Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad
A refreshing Filipino dessert salad combining sweetened condensed milk, young coconut strings, and ripe mangoes for a creamy, tropical treat. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers large, peeled and diced ripe mangoes, sweetened condensed milk, all-purpose cream 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 280 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
- 2 large, peeled and diced ripe mangoes
- 1 cup macapuno strings (sweetened young coconut)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose cream
- 1/2 cup, drained pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup (optional) mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup (optional) cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 large peeled and diced ripe mangoes with 1 cup sweetened macapuno strings and 1/2 cup drained pineapple chunks.
- Step 2: Pour in 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup all-purpose cream. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly coated and creamy.
- Step 3: If using, stir in 1/4 cup mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Step 4: Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to thicken slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad 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 Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad?
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 Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad?
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 Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad 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 Sweet Macapuno and Mango Filipino Fruit Salad?
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.