Imagine scooping into a cloud of creamy vanilla pudding, wrapped in Cool Whip, bursting with juicy pineapple bits, and topped with golden, toasted coconut flakes that smell like a Hawaiian beach breeze. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s exactly what you get with this Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cream Fluff. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to kick off your flip-flops and take a mini-vacation in your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next summer cookout or just craving a spoonful of something sweet, fruity, and refreshing, this no-bake recipe delivers. One bowl, one whisk, and a few pantry staples are all you need to make dessert magic.
What Is Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cream Fluff?
“Hawaiian Fluff,” or as some folks lovingly call it, “Ambrosia’s tropical cousin,” is a chilled dessert made by folding fruit into a creamy, whipped pudding base. It’s soft, light, airy, and insanely satisfying. Think of it like a fruit salad and a mousse had a deliciously sweet baby.
What makes this Hawaiian version extra special is the use of pineapple tidbits for that tangy-sweet pop, plus shredded and toasted coconut that brings all the island vibes. It’s a blend of creamy, juicy, and lightly chewy textures—all served in a beautiful, sky-high pile of fluff.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s get real for a second: we all need go-to recipes that feel impressive but are secretly low effort. This is one of them.
- No baking involved: Perfect for hot weather or when you just don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Minimal ingredients: You likely have most of them on hand already.
- Quick prep time: Less than 10 minutes of active work.
- Make ahead friendly: It actually gets better as it chills.
- Kid and adult approved: Sweet, but not too sweet—ideal for all ages.
And best of all? It looks GORGEOUS when served in a glass dish, just like the one in the image above. Fluffy mounds, golden coconut, and yellow pineapple peaks—it’s dessert art.
Ingredient Spotlight: Pineapple
Pineapple isn’t just a fruit—it’s a flavor bomb. For this recipe, we’re using canned pineapple tidbits, which are the perfect size to dot throughout the fluff, giving you a juicy bite in every spoonful. Make sure you drain them really well, or your fluff can get watery.
Want to use fresh pineapple? You totally can—but make sure it’s super ripe and chopped small. Fresh pineapple adds an extra punch, but be warned: it can mess slightly with the setting of pudding due to enzymes. Canned pineapple is the safer bet here.
Pro Tip: Chill your pineapple before mixing it in. It helps the whole dessert set faster and taste even more refreshing.
Ingredient Spotlight: Coconut
Coconut plays two roles here: soft chew and crispy crunch.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Folded into the mix for texture. It blends right into the fluff and adds that coconutty depth without overpowering the pineapple.
- Toasted coconut flakes: Sprinkled on top for flavor AND that dreamy golden finish you see in the image.
Toasting brings out coconut’s natural oils and gives it a nutty aroma. It’s a game changer—and super easy (more on that later).
Cool Whip vs. Whipped Cream: What Works Best?
We’re using Cool Whip in this recipe because:
- It holds its shape longer
- It’s more stable when chilled
- It blends seamlessly with pudding
You can use homemade whipped cream, but be aware it may deflate more quickly and alter the texture. If you’re going for the tall, fluffy look (like in the image), Cool Whip is your best bet.
Instant Pudding Magic
Here’s the secret weapon: vanilla instant pudding. Just one little box is all you need to thicken your milk into a silky pudding base that anchors the whole dessert. No cooking required. Just whisk with cold milk and let it sit.
Let it thicken for a full 2–3 minutes before folding in the rest. This gives it time to become rich and smooth—no soupy fluff here!
Want to switch things up? Try coconut cream pudding mix for an even more tropical vibe.
Let’s Talk Texture: Creamy Meets Crunchy
The best desserts hit you with more than one texture, and this fluff is no exception. You get:
- Creaminess from the pudding and Cool Whip
- Juiciness from the pineapple
- Chew from the shredded coconut
- Crunch from the toasted flakes
But texture harmony depends on proper prep—especially draining the pineapple. Let it sit in a strainer for at least 10 minutes, then press out extra juice with a paper towel.
The Perfect Fluff Peak: Presentation Tips
Want your fluff to look like the picture-perfect swirl in the glass dish above? Here’s how:
- Use a clear trifle bowl or dessert dish so you can see the layers and texture.
- Pile the fluff high using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, gently mounding it toward the center.
- Don’t smooth the top flat! You want those cloud-like ripples for visual interest.
- Finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and a few pineapple tidbits scattered across the top for that “I-just-made-this-on-a-beach” aesthetic.
Toasting Coconut: Small Effort, Big Flavor
Toasting coconut is easy—and worth it. Here’s how:
- Add ¼ cup of sweetened flaked coconut to a dry skillet.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly.
- In 2–3 minutes, it’ll turn golden and fragrant. Remove immediately so it doesn’t burn.
Let it cool before topping your fluff. Trust me, the nutty aroma and subtle crunch take this dessert to the next level.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Here’s the full recipe, broken down in delicious detail:
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained very well
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
- Extra pineapple tidbits for garnish
Instructions:
- Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and pudding mix until smooth and slightly thickened. Let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until fully incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and fluffy.
- Add the pineapple: Fold in the drained pineapple tidbits, reserving a handful for garnish.
- Add shredded coconut (optional): For extra tropical texture, fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut.
- Spoon into serving dish: Use a glass bowl or dessert dish. Pile it high!
- Top it off: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and reserved pineapple tidbits.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it firm up and get cold.
