Most Hawaiian dessert recipes are a fusion of tropical flavors, cultural influences, and locally sourced ingredients. What makes them particularly enticing to people even from other nationalities is their unique blend of Hawaiian, Polynesian, Japanese, Filipino, and Western culinary traditions. This cultural melting pot has created desserts that stand out for their exotic yet comforting taste profiles.
Hawaiian dessert recipes often incorporate ingredients like coconut, pineapple, macadamia nuts, taro, passion fruit (lilikoi), and sweet potatoes, which are native or abundant in the islands. They are perfect for those looking to explore tropical flavors or bring a slice of paradise into their homes. The most enticing part is that these desserts are associated with Hawaiian hospitality and the spirit of “Aloha,” making them more than just food, they’re an experience.
What Makes these Hawaiian Dessert Recipes Special and Worth Trying?
People might want to try Hawaiian desserts for the following reasons:
1. Unique Flavors: They feature tropical fruits and ingredients that aren’t commonly used elsewhere.
2. Cultural Exploration: Hawaiian dessert recipes provide insight into the island’s history and cultural diversity.
3. Vacation Vibes: They evoke a sense of being on a tropical vacation, perfect for special occasions.
4. Healthier Choices: Many Hawaiian dessert recipes use natural sweeteners like honey, coconut sugar, and fresh fruits, which appeal to health-conscious individuals.
These 23 Hawaiian dessert recipes will whisk you away to paradise, where the warm ocean breeze, the fragrance of tropical flowers, and the spirit of aloha create a perfect island escape in every bite.
21 BEST HAWAIIAN DESSERT RECIPES TO TRY
1. Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
Haupia is a creamy coconut pudding often served at luaus.
It has a light, creamy, and slightly sweet taste with a rich coconut flavor. The coconut milk gives it a smooth, tropical essence that’s refreshing without being overpowering. Its texture is firm but silky, similar to a soft gelatin dessert or panna cotta, which makes it easy to eat and satisfying.
The flavor of haupia is naturally mild, allowing the coconut to shine, and it pairs wonderfully with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or passion fruit. For those who love coconut, haupia is a simple yet indulgent treat that captures the essence of Hawaiian desserts. If you’re a fan of coconut-based desserts, you’ll likely find it delightful!
2. Malasadas
Malasadas taste like warm, fluffy pillows of happiness! They are soft, airy doughnuts with a slightly crispy exterior that’s coated in sugar, giving them a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Unlike traditional doughnuts, malasadas don’t have a hole in the middle, and they’re often filled with luscious creams or custards in Hawaii. Popular fillings include lilikoi (passion fruit), haupia (coconut), guava, or chocolate, which add tropical flavors to the rich, fried dough.
The dough itself is slightly sweet and buttery, with a light chewiness, making malasadas incredibly satisfying. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, often served as a snack or dessert that’s comforting and indulgent. If you love doughnuts or sweet fried treats, malasadas are a must-try!
3. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A Hawaiian twist on a classic dessert, this cake features caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.
It’s sweet, tangy, and buttery with a moist texture. The caramelized pineapple on top adds a tropical flavor and a touch of tartness, while the brown sugar and butter glaze gives it a rich, toffee-like sweetness. The cake is soft and buttery, and some versions include cherries for extra sweetness and color. It’s delicious served warm, especially with whipped cream or ice cream.
4. Haupia Pie
Haupia Pie is rich, creamy, and full of coconut flavor. It has a smooth coconut pudding (haupia) layer on top of a flaky pie crust, often with a layer of chocolate for extra indulgence. The combination of the buttery crust, silky coconut filling, and whipped cream topping makes it a light yet satisfying dessert. It’s sweet, tropical, and perfect for coconut lovers!
Best served chilled to maintain its creamy texture and refreshing taste. It is sliced into wedges, like any pie, and often topped with whipped cream for added indulgence. Some variations may include a sprinkle of shredded coconut or chocolate shavings as garnish. It’s best enjoyed as a dessert after a meal or as a cool treat on a warm day.
5. Lilikoi Bars
Lilikoi Bars are tangy, sweet, and tropical. They feature a smooth passion fruit (lilikoi) curd layered over a buttery shortbread crust. The curd is rich and creamy, with a bright, citrusy flavor that balances perfectly with the slightly crumbly, buttery base.
They’re usually served chilled, cut into squares or bars, and dusted with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish. These bars are a refreshing treat, perfect for summer or whenever you want a burst of tropical flavor!
