Indulge in the sweet treats of Hawaii without leaving your kitchen by trying out these traditional Hawaiian desserts that are a delightful fusion of various cuisines.
The islands’ dessert landscape is shaped by influences from Japan, Portugal, and more, making every bite a flavorful journey. Get ready to discover which of the 27 favorite Hawaiian desserts you want to indulge in this summer.
Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut Topping
To begin with something truly distinct, let’s dive into a Hawaiian twist on the classic sweet potato pie – but instead of using the conventional orange-hued sweet potatoes, we’ll be leveraging the unique flavor of purple sweet potatoes, also known as ‘ube. This starchy and sweet root vegetable is commonly featured in Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian cuisine, offering a delightful departure from the usual golden sweet potatoes.
Air Fryer Pineapple
Indulge in a sweet and satisfying treat after dinner without compromising on health – air-fried pineapple is the perfect solution! This delectable recipe features tender pineapple rounds infused with warm spices, expertly cooked to perfection using the air fryer. And if you’re looking for more creative ways to utilize your air fryer, explore our collection of scrumptious air fryer desserts that are sure to please.
Tropical Ice Cream Sandwich
Indulge in a one-of-a-kind ice cream sandwich by incorporating your air-fried pineapple into this unique dessert. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise as the juicy flavors meld together. And the best part? This treat is surprisingly guilt-free! While it may contain ice cream, the rest of the sandwich is comprised of fruit and unsweetened coconut, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for any time of day.
Old-Fashioned Hawaiian Dream Bars
Add a tropical twist to your classic dream bars with a Hawaiian-inspired recipe that’s sure to impress at your next picnic or potluck. The secret ingredient? Crushed pineapple hiding in plain sight, which adds an extra layer of flavor and authenticity to this beloved dessert.
Hawaiian Luau Pretzel Rods
Join forces with the little ones in the kitchen and get creative with a fun luau-themed pretzel rod activity! With just a few simple steps, you can transform plain pretzels into colorful, crunchy treats that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. This versatile technique is perfect for whipping up festive snacks for Halloween, Christmas, or Easter celebrations – and it’s easy enough for the whole family to enjoy together.
Lilikoi Bars
Imagine sinking your teeth into an ooey-gooey bar that combines the tropical flavors of Hawaii with the classic comfort of lemon bars. The result is a sumptuous lilikoi (passion fruit) bar that’s perfect for savoring on a sunny summer day, whether you’re packing them for a picnic or bringing them to a potluck gathering.
The magic begins with a buttery base that provides a satisfying crunch, giving way to a sweet and tangy passionfruit filling. The crowning glory is the sprinkle of toasted coconut and the drizzle of syrup, which adds a depth of flavor and texture that’s simply divine. With each bite, you’ll experience a little slice of heaven.
Hawaiian Bubble Bread
Experience the magic of Hawaiian bubble bread, also known as ‘monkey bread.’ This tropical treat boasts a unique combination of fresh fruit and coconut that yields a moist and flavorful result. The secret to its success lies in the way the bread is designed to be sweet and fluffy, with chunks of fruit incorporated throughout. As it bakes, these fruit-filled pockets transform into smooth, sweet purees that add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Purple Sweet Potato Haupia Pie
In Hawaiian cuisine, Haupia is a beloved coconut pudding renowned for its revitalizing flavor and subtle sweetness. This creamy delight has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. What’s more, Haupia plays a crucial role as the secret ingredient in a show-stopping sweet potato pie. The harmonious combination of earthy sweet potatoes and vibrant ube is elevated by the velvety Haupia topping, resulting in a truly sensational culinary experience.
Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
An upside-down pineapple cake has a certain allure to it – its very presence seems to beckon you to take a slice. The same can be said for this cheesecake rendition, which boasts an extraordinary crust that complements the rich, tropical flavors of the pineapple. When combined with a smooth and creamy filling, this dessert is nothing short of a triumph.
Chewy Butter Mochi
In Hawaiian culture, butter mochi is a beloved treat typically baked in a square tin. The coveted corner pieces are always the first to disappear due to their irresistible chewiness. However, by adapting this clever recipe, you can transform the baking process and ensure every bite becomes a delightfully textured experience. Simply bake the butter mochi mixture in cupcake tins instead of a traditional square pan, allowing each individual serving to boast its own scrumptious edge, satisfying your cravings for that perfect balance of chewiness.
Hawaiian Chocolate Haupia Pie
This delectable take on the classic haupia pie makes a triumphant return, but with a decadent twist: a rich chocolate filling takes center stage. If you’re a devotee of the harmonious union between dark chocolate and toasted coconut, this pie is your dream come true. The creamy haupia provides a delightful contrast to the indulgent chocolate, striking a perfect balance that’s sure to leave you craving another slice (and another, and another…).
Passionfruit Bars
Indulge in a tropical getaway with these effortless passionfruit bars, perfect for a quick potluck dessert or a treat to take to school with the kids. These convenient treats require no fuss, needing only an hour’s chill time in the fridge before serving.
Coconut Filled Malasadas
The sweetest time on any dessert list is undoubtedly the moment when indulging in a delectable donut. And what makes it even more extraordinary is when that donut is filled with haupia – a rich and creamy coconut pudding. These malasadas are like little clouds of heaven, providing an unparalleled sensory experience. For those who share a passion for all things coconut, these treats will likely evoke a sense of nostalgia and delight, reminiscent of the classic coconut macaroons.
