Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk
A refreshing Filipino fruit salad layered with young coconut strips, mixed fruits, and a creamy sweetened condensed milk dressing. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers macapuno (young coconut) strips, canned fruit cocktail, drained, pineapple tidbits, drained into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macapuno (young coconut) strips
- 1 cup canned fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup all-purpose cream
- 1/2 cup (optional garnish) cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup macapuno strips, 1 cup drained canned fruit cocktail, 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits, and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup all-purpose cream until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the creamy mixture over the fruit and marshmallow mixture, folding gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly without smashing the fruits.
- Step 4: Transfer the fruit salad to a serving bowl or individual cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to meld flavors and firm up.
- Step 5: Just before serving, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top for an authentic Filipino touch and contrast of flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Filipino desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
