set. To finish, it’s topped with coconut-flavored whipped cream, adding a light and airy touch before slicing.

A perfect blend of tropical flavors and chocolatey goodness!

15 Traditional Hawaiian Desserts

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Hawaiian desserts? Let me tell you, they’re all about those tropical vibes and fresh fruit! Coconut, pineapple, or passion fruit–each one is super delicious and totally tropical!

Ingredients

  • Instant Pot Kulolo

  • Rainbow Jello

  • Hawaiian Pineapple Poke Cake

  • Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars

  • Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread

  • Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

  • Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars

  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake

  • Hawaiian Ambrosia

  • Copycat Guri Guri

  • Passion Fruit Ice Cream

  • Hawaiian Dream Cake

  • Hawaiian POG Recipe

  • Haupia Cake

  • Chocolate Haupia Pie (Ted’s Bakery Copycat)

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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