6. Kulolo
Kulolo is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from taro root and coconut milk. It has a dense, chewy texture and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. The taro is mashed and combined with coconut milk and sugar, then steamed to create a pudding-like consistency.
Kulolo is often served in small squares or chunks and has a rich, slightly starchy taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut milk. It’s a unique and comforting dessert that highlights the flavors of local Hawaiian ingredients.
7. Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies
Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies are chewy, crunchy, and packed with tropical flavors. The cookies are made with shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts, giving them a nutty, buttery taste with a hint of sweetness. The coconut adds a chewy texture, while the macadamia nuts provide a satisfying crunch.
They are often slightly golden on the edges and soft in the center, making for a delightful treat. These cookies have a rich, tropical flavor that’s perfect for anyone who loves coconut and nuts.
8. Guava Cake
Guava Cake is a sweet, tropical dessert with a vibrant pink hue. The cake is soft and moist, often flavored with guava puree or guava juice, giving it a unique, tangy sweetness. It’s usually topped with a smooth guava glaze or frosting, enhancing the fruity flavor.
The cake has a light texture and is both sweet and slightly tart, making it refreshing and indulgent at the same time. It’s a popular treat in Hawaii, perfect for those who enjoy fruity, tropical desserts.
9. Pineapple Dole Whip
Pineapple Dole Whip is a creamy, dairy-free frozen treat that’s sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Made with pineapple juice, coconut milk (or sometimes pineapple juice concentrate), and a bit of sugar, it has a smooth, soft-serve consistency. The flavor is predominantly pineapple, offering a burst of tropical sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.
It’s typically served in a cone or bowl and is perfect for hot days or as a fun dessert. Its light, fruity taste makes it a favorite for people who love pineapple or frozen treats!
10. Mochi
Mochi is a chewy, sweet Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that’s pounded into a sticky, smooth dough. In Hawaii, mochi is often infused with tropical flavors like coconut, mango, or taro, giving it a local twist.
The texture of mochi is soft and stretchy, making it fun to bite into. Some varieties are filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or lilikoi (passion fruit), while others may be dusted with cornstarch to prevent sticking. It’s a light, chewy, and slightly sweet treat that’s refreshing and perfect for those who enjoy unique, textured desserts.
11. Sweet Potato Haupia Pie
See Recipe Sweet Potato Haupia Pie is a delicious Hawaiian dessert that combines two popular flavors: creamy haupia (coconut pudding) and sweet potato. The pie typically features a smooth, velvety layer of haupia on top of a rich sweet potato filling. The sweet potato layer is often slightly spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
The pie is served in a buttery, flaky crust and often topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence. It’s a comforting, tropical dessert that blends the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the coconut-rich smoothness of haupia, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
12. Shave Ice
Shave Ice is a popular Hawaiian treat made by finely shaving ice into a light, fluffy texture and then topping it with flavored syrups. The ice is usually packed into a cone or cup, and the syrups are often made from tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, passion fruit (lilikoi), and guava. Sometimes, the shave ice is topped with condensed milk or azuki beans for extra flavor and texture.
The result is a refreshing, sweet, and colorful dessert that’s perfect for hot days. It’s similar to snow cones but with a much finer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shave ice is customizable with various toppings and flavor combinations, making it a fun and beloved treat in Hawaii.
13. Banana Lumpia
Banana Lumpia is a delicious Filipino-inspired dessert popular in Hawaii. It features ripe bananas (often saba bananas) wrapped in a thin spring roll wrapper and fried until golden and crispy. The inside is sweet and warm, with the bananas becoming soft and caramelized.
Typically, these banana-filled spring rolls are sprinkled with sugar after frying to add a little extra sweetness and a slight crunch. Some variations may include a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve it with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert with a perfect balance of crispy and sweet.
14. Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut Cream Pie is a rich, creamy dessert with a smooth coconut filling, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. The filling is made from a combination of coconut milk, sugar, and eggs, resulting in a thick, velvety custard-like texture. The pie is typically served in a buttery, flaky pie crust that adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
The whipped cream topping adds lightness and a bit of sweetness, while the toasted coconut on top gives it a delightful crunch and extra coconut flavor. It’s a comforting, tropical dessert that combines the sweetness of coconut with a rich, smooth filling, making it a favorite for coconut lovers.
15. Chichi Dango
This is soft, chewy and sweet Japanese rice cake that’s very popular in Hawaii. Made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, it has a smooth, slightly sticky texture and a mild, sweet flavor. The rice flour gives it a unique, chewy consistency, while the coconut milk adds richness and a subtle tropical taste.
