If you’re looking for a bite of pure tropical sunshine, Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff is your ticket straight to the islands—no plane required! With a velvety mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy, this no-cook dessert instantly brightens any table. Whether you need an effortless summer treat, a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite, or just a heavenly spoonful of joy after dinner, this recipe delivers total vacation vibes with minimal effort. Trust me, you’ll want to make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff again and again.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create the tropical magic of this dessert, each bringing its own burst of flavor or texture. Every bite is rich, luscious, and bursting with color thanks to these fun, familiar pantry staples.

Cream Cheese (8 oz package, softened): Gives the fluff its dreamy, velvety base and tangy depth.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz can): Delivers indulgent sweetness and creamy body to the mix.
Crushed Pineapple (20 oz can, drained): Adds that refreshing, sunny tropical flavor and a hint of juiciness—just be sure it’s well-drained.
Whipped Topping (8 oz, thawed): Lightens everything up to a cloudlike finish, so every spoonful is airy and smooth.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 cup): Packs in texture and pure coconutty goodness.
Chopped Pecans or Macadamia Nuts (½ cup, optional): For a little crunch and a blissful nutty note—the macadamia nuts are especially island-inspired!
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and ties all the tropical notes together.
Maraschino Cherries & Extra Coconut for Garnish (optional): Turn your bowl of fluff into an irresistible tropical showstopper with a pop of color.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat it on medium-high with a hand mixer until it’s smooth, lump-free, and creamy. Taking a moment here ensures your finished Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff is perfectly smooth and fully blended.

Step 2: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Pour the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract right into your whipped cream cheese. Mix them together thoroughly until the blend is silky, sweet, and fragrant. At this point, you’ll have a sweet and creamy base that smells like dessert paradise.

Step 3: Fold in Pineapple, Coconut, and Nuts

Using a spatula, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and nuts if you’re feeling fancy. Be sure that all the fruit and nuts are evenly incorporated for a lovely pop of color and flavor in every spoonful.

Step 4: Add Whipped Topping

Next, it’s time for the whipped topping, which truly gives Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff its signature fluffy texture. Gently fold it in until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that dreamy, airy finish.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Cover your bowl and let the fluff chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps all the flavors meld and makes the texture extra refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, pile the fluff into a pretty bowl and decorate with maraschino cherries and extra shredded coconut for that wow factor.

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff

Garnishes

Presentation is just as important as flavor! Top your Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff with a flurry of extra shredded coconut and a few scattered maraschino cherries. For even more color, consider adding tropical fruit like diced mango or kiwi right before serving. Edible orchid flowers can make it downright party-worthy!

Side Dishes

This dessert plays nicely with so many fresh sides. Serve it alongside slices of juicy watermelon, pineapple wedges, or a crisp fruit salad. For a real island feast, pair with grilled chicken skewers, sticky rice, or barbecued shrimp to keep those vacation vibes rolling.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine: scoop the fluff into hollowed-out pineapple halves, serve it in individual parfait glasses layered with fresh fruit, or even tuck it into mini tart shells for a festive bite-sized treat. Little mason jars make adorable grab-and-go desserts at parties or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Simply transfer it to an airtight container to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors and give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

If you want to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the fluff for up to a month. Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and seal tightly. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a soft stir to restore its glorious fluffiness.

Reheating

This dish truly shines served cold, so there’s no need for any reheating. However, if it’s been in the freezer, give it plenty of time to thaw completely in the fridge before serving for the best creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to chop it very finely and squeeze out as much juice as possible to avoid a watery texture. Canned pineapple is traditional because it’s sweet, soft, and easy to work with, but fresh brings a vibrant taste.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff?

Yes! Swap in dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping, and use a coconut-based sweetened condensed milk (now available at many stores). The result is still deliciously creamy and perfectly tropical.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

You can make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead treat for any gathering.

What other nuts work well in this recipe?

While pecans and macadamia nuts are classic, toasted almonds or walnuts can also add wonderful flavor and crunch. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite nut, or skip them for a nut-free version.

Do I have to use whipped topping, or can I use real whipped cream?

You can absolutely substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping—just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, and fold it in gently. Keep in mind that real whipped cream is a little more delicate, so serve soon after mixing.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a big, chilled bowl of Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff to bring a burst of joy to your day. It’s beloved for its effortless preparation, irresistible flavor, and that perfectly fluffy bite. Go ahead—try it once, and you’ll find yourself making up excuses just to enjoy it again!

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Fluff is a delightful no-bake dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet, it’s an easy treat to whip up for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts (optional)
Maraschino cherries and extra coconut for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and nuts if using. Carefully fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Chill and Serve: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with maraschino cherries and a sprinkle of coconut if desired.