Ube Cheesecake Bars
Rich and indulgent cheesecake bars get a delightful twist with the addition of ube’s subtle sweetness and earthy undertones. The buttery crust provides a perfect base for the creamy filling, making these treats not only a pleasure to eat but also easy to transport – ideal for impromptu picnics or road trips. Just imagine sinking your teeth into one of these heavenly bars as you’re on-the-go.
Butter Mochi Cupcakes
The butter mochi cupcakes’ texture is a marvel of contrasts – pillowy softness meets crispy edges. To amplify this delightful combination, I’ve incorporated an additional step: dusting the tin with rice flour. This subtle tweak yields an even crisper exterior that’s simply irresistible. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked on these scrumptious treats.
Pina Colada Poke Cake
Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, flavorful cake that’s been infused with the sweet, tangy essence of pineapple and the richness of coconut. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you make this unique poke cake recipe. The key to its success lies in the clever technique of poking holes into the warm cake, allowing a warm pineapple syrup to seep deep within its layers. As the syrup soaks into the cake, it creates an irresistible flavor combination that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Mango Brown Sugar Bread
In Hawaiian cuisine, sweet bread is a beloved dessert that’s reminiscent of banana bread – rich in flavor with a moist and dense texture. This mango brown sugar bread recipe delivers on those expectations. Although mango is the featured fruit, you can substitute other fresh fruits to suit your taste. What sets this recipe apart is the use of brown sugar, which contributes to the development of a crispy crust and dense crumb. It’s essential to use the right amount of brown sugar to achieve this perfect balance.
Toasted Coconut Donuts
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with these scrumptious baked coconut donuts! These light and airy treats are elevated by a rich coconut glaze, while toasted coconut sprinkles on top provide an irresistible crunch that beautifully complements the cakey donut base.
Pineapple Bread
This versatile pineapple quick bread can be enjoyed as a dessert, side dish, or even breakfast option. Its adaptability is just one of its many charms. What’s more, the recipe requires minimal effort, with the entire process taking just an hour from start to finish. The resulting buttery crust and dense crumb may seem like they demand hours of meticulous work, but surprisingly, they’re achieved through simplicity itself.
Mango Coconut Cupcakes
While indulging in a beloved classic, this cupcake recipe cleverly marries timeless Hawaiian flavors in perfect harmony. The star of the show is the delightful combination of juicy mango and creamy coconut, expertly balanced for an unforgettable taste experience.
What sets these cupcakes apart is the sublime toasted coconut buttercream frosting that adds a delightful textural element. This sweet yet subtle topping beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the mango filling within each cupcake, creating a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.
Pineapple Mango Sorbet
Escape to a sun-kissed summer with this mouthwatering sorbet recipe. The harmonious blend of pineapple and mango transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise, where sweet and cool meet in perfect harmony. This dynamic duo makes for an excellent foundation for any sorbet lover. If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe mangos, consider whipping up a batch of our creamy mango chia pudding for a unique twist on this classic fruit combination.
Pineapple Milkshake
For a quick and easy Hawaiian-themed dessert that’s sure to please, look no further than the boozy pineapple milkshake. This adult-only treat is perfect for a luau-style party or any gathering where you want to serve a crowd. One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of scalability – simply multiply the ingredients as needed to make a large batch that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cold milkshake on a hot day.
Pina Colada Fruit Dip
When it comes to impressing your party guests, sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most impactful. Take fresh fruit, for instance – with a little creativity, it can become the star of the show. One way to elevate this humble ingredient is by serving it with a creamy Pina Colada fruit dip that checks all the right boxes: sweet, refreshing, and full of varied textures that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Pineapple Popsicles
Blend pineapple juice and sugar to create a refreshing popsicle that perfectly balances tangy and sweet. The combination is sure to satisfy your thirst on a sweltering day. For an added twist, you can elevate this treat for adults by incorporating a splash of rum. If you’re seeking more delightful dessert options, explore our collection of dairy-free recipes.
Pineapple Coconut Cake Bars
For those seeking a hassle-free yet tropical dessert, look no further than these pineapple coconut cake bars. With their delightfully crunchy and fluffy texture, these treats are sure to hit the spot without breaking a sweat. The tangy pineapple filling adds a much-needed zing to the senses, making them an ideal choice for satisfying sweet cravings on short notice. Perhaps best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results – perfect for those last-minute dessert emergencies when unexpected guests arrive.
Mango Snack Cake with Toasted Coconut Crumb
What sets this dessert apart from others is its versatility – it’s just as at home on a brunch table as it would be in a traditional dessert spread. The subtle sweetness and chewy texture are perfectly balanced, while the toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sophistication. This recipe is also an excellent choice for baking with your kids, thanks to its simplicity and minimal ingredient list. With only seven ingredients to contend with, you can breathe easy knowing that the mess will be minimal and the fun factor will be high.
Instant Pot Pina Colada Cheesecake
The distinct charm of this creamy cheesecake lies in its effortless preparation and space-saving nature. It’s an ideal choice for hosting a dinner party, as it won’t occupy valuable oven real estate. This versatility makes it a standout among other desserts. With 27 Hawaiian dessert recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that piques your interest. Feel free to share which one resonates with you in the comments! If you’ve enjoyed these sweet treats, you’ll likely appreciate the rich flavors of Filipino desserts as well.