Chichi Dango is often cut into small, colorful cubes, making it an appealing and fun treat. It’s typically served as a dessert or snack and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. The combination of chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor makes it a favorite treat for those who love Asian-inspired desserts with a Hawaiian twist.
16. Lilikoi Cheesecake
Lilikoi Cheesecake is a tropical twist on the classic cheesecake, featuring a creamy, rich filling with the bright, tangy flavor of lilikoi (passion fruit). The smooth and velvety cheesecake filling is often flavored with lilikoi puree or juice, which gives it a unique balance of sweet and tart notes.
It’s typically served on a graham cracker crust, which adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to complement the creamy filling. Sometimes, the cheesecake is topped with a layer of lilikoi syrup or glaze, making it even more indulgent. Lilikoi Cheesecake is a refreshing and tropical dessert, perfect for those who enjoy fruity, creamy treats with a little tang.
17. Coconut Snowballs
Coconut Snowballs are sweet, bite-sized treats made primarily from shredded coconut, condensed milk, and sometimes a little vanilla extract or almond extract for added flavor. The mixture is rolled into small balls, then chilled until firm. Sometimes, they’re coated in extra shredded coconut for an added texture and a snowy appearance, which is how they got their name.
They’re chewy, slightly sweet, and have a rich coconut flavor, making them a great treat for coconut lovers. Coconut Snowballs are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a simple, no-bake dessert or snack.
18. Mango Bread
Mango Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf made with ripe mangoes, which give it a naturally sweet, tropical taste. The bread is often made with a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, with mashed or pureed mango added to the batter for richness and flavor. Sometimes, it’s enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the sweetness of the mango.
The result is a soft, slightly dense bread with the vibrant sweetness of mango in every bite. Mango Bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a light dessert, and it’s a great way to use fresh, ripe mangoes in a baked treat.
19. Poi Mochi
Poi Mochi is a unique Hawaiian dessert that combines the chewy texture of traditional mochi with the distinct flavor of poi, which is made from mashed taro root. The poi gives the mochi a slightly purple hue and an earthy, mildly sweet flavor.
The mochi itself is soft and sticky, with the poi adding richness and depth to the usual glutinous rice dough. Often, the poi mochi is dusted with a little bit of cornstarch to prevent sticking and can be served as bite-sized pieces. It’s a comforting treat that blends the chewy texture of mochi with the smooth, hearty taste of poi, making it a delightful and traditional Hawaiian dessert.
20. Coconut Rice Pudding
Coconut Rice Pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert made with rice, coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes vanilla or cinnamon for added flavor. The rice is cooked slowly in coconut milk, which gives it a rich, tropical taste and smooth texture. The pudding has a balance of sweetness and the subtle earthiness of coconut, making it both indulgent and satisfying.
It’s often served chilled or warm, depending on preference, and can be topped with shredded coconut, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Coconut Rice Pudding is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys creamy, coconut-flavored treats.
21. Tropical Fruit Salad
Tropical Fruit Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish made with a variety of tropical fruits, such as pineapple, mango, papaya, kiwi, and coconut, often mixed with a citrusy dressing like lime juice or orange juice. The fruit is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, creating a colorful and juicy mix that’s both sweet and tangy.
Sometimes, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of mint is added to enhance the flavors. This fruit salad is light, healthy, and perfect for warm weather, offering a burst of tropical sweetness in every bite. It’s great as a side dish, snack, or even a light dessert.
22. Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars
Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars are a delicious, chewy dessert that combines the tropical flavors of coconut and macadamia nuts. The bars typically have a buttery, slightly sweet base, with shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts mixed in for added texture and flavor. Some recipes may include a bit of honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness, and the bars can be finished with a light dusting of toasted coconut or a drizzle of chocolate
23. Mango Mochi
Mango Mochi is a soft, chewy Japanese rice cake filled with sweet mango puree or chunks of fresh mango. The mochi dough, made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water, is cooked until stretchy and then wrapped around the mango filling. The result is a delightful bite-sized treat with a tropical twist.
The outer layer is smooth and slightly sticky, while the inside bursts with juicy mango flavor. Some versions also include coconut milk in the dough for extra richness. Mango Mochi is best enjoyed fresh and is often dusted with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking. It’s a perfect combination of chewy, fruity, and refreshing flavors!
These Hawaiian dessert recipes will make you scream Aloha! These desserts are more than just sweets, they’re a celebration of tropical flavors and cultural traditions. Why not bring the spirit of Aloha into your kitchen and try one of these 23 delicious Hawaiian dessert recipes today?
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