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This Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff has turned into my favorite sweet treat for backyard parties and family get-togethers. Each spoonful gives you that perfect mix of island tastes that'll make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation.
I came up with this dish for my kid's Hawaii-themed birthday bash. It disappeared so fast that I now always make twice as much whenever we have friends over.
What You'll Need
- Macadamia nuts: They give that real Hawaiian crunch and rich taste
- Coconut cream pudding mix: Forms the island-inspired flavor foundation
- Crushed pineapple with juice: Adds juicy sweetness and moisture
- Sweetened condensed milk: Makes everything creamy and helps blend it all together
- Maraschino cherries: Add bright spots of color and sweet flavor
- Mini marshmallows: Give you that signature soft "fluff" feeling
- Frozen whipped topping: Keeps the dessert fluffy and light
How To Make It
- Get Those Nuts Ready:
- Put chopped macadamias on a baking sheet in one layer and bake at 350°F. They'll need about 4 to 6 minutes until they turn golden. This brings out their flavor in a big way. Let them cool completely before you mix them in.
- Mix Up The Base:
- In a bowl, stir together the coconut cream pudding mix with both cans of crushed pineapple, juice and all, plus the sweetened condensed milk. Mix for around 2 minutes so there aren't any powder clumps left. You'll notice it getting a bit thicker as the pudding starts to set with the pineapple juice.
- Add Everything Else:
- With a spatula, gently mix in the dried cherries, mini marshmallows, and most of the whipped topping. Save about half a cup of the topping and a spoonful of toasted nuts for the top. Don't stir too hard, just fold everything together to keep it airy. You want to see pretty color swirls throughout the mixture.
- Let It Rest:
- Put everything in a serving dish, cover it with plastic, and stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Leaving it overnight works even better because the flavors mix together and the marshmallows get slightly softer.
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The macadamia nuts really take this dish from good to amazing. My grandma, who spent twenty years living in Hawaii, always said properly toasted macadamias were what made island desserts special. I love how their buttery crunch works against the soft, creamy fluff.
Keeping It Fresh
This Hawaiian treat stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. It actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors mix together more. I wouldn't try freezing it though, since the whipped topping and marshmallows won't have the same texture after thawing.
Simple Swaps
Can't find macadamia nuts or think they cost too much? Try toasted almonds or cashews instead. If you need to skip nuts completely, leave them out or throw in some toasted coconut flakes for crunch. No coconut cream pudding mix? Use vanilla pudding and add a teaspoon of coconut extract to keep that tropical taste. You can also swap the frozen whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if you beat it until it's nice and firm.
Ways To Serve It
This Hawaiian Fluff goes great with other island foods. Try it next to grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce, little pulled pork sandwiches, or traditional kalua pork for a full Hawaiian meal. Want to make it look fancy? Serve it in hollowed pineapple halves for a wow factor. You can also put it in small glass cups with extra whipped cream and fruit if you're hosting something more formal.
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This Hawaiian fluff brings sunshine to any party with its bright island flavors and smooth, dreamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is fresh pineapple okay to use?
Sure thing! Just crush it well and don’t skip the juice to keep the right consistency.
- → How long should it be chilled?
To taste the best flavors and get the right texture, give it at least 4 hours in the fridge.
- → Can the cherries be swapped for something else?
Of course! Try berries, mango chunks, or even diced kiwi for a change.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep this the day before. Just cover it up and chill until it’s serving time.
- → What are other topping options?
Try toasted coconut flakes, sprinkles of fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.
- → Are dairy-free choices an option?
Yes, swap whipped topping for a non-dairy one, and use plant-based milk like almond or coconut!