Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff – A light and fluffy dessert that combines tropical pineapple and coconut flavors into a creamy vanilla base. Ideal for summertime events or to infuse any time of year with island vibes, this easy dessert is super refreshing and guaranteed to impress!
Why You’re Going To Love Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff:
Tropical Flavor Explosion: Pineapple, coconut and whipped topping come together in this chilled dessert that tastes like a mini-vacation.
No-Bake Simplicity: There’s no oven or stovetop involved — pay for helium and this dessert is done before you know it.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its light, fluffy texture and colorful presentation mean it will please a crowd, large or small.
Customizable: You can mix in extras like nuts or a different flavor of pudding.
Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: Chill, and you have a dessert, ready to enjoy; as it tastes best after it’s been in the fridge a little while.
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Key Ingredients:
Can you tidbits and crush up pineapples?
Well-Drained: For best texture, set the pineapple to drain well. They can leave the dessert too juicy — as in, watery.
Press Out Extra Liquid: Put in a fine mesh strainer and push down lightly with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much juice as possible.
Substitution: If you prefer, you can also use fresh pineapple, although you may need to strain the juice more to achieve the texture you want.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Creates a Creamy Base: As you toss your pudding mix around, it will meld with the pineapple to form a lovely, thick creamy base that’s just right for folding in other ingredients.
Alternative Flavors: For a twist, use instant coconut pudding for more coconut flavor or lemon pudding for a little tropical zing.
Sugar Free Option: To cut sugar, a sugar-free pudding mix will do just fine.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Chewy Texture: The sweetened coconut adds flavor and chewy texture that complements the fluff.
Unsweetened Alternative: If you want a less sweet version, you could use plain, unsweetened coconut although the texture will be slightly different.
Toasted Coconut: The coconut can be pre-toasted for added depth of flavor and a bit of crunch.
Mini Marshmallows
Soft, Sweet Bites: Mini marshmallows add a pillowy, sweet bite that matches the fluffy nature of the whipped topping.
Other Things to Add: Sub nuts, mini chocolate chips or small chunks of fruit if you don’t like marshmallows.
Whipped Topping
Light and Fluffy: The whipped topping gives an airy texture that makes the dessert light and fluffy.
Homemade Whipped Cream: If you want your trifle to taste even fresher, use homemade whipped cream (just remember to fold it gently into your mixture to keep it fluffy).
Dairy-Free Alternative: If you’re after a dairy-free cheesecake, a coconut-based whipped topping does the trick.
Maraschino Cherries (optional)
Colorful Garnish: Maraschino cherries contribute a burst of color and a touch of extra sweetness, playing into the dessert’s tropical appearance.
Other options: Fresh berries or a sprinkling of toasted coconut can also provide a lovely garnish.
The full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions for how to make it is in the recipe card at the bottom of the page
Here is a step by step guide for Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff:
Step 1: Mix the Base
Drain the Pineapple: First, thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits. Make sure to use a very fine mesh strainer and press down lightly with the back of a spoon to get as much juice out as possible or else the fluff will be too runny.
Combine Pineapple and Pudding Mix: Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly and place it in a bowl. Stir until the pudding mix is fully incorporated, so that it is a smooth mixture with the pineapple.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Stir in the Coconut and Marshmallows: Add the sweetened shredded coconut and mini marshmallows to the pineapple-pudding mixture. Gently but thoroughly stir in to combine. The coconut provides chewiness, and the marshmallows, a soft, sweet nibble.
Pineapple Tidbits: Add in some crushed pineapple tidbits for texture and an added burst of juicy sweetness to complement the tropical flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Fluffiness
Add the Whipped Topping: Fold in the defrosted whipped topping. Fold instead of stirring vigorously — you want to keep it light, airy.
Step 4: Prepare to Chill
Transfer to Serving Dish: Use a spoon to transfer the mixture to a big serving bowl or individual dessert cups. Flatten the top for a nice presentation.
Refrigerate: Place the fluff in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. Chilling thickens the fluff to a nice cold, creamy consistency, also helping the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Garnish is optional, but a dash of maraschino cherries addavibrant Robert de Niro pop of colour, along with a touch of sweet to the most in another deep, tho decently took out some vanilla.
Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff chilled, either alone, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or more whipped cream for a special treat.
Serving Suggestions:
Here are a few ways to kick up your serving of this tropical treat a notch:
So I like to serve the fluff into individual clear dessert cups — those not only show off the texture and color of the fluff but you can also use the cups to reference portion size.
Serve with Fresh Fruit: The zing of some colorful tropical fruits on the side of mango, kiwi or banana is a nice accompaniment.
Top Crazy with Toasted coconut or nuts: If you want to add a little texture and flavor, right before you’re going to serve, sprinkle a little toasted coconut or a few chopped macadamia nuts on top.
Vanilla Ice Cream on the Side: One scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side provides a creamy contrast to the fluff.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
This dessert is simple to set in advance and save for later use!
Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If necessary, stir gently before serving.
To freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and stir it gently before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff can be made a day in advance. Just add the garnish right before serving for the freshest look.
Variations to Try:
Il Dolce di Cacao at Il Desco denkt you can get creative with this versatile dessert by putting your own spin on the dish:
Tropical Ambrosia: For an ambrosia-inspired twist, stir in mandarin oranges or diced mango.
Piña Colada Fluff: Substitute coconut pudding mix for the vanilla pudding mix and add a splash of rum extract for piña colada flavor.
Chocolate Coconut Fluff: Swap out the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding to add a rich, chocolaty twist with a tropical flair.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as macadamia nuts, almonds, or pecans for a terrific crunch.
Berry Twist: Stir in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a colorful addition that offsets the sweetness.
Conclusion:
The Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff is an easy, refreshing dessert perfect for a tropical themed party. This dessert, with its trust-me creamy, light texture and delightful pineapple and coconut flavor, is sure to bring pleasure to friends and family — in the fall! Try this, and let us know how it taste, as you relish each spoonful like its a piece of paradise!
Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces, thoroughly drained
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix 3.4 ounces
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 can pineapple tidbits 8 ounces, well drained
- 1 container whipped topping 8 ounces, thawed
- maraschino cherries for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the crushed pineapple and instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
- Add the shredded coconut and mini marshmallows to the pineapple-pudding mixture and stir gently until evenly distributed. Fold in the pineapple tidbits.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a light folding technique to maintain an airy texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or individual cups. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired. Serve the fluff chilled for a refreshing tropical treat.