23 Best Hawaiian Dessert Recipes To Try

The best Hawaiian dessert recipes will take you to the sun-kissed shores of paradise, treating your taste buds to a tropical symphony. This article is your ticket to a delicious getaway, from the enticing sweetness of Malasadas to the velvety embrace of Haupia Pie.

As we explore the delicious world of Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars, Pineapple Coconut Bread, and the legendary Hula Pie, you can lose yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Hawaii.

These carefully chosen dishes guarantee a fascinating voyage through the flavors of the Aloha State, regardless of your level of culinary expertise. Prepare to taste, one delicious bite at a time, the true essence of Hawaii.

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple with brown sugar offers a perfect mix of sweetness and tang. The heat caramelizes the sugars, creating a golden glaze that enhances the fruit’s natural juiciness. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth, complementing the pineapple’s bright, tropical taste.

Cooking over a charcoal grill infuses a subtle smokiness, deepening the flavors. The sugars melt into a sticky, slightly crisp coating that contrasts with the soft, juicy interior.

Chocolate Haupia Pie

Chocolate haupia pie is a rich and creamy treat that combines smooth chocolate with the delicate flavor of coconut. The silky layers melt in your mouth, with the deep cocoa taste blending beautifully with the light, tropical sweetness of haupia. The contrast of textures makes each bite satisfying and indulgent.

Since this dessert requires no baking, the filling stays velvety and soft. The coconut layer adds a refreshing balance to the chocolate, preventing it from being too heavy. A buttery crust provides the perfect base, adding just the right amount of crunch.

Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars

Coconut macadamia nut bars offer a delightful combination of chewiness and crunch. The rich coconut filling creates a soft, gooey texture, while buttery macadamia nuts add a satisfying bite. Their natural sweetness blends beautifully with the toasted coconut, making each bite flavorful and well-balanced.

These bars are a great alternative to traditional cookies since they require no scooping. The layers bake into a perfectly golden crust, with the coconut mixture caramelizing slightly on top. The macadamia nuts bring a subtle buttery flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the dessert.

Haupia

Haupia is a smooth, coconut-based dessert with a light yet creamy texture. Its delicate sweetness comes from pure coconut milk, creating a refreshing and satisfying treat. The subtle flavor makes it a perfect option for those who enjoy simple, naturally sweet desserts.

Traditionally, haupia is cut into small squares, making it easy to serve and enjoy. The texture can be adjusted by adding more cornstarch for a firmer consistency or using less for a softer, pudding-like feel. Either way, it retains its silky, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

No-Bake Hawaiian Dream Cake

No-bake Hawaiian dream cake is a refreshing dessert with a creamy coconut base and sweet pineapple filling. The smooth texture contrasts with the juicy fruit, creating a balanced bite that’s both light and satisfying. The coconut flavor shines through, giving it a tropical touch without being overwhelming.

The combination of coconut and pineapple is reminiscent of a classic pina colada, making this cake a great choice for warm-weather gatherings. Since it requires no baking, it stays soft and luscious, with layers melding together perfectly.

Hawaiian Cheesecake Bars

Hawaiian cheesecake bars combine creamy filling with tropical flavors for a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. The smooth cheesecake base blends with sweet pineapple and coconut, creating a soft texture with just the right amount of fruitiness. Each bite offers a taste of the islands, making this a great dessert for any occasion.

Instead of a graham cracker crust, these bars sit on a buttery shortbread base. The firm texture contrasts with the creamy topping, giving them a satisfying bite. Adding a bit of lemon or lime zest to the dough enhances the flavors, bringing a light citrusy note.

Kulolo

Kulolo is a traditional Hawaiian dessert with a dense, chewy texture and a rich, mildly sweet flavor. Made from taro, coconut milk, and sugar, it has an earthy sweetness similar to sweet potatoes but with a hint of nuttiness. The coconut milk adds creaminess, making each bite smooth and satisfying.

Using an Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time while maintaining the dessert’s authentic taste. The pressure cooking process helps soften the taro and blend the flavors more efficiently. The result is a firm yet tender consistency that holds its shape when sliced.

