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Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

This Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff recipe comes together in a snap. It features coconut cream pudding, crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries combined with mini marshmallows, toasted macadamia nuts and a generous helping of whipped cream turning this island inspired goodness into a no-bake sensation. It’s perfect for serving at your next picnic, holiday meal or backyard soiree.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

Ingredients to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff Recipe

Fluff desserts are almost too good to be true. The ingredients don’t require any cooking at all and they come together with ease eliminating the need for special equipment. All that’s needed to make a pineapple fluff recipe, is a large mixing bowl and spatula with a little elbow grease to combine the flavors. During warm weather months no-bake desserts are ideal for picnics, potlucks and can even be served as a side dish like a fruit salad. Fluff salads are quick, easy and versatile with a creamy texture the whole family will love. Ingredients to make pina colada flavor Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

  • Instant Pudding – Two boxes of coconut cream instant pudding mix forms the base of the fluff.
  • Nuts – Macadamia nuts, preferably lightly toasted and chopped.
  • Fruit – Crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries.
  • Liquid – Sweetened condensed milk adds richness.
  • Marshmallows – Mini marshmallows add texture to the pudding mixture.
  • Cool Whip – Frozen whipped topping adds the “fluff”. You can use a private label store brand.
Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

How to Make the Best Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff Recipe

This Hawaiian pineapple-coconut can be served at casual backyard barbecues or neighborhood picnics. It’s equally fitting on your holiday table next to the Christmas and Easter hams.

  • Heat Oven and Toast Nuts – Spread chopped macadamia nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 4-6 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Pudding Mix – Mix together the pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and condensed milk. Stir until the instant pudding has dissolved. (Do not drain the crushed pineapple)
  • Mix-Ins – Fold in the maraschino cherries, marshmallows, whipped topping and toasted macadamia nuts into the pudding mixture until fully combined. Reserve about 1/2 cup whipped cream and 1 Tbsp of nuts for garnishing.
  • Refrigerate – Cover and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Serve – Garnish with additional whipped cream (or cool whip), reserved nuts and maraschino cherries.

Tips for Making Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

  • Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: A large bowl, large spoon or rubber spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
  • You Can Make this Coconut Fluff by Hand: It’s not necessary to use a hand mixer to make this fluff salad recipe. You can if you like of course, but it’s not necessary.
  • Toasting the Nuts Adds Flavor: Taking the time to toast the macadamia nuts really adds to the overall flavor and it’s worth the small amount of effort that it takes. To toast the macadamia nuts, preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet then toast for 4-6 minutes or just until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Chill Thoroughly Before Serving: For the best results, allow ample time for the fluff to chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This is the perfect kind of dessert that can be made in advance to save time.
  • When to Serve Pineapple Fluff Salad: This sort of no-cook dessert is an outstanding choice for quick family desserts, entertaining, summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks and holiday celebrations.
Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

Recipe Variations

  • Instant Pudding: If you’re unable to find instant coconut cream pudding mix use instant cheesecake pudding mix or instant white chocolate pudding mix, adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract and 1 loosely packed cup of shredded flaked coconut. You could use instant vanilla pudding mix in a pinch, making the same adjustments.
  • Nuts Substitutions: In keeping with the island theme I use macadamia nuts for this fluff recipe. You can swap those out for pecans or walnuts, if preferred.
  • Flavorings: You could add one teaspoon rum extract for a pina colada fluff flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Leftovers: Store prepared Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze fluff salads for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and give it a good stir prior to serving.

More Easy Dessert Recipes to Make

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Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff
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5 from 3 votes

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

Prep Time15 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: coconut-fluff, hawaiian-pineapple-coconut-fluff
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 375kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts toasted and cooled
  • 2 3.4 oz boxes coconut cream instant pudding mix
  • 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, with juice
  • 1 8 oz crushed pineapple, with juice
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 16 oz jar maraschino cherries, well drained
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 16 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed i.e. cool whip

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped macadamia nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 4-6 minutes. Cool completely.
  • In a medium mixing bowl mix together the pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and condensed milk, Stir until the instant pudding has dissolved. (Do not drain the crushed pineapple)
  • Fold in the maraschino cherries, marshmallows, whipped topping and toasted macadamia nuts until fully combined. Reserve about 1/2 cup whipped cream and 1 Tbsp of nuts for garnishing.
  • Cover and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Garnish with additional whipped cream, reserved nuts and maraschino cherries, if desired.

Notes

    • Instant Pudding: If you’re unable to find instant coconut cream pudding mix use instant cheesecake pudding mix or instant white chocolate pudding mix, adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract and 1 loosely packed cup of shredded flaked coconut. You could use instant vanilla pudding mix in a pinch, making the same adjustments.
    • Nut Substitutions: In keeping with the island theme I use macadamia nuts for this fluff recipe. You can swap those out for pecans or walnuts, if preferred.
    • Flavorings: You could add one teaspoon rum extract for a pina colada fluff flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

 

36 Comments

  1. Sounds and looks sooo yummy. I am looking forward to trying it.
    Just curious, did you cut up the cherries or leave them whole?

    1. It’s a great question but I haven’t tested it. It wouldn’t be runny but I’m not sure how well it would slice. If you try it, let us know how it goes!

      1. Thanks for replying. I’ll definitely let you know. I think that maybe I’ll make it in a 9×9 or 13×9 (which ever will hold it best) over a graham cracker crust and if it doesn’t slice well, it can simply be scooped out. Ha, I love my pie crusts!

  2. I have made various Fluff versions of this dessert salad in the past, but not exactly this one. I am planning on making it tomorrow. Hopefully it will set up using 1 small box of instant Pudding mix(cheesecake)flavor. I will substitute the cherries for mandarin oranges, also adding 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut. I do have whole Macadamia nuts,, so I will break them up and add in. Also thinking about adding a teaspoon of Rum Extract.

    1. You could use cheesecake or white chocolate flavored pudding, adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract and 1 loosely packed cup of flaked coconut.

    1. Hi Jeany, I’m not sure I have an easy answer. All of the ingredients could be halved but, alas that would lead to waste, i.e. sweetened condensed milk. You might consider making a full recipe and freezing half.

  3. When I was very young, in the 1950s, my mother taught me to make one something like this. I think we used vanilla pudding, tho, and pecans. The rest is the same. There were times we would use pistachio pudding or any jello, espacially red at Christmas. I think the reason it doesn’t get runny is because you don’t add any other liquid for the pudding or jello.

  4. So, 28 oz. of crushed pineapples total? Also, with all the liquids from the pineapples, wouldn’t it be too runny? Love to try this. Thanks.

  5. It states two different sizes of cans of crushed pineapples. Is thT correct or a misprint.? Thanks want to try looks so good

  6. The description & the instructions refer to whipped cream but the ingredient list calls for whipped topping. Which is correct? I’d prefer real whipped cream but I’m not sure how many cups of cream(before whipping) would equal the 16 oz mentioned in the ingredient list. Thanks!

    1. I mention fresh whipped cream in this recipe as an “if you prefer” so they’re both correct. Use the equivalent amount of fresh whipped cream as whipped topping called for, if that is your preference.

5 from 3 votes

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