Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe

Sunny Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe for Sweet Moments

My kitchen adventures recently discovered this mind-blowing hawaiian cheesecake salad that breaks all traditional dessert boundaries.

Sweet tropical flavors dance across every colorful spoonful of this unique creation.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with juicy fruit chunks for an unexpected delight.

Pineapple and cream cheese become unexpected partners in a remarkable culinary experience.

Marshmallows add playful softness to each refreshing bite of this crowd-pleasing treat.

Summer gatherings deserve something spectacular that makes everyone smile and ask for seconds.

You’ll want to memorize this recipe and become the hero of every potluck.

Prepare to wow everyone with a dessert that defies all expectations.

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad That Brings the Tropics to Your Bowl

  • This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
  • Combining creamy cheesecake-like base with fresh Hawaiian-inspired ingredients creates a unique, refreshing dessert that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
  • Ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, and family celebrations, this dessert impresses guests with its stunning presentation and crowd-pleasing flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • With just three simple steps and around 10 minutes of preparation time, this recipe offers a quick and delightful sweet treat that can be whipped up at a moment's notice.

Ingredients for the-Sweet Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base that provides rich, tangy foundation for the salad.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture with smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the creamy mixture.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Helps create light, smooth consistency for the dressing.
Fruit Ingredients:
  • Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Strawberries: Fresh tropical fruits that add bright, sweet flavor and colorful appeal.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, sweet elements that provide extra texture and sweetness.
  • Shredded Coconut: Gives tropical island-inspired texture and complementary flavor.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Macadamia Nuts: Crunchy, buttery Hawaiian-style topping that adds rich nutty contrast.
  • Optional Maraschino Cherries: Bright red garnish that provides additional sweetness and color pop.

How to Mix and Chill Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Just Right

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese

Place softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it transforms into a silky, lump-free texture. Continue mixing for about 2-3 minutes to ensure maximum smoothness.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

Add these ingredients to the cream cheese:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly with the mixer until all ingredients merge into a uniform, creamy mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all components.

Step 3: Create Creamy Consistency

Slowly pour in heavy whipping cream or milk while continuously whisking. Blend until the mixture reaches a luxurious, pourable consistency. The texture should be light and airy, reminiscent of a fluffy cloud.

Step 4: Prepare Tropical Fruits

Chop these fruits into bite-sized pieces:
  • Pineapple
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Strawberries

Step 5: Combine Fruits and Cream

Gently fold the chopped fruits into the cream cheese mixture. Use a soft spatula to prevent crushing the delicate fruit pieces. Ensure each fruit chunk is generously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set. Just before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra tropical crunch.

Tips to Avoid Soggy Fruit in Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture that blends effortlessly.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust powdered sugar gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired sweetness without overpowering the delicate cream cheese flavor.
  • Prevent Watery Consistency: Use full-fat cream cheese and cold heavy whipping cream to maintain a thick, creamy texture that holds its shape in the salad.
  • Choose Fresh Tropical Fruits: Select ripe, juicy pineapple, mango, and coconut for authentic Hawaiian flavor and maximum natural sweetness in the dish.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a refreshing, cool dessert experience.

Store Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad the Smart Way

  • Store the Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator, keeping it chilled to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
  • Wrap the container with plastic wrap or use a sealed lid to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors and protect the salad from moisture.
  • Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute ingredients and ensure the creamy mixture remains smooth and appetizing.
  • Do not freeze this dessert salad, as the cream cheese and fresh fruits will separate and lose their original delightful texture when thawed.

Tropical Sips and Treats That Pair with This Salad

  • Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or coconut flakes over the cheesecake salad for a delightful textural contrast and authentic Hawaiian flair.
  • Serve alongside a light, refreshing Mai Tai cocktail or a chilled pineapple-coconut mocktail to complement the dessert's tropical essence.
  • Garnish with fresh mandarin orange segments or a zesty lime wedge to brighten the creamy cheesecake base and enhance the Hawaiian-inspired profile.
  • Pour a crisp, sweet Riesling or a chilled Moscato to balance the rich cream cheese and add a sophisticated touch to the fruity dessert.

Variations That Take Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Up a Notch

  • Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace pineapple with mango and passion fruit for a different tropical flavor profile, maintaining the creamy texture and sweet essence.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use almond milk instead of heavy whipping cream, creating a vegan-friendly version that's light and refreshing.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the salad's creamy consistency.
  • Gluten-Free Tropical Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this dessert safe for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's core flavors.

Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad FAQs

  • What makes this recipe unique?

This Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad blends traditional cheesecake flavors with tropical fruit, creating a creamy, refreshing dessert that’s lighter than a classic cheesecake.

  • Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar works best because it dissolves more easily and creates a smoother texture. Regular granulated sugar might leave a grainy consistency in the cream cheese mixture.

  • Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe?

Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to ensure the cream cheese becomes smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated without lumps. A hand whisk might not achieve the same creamy consistency.

  • How do I know when the cream cheese mixture is ready?

The mixture should be smooth, free of lumps, and have a pourable consistency after adding the heavy whipping cream. It should look glossy and have no visible cream cheese chunks.

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Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian cheesecake salad blends creamy textures with tropical fruit sensations. Crisp pineapple, smooth cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure island-inspired joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Creamy Base Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Fruits:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple (cut into chunks)
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh grapes (halved)
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) mandarin oranges (drained)
  • 2 bananas (sliced)

Garnish Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly whip softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  2. Incorporate powdered sugar and pure vanilla essence, blending meticulously until completely integrated and no granular remnants remain.
  3. Slowly stream in heavy cream, gently stirring to create a luscious, pourable consistency that maintains a light, airy quality.
  4. Dice tropical pineapple chunks into precise, bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
  5. Slice mandarin oranges into delicate segments, carefully removing any potential membrane to enhance the salad’s elegant presentation.
  6. Gently fold prepared tropical fruits into the creamy mixture, using a soft spatula to prevent crushing the delicate fruit pieces.
  7. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes across the surface, providing a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the Hawaiian-inspired profile.
  8. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious, chilled essence.
  9. Before serving, garnish with additional coconut flakes and optional macadamia nut fragments for an extra layer of tropical sophistication.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends easily.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious texture and deepest flavor profile in the salad.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for an extra tropical Hawaiian-inspired twist that enhances the overall taste experience.
  • For a lighter version, replace some cream cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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