Liliko’i Bars

Liliko‘i bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, thanks to the distinct flavor of passionfruit. The filling is smooth and velvety, with a bright, fruity taste that stands out. Unlike traditional citrus bars, these have a tropical twist that makes them refreshing and unique.

The buttery shortbread crust provides a crisp base that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. Its light, flaky texture complements the passionfruit’s natural tang, creating a satisfying bite. Baking the crust until golden ensures it stays firm under the luscious topping.

Coconut Filled Hawaiian Malasadas

Coconut-filled Hawaiian malasadas are a delicious fusion of crispy, golden dough and rich, creamy filling. Freshly fried, these donuts have a light, airy texture with a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smooth coconut custard inside. Each bite offers a contrast of crisp exterior and soft, luscious center.

The coconut custard adds a tropical element, enhancing the classic malasada with a silky, flavorful twist. The balance of sweetness ensures they are indulgent without being overwhelming. When dusted with sugar, they have an irresistible texture and flavor combination.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a classic dessert with a caramelized fruit topping that adds sweetness and moisture to every bite. The combination of tender cake and syrupy pineapple creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. As the cake bakes, the fruit releases its juices, blending with brown sugar to form a rich, flavorful glaze.

Whether using a homemade batter or a premade mix, this cake turns out perfectly golden and fluffy. The pineapple slices become slightly caramelized, adding a hint of deep sweetness that complements the light, buttery cake. A few maraschino cherries add a pop of color and extra flavor.

Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread

Hawaiian banana nut bread brings a tropical twist to a classic comfort food. The mashed bananas create a soft, moist texture, while crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and a slight tang. Each bite is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Macadamia nuts provide a delightful crunch, balancing the bread’s softness with a bit of texture. Their mild, buttery taste blends seamlessly with the banana and pineapple, enhancing the overall flavor. A hint of vanilla or cinnamon can also add extra depth to the recipe.

Hawaiian Poke Cake

Hawaiian poke cake is a light and flavorful dessert that comes together with minimal effort. The base starts with a soft, airy cake that soaks up a sweet pineapple-infused filling, creating a moist texture in every bite. This blend of flavors gives the cake a bright, tropical taste that feels refreshing and satisfying.

A layer of creamy pudding adds richness, complementing the fruity sweetness of the pineapple. Toasted coconut sprinkled on top provides a slight crunch, while chopped nuts introduce an extra layer of texture. These toppings enhance the cake’s balance of soft and crisp elements.

Hawaiian Pineapple Squares

Hawaiian pineapple squares bring together a crisp shortbread crust and a smooth, tangy filling. The buttery base provides the perfect foundation for the bright pineapple layer, which balances sweetness with a slight tartness. Each bite offers a contrast of textures, making this dessert both delicate and satisfying.

What sets these squares apart is the light glaze infused with coconut extract. This subtle addition enhances the tropical flavors, blending beautifully with the pineapple’s natural sweetness. The glaze adds a smooth finish that complements the crisp crust and soft filling.

Hawaiian Butter Mochi

Hawaiian butter mochi blends rich butteriness with a satisfyingly chewy texture. The key ingredient, mochiko flour, gives it a soft yet slightly bouncy consistency, making each bite unique compared to traditional cakes. Its golden crust contrasts beautifully with the dense, custard-like center.

Unlike overly sweet desserts, butter mochi has a balanced flavor with just the right touch of sweetness. The buttery richness complements hints of coconut, creating a comforting and simple treat. Some variations include vanilla or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra depth.

Hawaiian Guava Cake

Hawaiian guava cake stands out with its soft texture and signature pink hue. The cake itself is light and airy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tropical notes of guava. Using a strawberry cake mix enhances the fruitiness, giving each bite a well-rounded flavor.

What makes this dessert special is the guava juice, which adds a gentle tartness to balance the sweetness. This infusion creates a moist, flavorful cake that feels both delicate and refreshing. The smooth, creamy topping adds a cool contrast, making it an ideal treat for warm days.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush

Hawaiian pineapple coconut lush is a creamy, no-bake dessert that brings together layers of tropical flavors. A buttery cookie or graham cracker crust provides a firm base, while a smooth pineapple and coconut filling adds richness. Each bite combines sweetness with a hint of natural tartness, creating a well-balanced treat.

