Hawaiian cuisine is renowned for its delectable desserts, a true reflection of the islands’ cultural melting pot.
The unique fusion of flavors and techniques from various cuisines has given rise to an array of mouthwatering treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
With influences ranging from Japanese to Portuguese, Hawaiian desserts offer a fascinating journey through the culinary heritage of the islands.
Purple Sweet Potato Pie with Coconut Topping
To start with something distinctive, let’s dive into a one-of-a-kind take on the classic sweet potato pie. The twist here is the use of purple sweet potatoes, also known as ‘ube, which are commonly found in Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian cuisine. As with their golden counterparts, these starchy and sweet root vegetables boast a natural sweetness that will shine through in this unique dessert.
Air Fryer Pineapple
Savoring a sweet and satisfying treat after dinner? Look no further than this scrumptious air-fried pineapple recipe! The combination of tender pineapple rounds infused with warm spices, all achieved through a brief yet magical stint in the air fryer, is sure to satisfy your cravings. And if you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your air fryer, be sure to explore our collection of delectable air-fryer desserts that are sure to delight!
Tropical Ice Cream Sandwich
Transform your air-fried pineapple into a unique and delicious ice cream sandwich that’s as guilt-free as it gets! This indulgent treat boasts a tropical flavor profile with every bite, thanks to the harmonious combination of juicy pineapple, creamy ice cream, and sweet unsweetened coconut. What’s more, this innovative sandwich offers a perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an ideal snack for any time of day.
Old-Fashioned Hawaiian Dream Bars
Indulge in a tropical twist on the classic dream bar recipe, infusing it with the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. Inspired by the iconic Hawaiian dream cake, the game-changer is the surprise burst of crushed pineapple hidden within. With each satisfying bite, you’ll be transported to the sun-kissed islands and immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the Aloha State.
Hawaiian Luau Pretzel Rods
This fun activity is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen! With just a few simple ingredients, they can create their own vibrant luau pretzel rods that are both crunchy and delicious. Not only do these tasty treats make a great dessert option, but they’re also a wonderful way to get creative with kids’ parties – whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, or Easter. And the best part? The adults will love them just as much! Just imagine serving these colorful pretzel rods at your next gathering and watching everyone’s eyes light up. It’s an easy way to bring people together through food and fun.
Lilikoi Bars
Indulge in the tropical flavors of Hawaii with lilikoi bars, also known as passion fruit bars. These sweet treats are a refreshing twist on traditional lemon bars, perfect for savoring on a warm summer day or sharing at a picnic or potluck gathering. The combination of a buttery crust, a sweet and tangy passionfruit filling, and a topping of shredded coconut and a drizzle of syrup is nothing short of heavenly. Each bite transports you to a tropical paradise, where the flavors meld together in perfect harmony.
Hawaiian Bubble Bread
Discover the allure of Hawaiian bubble bread, also known as ‘monkey bread.’ This indulgent treat boasts a unique combination of tender, sweet bread and chunky fresh fruit, all tied together by the subtle richness of coconut. The magic lies in the way the fruit absorbs into the dough during baking, creating pockets of luscious, tropical-flavored puree that will leave you wanting more.
Purple Sweet Potato Haupia Pie
Haupia, a beloved Hawaiian coconut pudding, brings a refreshing flavor and sweetness to the table. Its versatility also makes it an essential component in this delectable sweet potato pie. The haupia’s creamy texture and subtle coconut taste perfectly complement the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This unique combination is elevated by the striking contrast provided by the vibrant ube, which adds a pop of purple to the dish. As each bite combines the rich flavors of ube and haupia, it’s a truly sensational culinary experience.
Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake
The allure of an upside-down pineapple cake lies in its irresistible appeal. Its golden-brown crust and sweet aroma seem to beckon you to take a bite. This cheesecake iteration is even more tantalizing, boasting a divine crust that complements the luscious tropical cheesecake filling. The harmonious union of flavors and textures yields a true masterpiece.
Chewy Butter Mochi
The quintessential Hawaiian treat, butter mochi, is typically baked in a square tin, but let’s be real – the coveted chewy corner pieces are always at the center of the debate! Why not ensure that every morsel can claim its rightful place as a deliciously textured delight? Enter this ingenious recipe, which cleverly repurposes cupcake tins to yield bite-sized butter mochi with an irresistible edge in every single one.
Hawaiian Chocolate Haupia Pie
A reprise of our earlier haupia pie recipe, this time featuring a decadent chocolate filling that will delight any fan of the chocolate-coconut combination. The creamy haupia provides a delightful contrast to the rich, velvety chocolate, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s hard to resist. In fact, you might find yourself struggling not to devour the entire pie in one sitting – it’s just that good!
Passionfruit Bars
Indulge in a tropical getaway with these effortlessly easy passionfruit bars, perfect for whipping up a quick potluck dessert or satisfying your kids’ sweet tooth. With a make-ahead friendly approach, these bars require only an hour’s chill in the fridge before serving, allowing you to prep ahead and let them cool as needed.
Coconut Filled Malasadas
The sweet spot on any dessert list is undoubtedly reserved for the majestic donut. And it’s not just because they’re a delightful treat, but also because these malasadas are elevated to new heights by being filled with creamy haupia. Yes, you read that right – coconut pudding-stuffed donuts! These bite-sized morsels of joy are essentially little pillows of paradise for the taste buds. If you’re a fan of all things coconut, you’ll likely also be enamored with these scrumptious coconut macaroons.
