Best Hawaiian Desserts Recipes
Hawaiian desserts bring a touch of tropical paradise to any meal, showcasing vibrant flavours and unique ingredients. From the creamy richness of coconut to the refreshing taste of tropical fruits, these desserts will transport you straight to the islands. Whether you're planning a luau or want to try something new, these Hawaiian dessert recipes will surely delight you.
What Are The Most Popular Desserts In Hawaii?
Hawaiian desserts are known for their unique blend of flavours and cultural influences. Among the most popular is the malasada, a Portuguese-inspired doughnut that is softer and decadent than its counterparts. These are often filled with delicious fillings like chocolate pudding, haupia (coconut pudding), or vanilla custard. Malasadas are a must-try when visiting Hawaii and represent a delightful part of the island's culinary heritage.
What Is Considered The National Dessert Of Hawaii?
While Hawaii has no official national dessert, many consider haupia—a traditional coconut milk-based pudding—to hold that honour. This creamy and refreshing dessert is a staple at Hawaiian celebrations and is loved for its simple yet rich coconut flavour. Often served as squares, haupia can also be found in other desserts like pies and cakes, making it a versatile and beloved sweet treat in Hawaiian cuisine.
Haupia
A classic Hawaiian coconut pudding, haupia is smooth and creamy with a delightful coconut flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Mix coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the saucepan.
- Cook these ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Pour into a pan and refrigerate until set.
Chocolate Haupia Pie
This delicious pie combines the creamy texture of haupia with a rich chocolate layer.
Ingredients
- Pre-made pie crust
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake pie crust according to package instructions.
- Prepare the haupia mixture as per the haupia recipe.
- Melt chocolate chips and mix with half of the haupia.
- Pour chocolate haupia into the pie crust using a pie pan, let it set, then add the plain haupia layer.
- Chill until firm.
Guava Cake
A vibrant and moist cake that highlights the tropical flavour of guava.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup guava juice
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 package guava gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake mix with guava juice, eggs, and oil.
- Bake as per package instructions.
- Dissolve guava gelatin in boiling water, then add cold water.
- Pour gelatin over the cooled cake.
- Chill and top with whipped cream.
Malasadas
Hawaiian-style doughnuts are light, fluffy, and rolled in sugar.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Activate yeast in warm water with a tablespoon of sugar.
- Heat milk and butter until butter melts, then cool slightly.
- Mix milk mixture, yeast mixture, sugar, salt, eggs, and flour to form a dough.
- Let rise until doubled.
- Fry dough balls until golden brown and roll in sugar.
Duke's Hula Pie
A delicious and creamy ice cream pie with a chocolate crust topped with fudge and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cookie crust
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Fill the pie crust with softened vanilla ice cream and freeze until firm.
- Top with hot fudge, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts.
- Serve chilled.
Pina Colada Cake
This cake features the flavours of a classic Piña Colada cocktail with pineapple and coconut.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to package instructions, substituting water with coconut milk.
- Mix in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Bake as directed.
- Cool and top with whipped cream.
Coconut Cream Pie
It is a rich and creamy pie with layers of coconut flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Bake pie crust as per package instructions.
- Heat coconut milk and milk in a saucepan.
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt; add to the milk mixture.
- Cook until thickened; stir in shredded coconut.
- Pour into pie crust and chill until set.
Island Pecan Pie
It is a tropical twist on the classic pecan pie with pineapple and coconut.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pie crust.
- Mix corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, pecans, pineapple, and coconut.
- Pour into crust and bake until set.
Conclusion
These Hawaiian desserts offer a delicious way to bring the tropical flavours of the islands into your home. Perfect for any occasion, these kitchendance recipes are sure to impress and delight. Try them out and enjoy a taste of Hawaii anytime.