The filling is light yet decadent, thanks to the combination of whipped topping and creamy layers. Chopped macadamia nuts add a bit of crunch, contrasting with the soft texture. Letting the dessert chill overnight allows the flavors to meld, making it even more satisfying.

Hawaiian Baklava Bites

Hawaiian baklava bites offer a crisp, flaky texture with a tropical twist. The delicate filo shells provide the perfect base for a filling made of toasted walnuts, shredded coconut, and sweet pineapple. Each bite balances crunch with a chewy, nutty interior, creating a satisfying contrast in textures.

The combination of coconut and pineapple brings a light, fruity note that pairs well with the richness of the nuts. A drizzle of honey ties everything together, adding just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors. These bite-sized treats are easy to serve and require minimal effort.

Hawaiian Rice Pudding

Hawaiian rice pudding is a creamy, comforting dessert with a tropical touch. Cooked rice absorbs the richness of coconut milk and the bright sweetness of pineapple juice, creating a smooth and flavorful base. A hint of vanilla adds warmth, making each spoonful even more inviting.

Chilling the pudding allows the flavors to blend, enhancing its texture and taste. Topping it with toasted coconut and crunchy macadamia nuts provides a contrast to the soft, creamy consistency. The combination of nutty and fruity elements makes this dish unique compared to traditional rice pudding.

Hawaiian Earthquake Cake

Hawaiian earthquake cake offers a unique twist on the classic, swapping chocolate for tropical flavors. Layers of canned pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts create a rich, moist texture, while white chocolate chips add extra sweetness. Since the ingredients settle differently while baking, every slice has a slightly different combination of flavors.

The cake’s uneven top and gooey pockets make each bite a surprise. The contrast between the soft cake and crunchy nuts adds to its appeal. No frosting is needed, as the baked-in flavors provide plenty of richness.

Hawaiian Monkey Bread

Hawaiian monkey bread brings a tropical flair to a beloved classic. The soft, pull-apart dough is coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, with crushed pineapple and shredded coconut tucked between each layer. As it bakes, the fruit and sugar meld together, creating a sticky, golden exterior.

The contrast of the fluffy bread with the rich glaze and juicy pineapple makes every bite satisfying. The coconut adds a subtle chewiness, enhancing the overall texture. This version keeps the comforting warmth of traditional monkey bread while introducing refreshing flavors.

Hawaiian Ice Box Pie

Hawaiian ice box pie is a refreshing dessert that requires little effort but delivers big flavor. The creamy filling blends tropical ingredients like pineapple and coconut, creating a smooth, chilled treat perfect for warm days. Since it sets in the fridge, there’s no need to turn on the oven, making it an ideal choice for a quick, fuss-free dessert.

The graham cracker crust adds a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky filling. A hint of cinnamon enhances the crust, giving it a warm depth of flavor. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and tangy tropical notes.

Hawaiian Tarts

Hawaiian tarts bring together the sweetness of pineapple preserves and the subtle crunch of coconut in a delicate, buttery pastry. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp tart shell and the soft, fruity filling. The tropical flavors shine through, making them a delightful addition to any dessert spread.

The handmade pastry cups require some effort, but the reward is a melt-in-your-mouth texture that store-bought alternatives can’t match. The golden, flaky crust complements the tangy pineapple perfectly, creating a well-balanced treat. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top adds a final touch of sweetness and crunch.

Tapioca Pudding

Tapioca pudding is a simple yet satisfying dessert that has found its way into Hawaiian cuisine. The tiny pearls create a delightful chewy texture that blends perfectly with the smooth, creamy base. Sweet and slightly nutty, this pudding is often enjoyed as a light treat after a hearty meal.

Homemade tapioca pudding has a richness that store-bought versions can’t match. The pearls soak up the flavors of vanilla and sugar, making each spoonful more delicious than the last. A homemade batch is also easy to customize by adjusting the sweetness or adding toppings like fresh fruit.