Ube Cheesecake Bars
The allure of cheesecake bars lies in their perfect harmony of buttery crust and creamy filling, making for a decadent treat that’s effortlessly portable. Whether you’re embarking on a picnic or road trip, these sweet indulgences are the ultimate companion. But what if we elevated this classic dessert by infusing it with the subtle, earthy sweetness of ube? This recipe delivers just that, promising a unique and tantalizing twist on a beloved favorite.
Butter Mochi Cupcakes
A reimagined take on the beloved butter mochi cupcakes is presented here. The delightful texture of these treats becomes even more pronounced when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective, showcasing their perfect balance of pillowy softness and crispy crunch. To elevate this recipe to new heights, the traditional approach involves dusting the tin liners with rice flour, resulting in an exterior that’s delightfully crisper than ever before. It’s only a matter of time until you find yourself hopelessly hooked on these irresistible morsels.
Pina Colada Poke Cake
In this delectable recipe, we’re taking a cue from traditional Hawaiian cooking by creating a ‘poke cake’ – a sweet treat that’s literally poked with holes before being drenched in warm pineapple syrup. As the syrup seeps into the tender craters of the warm cake, it infuses every bite with an unparalleled tropical flavor profile featuring the sweetness of pineapple and the creaminess of coconut. The result is a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed island paradise.
Mango Brown Sugar Bread
In Hawaii, sweet bread is a beloved dessert that’s reminiscent of banana bread – rich, moist, and bursting with fruit flavor. The mango brown sugar bread recipe delivers on this promise, showcasing the versatility of fresh fruit and the importance of brown sugar in creating a dense crumb and crispy exterior.
Toasted Coconut Donuts
Indulge in the delightfully baked coconut donuts that will tantalize your taste buds! With a recipe that yields light and airy treats, these sweet indulgences are perfectly complemented by an irresistible coconut glaze. The toasted coconut topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the cake-like donuts, making each bite a sensory experience.
Pineapple Bread
This pineapple quick bread is a true chameleon – it can effortlessly adapt to being a sweet treat, a flavorful side dish, or even a breakfast delight! Its versatility knows no bounds. And the best part? You can whip it up in a flash, as the name suggests, with an impressive hour-long preparation time from start to finish. The end result is nothing short of remarkable: a buttery crust and dense crumb that belie the simplicity behind their creation.
Mango Coconut Cupcakes
Indulge in the harmonious blend of classic Hawaiian flavors by reimagining a timeless treat. This cupcake recipe masterfully balances the sweetness of ripe mango with the richness of coconut, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
The toasted coconut buttercream adds a delightful textural element and a touch of warmth to each bite. Its subtle sweetness perfectly complements the vibrant mango filling within the moist cupcakes, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors.
Pineapple Mango Sorbet
Imagine yourself basking in the warmth of a tropical summer with the refreshing taste of this exceptional sorbet recipe. The harmonious blend of pineapple and mango is a match made in heaven, offering a sweet and cooling treat that’s perfect as a base for your new favorite dessert. If you’re looking to get creative, consider using leftover mangos to whip up a delightful mango chia pudding – the perfect way to repurpose those ripe fruits.
Pineapple Milkshake
Looking for a quick and easy Hawaiian-themed dessert that’s sure to please? Look no further than a boozy pineapple milkshake! This adult-oriented treat is the perfect fit for any Hawaiian-inspired party or gathering. One of its greatest advantages is its ability to cater to large crowds, as it’s incredibly simple to make in bulk. Additionally, who doesn’t love sipping on something cool and refreshing on a hot day?
Pina Colada Fruit Dip
When it comes to parties, presentation is key. A platter that wows your guests can be as simple as showcasing fresh fruit in an creative way. Case in point: this creamy pina colada fruit dip recipe. The combination of sweet, refreshing, and varied textures makes for a truly decadent dessert experience. By incorporating the dip with a colorful arrangement of fruits, you’ll create a visually appealing display that’s sure to impress.
Pineapple Popsicles
Combine pineapple juice and sugar in a mixture before freezing it into popsicles. The outcome is a refreshing snack with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, ideal for hot summer days. For an added twist, you can spike them with a splash of rum for adults. If you’re looking for more creative ways to beat the heat, explore these dairy-free dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Pineapple Coconut Cake Bars
For those seeking a quick and refreshing dessert solution that’s as effortless as it is delicious, these pineapple coconut cake bars are an excellent choice. With their satisfying crunch and airy texture, these treats are sure to satisfy your cravings. But what truly sets them apart is the tangy pineapple filling, which bursts with flavor and awakens the palate. The best part? This recipe comes together in a flash, making it perfect for those impromptu gatherings or unexpected guest appearances when you need a show-stopping dessert without the fuss.
Mango Snack Cake with Toasted Coconut Crumb
This indulgent treat finds its perfect place at both dessert tables and brunch spreads alike. While it’s not overpoweringly sweet, the chewy texture is undeniably decadent, elevated by the toasted coconut topping that adds a delightful crunch. What’s more, this straightforward recipe makes it an ideal baking activity to share with your kids – requiring only seven ingredients means a stress-free experience for you and minimal mess for them.
Instant Pot Pina Colada Cheesecake
What sets this scrumptious cheesecake apart from others is its sublime sweetness and airy texture. Its ease of preparation and space efficiency make it an ideal choice for hosting dinner parties where every inch counts. With so many delicious desserts to choose from, you can impress your guests without worrying about oven space constraints.
I hope these 27 Hawaiian dessert recipes have piqued your interest! Have any caught your eye? I’d love to hear which one is your favorite in the comments below.
If you enjoyed these tropical treats, you might also appreciate these rich and flavorful Filipino dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.