Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush

The island-inspired flavors in this Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush bring together sweet crushed pineapple, silky coconut cream, and crunchy macadamia nuts for a perfectly tropical treat. Each layer comes together with simple preparation, and the buttery graham cracker crust requires only a quick bake. Once the layers are assembled, chill thoroughly until set, then slice and enjoy a refreshing taste of the islands.

Creamy Hawaiian Desserts to Make

These Hawaiian desserts celebrate the island-inspired tropical fruit flavors we love. Classic Hawaii sweets like haupia (a coconut milk pudding) and mochi (a rice-based sweet treat) served as my inspiration. While these family favorites aren’t strictly traditional Hawaiian desserts, they reflect the fusion of Asian, Filipino, and Portuguese immigrants who settled there. They’re perfectly delicious for creating a paradise-inspired, homespun luau right in your own kitchen.

• Slice and serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Crescent Braid.
• Creamy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake.
• Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Loaf Cake has a tender texture and moist crumb.
• Hawaiian Earthquake Cake is so fun to make!
• No bake Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff.

Ingredients to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush Recipe

Layered lush desserts have many names and come in a variety of flavor combinations using simple ingredients. The process for making them is essentially the same regardless of the flavors. This Hawaiian pineapple delight dessert features an irresistible flavor combination of cream cheese, crushed pineapple and shredded coconut all layered on a buttery graham cracker crust. The taste makes it ideal for picnics, potlucks, the holidays and July 4th celebrations.

Key ingredients to make Hawaiian Pineapple Dream Dessert: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Crust – Graham cracker crumbs, macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips, sweetened flaked coconut, granulated sugar and melted butter. No dough making required!
• Cream Cheese – Two blocks of classic cream cheese forms the cheesecake layer.
• Sugar – Powdered sugar for sweetness.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract balances the cream cheese mixture.
• Pineapple – Canned crushed pineapple adds fruity notes.
• Whipped Cream – Frozen whipped topping i.e. Cool Whip or similar for the cream cheese layer and to decorate the top.
• Instant Pudding – Two boxes instant coconut pudding mix for the coconut layer.
• Liquid – Whole milk or half and half to make the pudding.
• Garnishes – Maraschino cherries with stems for garnishing each piece.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush

• Heat Oven and Prep Dish – Preheat the oven and spray the bottom only of a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Make Graham Cracker Crust – Toss together graham cracker crumbs with macadamia nuts, white chocolate baking chips, sugar and melted butter. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish, then bake until golden brown. Cool completely.
• Cream Cheese Layer – Use a hand mixer to whip together cream cheese with powdered sugar and crushed pineapple then stir in whipped topping. Spread cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
• Pudding Layer – In the same bowl whip together the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened but pourable. Pour evenly over the cream cheese layer.
• Frosting – Spread the top with the remaining whipped topping. Garnish with toasted coconut and maraschino cherries.
• Refrigerate – Cover pineapple delight with plastic wrap and chill for several hours to set before cutting into squares for serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Pineapple Coconut Lush

• Large bowl, medium bowl or small bowl.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Rubber spatula.
• Knife and cutting board or nut chopper.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer.
• Offset spatula.
• You’ll also need a skillet or sheet pan for toasting the coconut in the oven.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Graham Cracker Substitutions – You can swap out the graham cracker crumbs using crushed vanilla wafers or crushed shortbread cookie crumbs for the lush cake crust.
• Pudding – You can use instant cheesecake pudding mix or instant white chocolate cheesecake pudding mix in place of coconut cream. When doing so, stir 1/2 cup flaked coconut into the pudding.
• Pineapple – You can use crushed pineapple packed in juice or heavy syrup depending on how much sweetness you like.
• Graham Cracker Crust Tips – Chopped macadamia nuts purchased from the baking aisle at the grocery store will need to be chopped to make them a bit smaller. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or using a nut chopper. They don’t need to be finely ground, but large pieces won’t work here or the crust won’t hold together.
• Nuts – Macadamia nuts are used in this recipe in keeping with the island inspired flavors. You could use almonds walnuts or pecans, instead.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tips – Make this pineapple delight dessert the night before you plan on serving it to give it plenty of chill time to set-up to perfection. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with toasted coconut, swirls of whipped cream and the proverbial cherry on top, then serve.
• Storage and Pineapple Lush Leftovers – Store leftovers Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Lush covered with plastic wrap chilled in the refrigerator for up 4 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Slice into desired size pieces and freeze in a freezer safe container. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More Layered Desserts and Lush Recipes to Make

I have many variations of layered lush desserts in the recipe index. More easy dessert recipes you may also like to try:

• This Chocolate Fudge Lush recipe is the first flavor I ever tried. I was hooked.
• Banana Pudding Lush is a combination of two favorites.
• Lemon Lush is ideal for your Spring celebrations.
• Caramel Banana Pudding Lush combines two flavors into one decadent dessert.
• Black Forest Lush is a chocolate cherry extravaganza.
• This seasonal variation Pumpkin Spice Lush  is the perfect alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.
• No worries about melting ice cream when you serve this Banana Split Lush.
• Creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Lasagna.
• Hawaiian Shave Ice from Food Network.

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set