No luau is complete without dessert.
Dessert is just as important to a good luau as having leis and tiki torches. Hawaiian desserts are all about bright, refreshing flavors that serve as a perfect conclusion to a delicious meal. From simple cakes filled with coconut or passion fruit to traditional Hawaiian fare, such as haupia and mochi, these tropical desserts are guaranteed to make guests' mouths water. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Cakes
Hawaiian fruits elevate simple layer cakes from basic to extraordinary. A decadent coconut cake, made with coconut milk and topped with shredded coconut, has a taste that will transport guests to the tropics. For something a bit more exotic, a Lilikoi chiffon cake is a sophisticated option that's sure to wow guests. This light-as-air cake is layered with passion fruit puree and whipped cream. In Hawaii, it's often served as a wedding cake.
Pies and Tarts
Macadamia nut cream pie is a traditional Hawaiian pie. Chopped macadamia nuts are mixed into custard to give this pie a pleasing bit of crunch. For a lighter dessert, try banana guava pie, which consists of a graham-cracker crust filled with a mixture of guava nectar, sugar and lemon, then topped with banana. To make these pies even more special, make miniature ones for each guest to enjoy, topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Puddings
Haupia is a type of coconut pudding, although its consistency is closer to Jello. Cool and refreshing, haupia is a great way to end a heavy meal. Another traditional Polynesian dessert is kulolo. Made from mashed taro, brown sugar and coconut root, kulolo is traditionally cooked in ti leaves in a pressure cooker, but modern recipes call for an oven. These puddings can be prepared in advance, making them a great dessert option for the busy host.
Mochi
Although mochi is originally from Japan, it is an extremely popular treat in Hawaii. Mochi is a type of rice cake made from mochiko flour, a glutinous rice flour, that is cooked either on the stove or in the microwave. Mochi can be made in a variety of flavors, such as butter, chocolate or coconut, or it can be filled with ice cream as a perfect summertime treat. Highly adaptable, mochi is sure to please the palate of every guest.
Tags: filled with, topped with, cake made, passion fruit, traditional Hawaiian, whipped cream