Customization Ideas
Want to put your own spin on this heavenly fluff? Good news: this recipe is super flexible! With just a few swaps or additions, you can make it uniquely yours while still staying true to the tropical theme.
Add-Ins for Extra Flair
- Mini Marshmallows: Fold in 1 cup for that classic ambrosia vibe and extra chew.
- Chopped Macadamia Nuts or Pecans: Add crunch and nutty flavor—just ½ cup will do the trick.
- Crushed Graham Crackers or Vanilla Wafers: Layer it in a trifle dish for texture or sprinkle some on top for a pie crust feel.
- Mango or Mandarin Oranges: Replace half the pineapple with these for a fruit medley twist.
- Coconut Cream Pudding Mix: Swap the vanilla for this to double down on coconut flavor.
Make It Healthier (Sort Of)
- Use sugar-free pudding and lite Cool Whip.
- Opt for unsweetened coconut and pineapple in juice (not syrup).
- Sub in Greek yogurt for part of the Cool Whip for a protein boost.
These swaps won’t change the fluffy magic too much but can help if you’re trying to lighten things up just a little.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is versatile enough to steal the show at nearly any occasion.
Great For:
- Summer BBQs and Cookouts
- Potlucks and Picnics
- Holiday Tables (Yes, tropical at Christmas is a thing!)
- Birthday Parties
- After-Dinner Treats at Home
You can serve it:
- In individual dessert cups for portion control
- In a giant glass trifle dish for visual wow factor
- Scooped into pineapple halves for fun presentation
- With a side of cookies or wafers for dipping
Pro tip: Don’t leave it out too long in hot weather—keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Print
Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cream Fluff
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert / No-Bake Treat
Description
🍍 A silky, tropical cloud of sweetness that feels like a little escape to somewhere warm and sunlit. Every spoonful reminds me of summertime potlucks where the bowls were always licked clean. 🌴✨
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained very well
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup cold milk
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
½ cup shredded coconut (optional, folded in)
¼ cup toasted coconut flakes (for topping)
Extra pineapple tidbits for garnish
Instructions
Whisk the cold milk and vanilla pudding mix together until thick and smooth. 🍮 (⏱️ 4 minutes)
Fold in the Cool Whip gently until the mixture turns creamy and airy. ☁️ (⏱️ 1 minute)
Add the well-drained pineapple tidbits, keeping a small handful aside for garnish. 🍍 (⏱️ 1 minute)
If you love extra texture, fold in the shredded coconut. 🥥 (⏱️ 1 minute)
Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl and shape it into a fluffy peak. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top and add the reserved pineapple tidbits. Toast coconut in a dry skillet until golden. 🌴✨ (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up and chill. ❄️ (⏱️ 1 hour)
Notes
Make sure the pineapple is drained very well, or the mixture may turn runny.
Toasting the coconut adds a warm, nutty flavor that makes the whole bowl smell like a tropical breeze.
This fluff firms up beautifully after chilling, so it’s perfect for making ahead for gatherings.
For extra richness, you can replace half of the milk with pineapple juice—just be sure it’s cold so the pudding sets properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8 servings
- Calories: Approx. 240 kcal
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this fluff is that you can make it in advance and it actually tastes better after chilling for a bit.
Storage Instructions:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if it settles.
- Don’t Freeze: Freezing breaks down the texture of the Cool Whip and pudding, making it watery when thawed.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep the entire dessert and let it chill overnight for max flavor melding.
- Toast the coconut in advance and store in an airtight jar at room temperature.
Want to save time the day-of? Prep everything except the final garnish, then sprinkle toasted coconut and pineapple tidbits just before serving for that picture-perfect look.
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Real Cranberry Pineapple Fluff
FAQs About Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cream Fluff
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but keep in mind fresh pineapple contains enzymes that may affect the pudding’s ability to set. Make sure to chop it small and use very ripe fruit. Canned pineapple is preferred for consistent texture and flavor.
2. What if I don’t have Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream, but make sure it’s whipped stiff and not overly sweet. Know that it might deflate over time, so it’s best eaten sooner. You’ll need about 2–3 cups of whipped cream to replace one 8 oz tub of Cool Whip.
3. How do I make the dessert more fluffy?
Be gentle when folding ingredients together—don’t stir aggressively. And make sure your pudding has fully thickened before adding the Cool Whip. Chilling for an hour or more also helps it firm up into that dreamy, fluffy texture.
4. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Most instant pudding mixes, Cool Whip, and canned pineapple are gluten-free, but always check labels to be safe. If adding any cookies or wafers, use certified gluten-free brands.
5. Can I make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk that works with instant pudding (some coconut and almond milks do). Use a vegan whipped topping like So Delicious CocoWhip, and make sure your pudding mix is dairy-free.
Conclusion: A Spoonful of Paradise
Whether you’re throwing a backyard luau or just need a quick dessert that feels like a tropical vacation, Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Cream Fluff is your answer. It’s creamy, fruity, fluffy, and filled with little bursts of joy in every bite. Best of all? You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to whip it up.
From its gorgeous, cloud-like presentation to its irresistible tropical flavor combo, this dish is one you’ll keep coming back to—again and again. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite in so many homes.
So grab your spoon, dig in, and let your taste buds ride a wave of pineapple and coconut bliss. You deserve dessert that feels like a vacation.
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