Sweet Macapuno and Nata de Coco Filipino Fruit Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, chilled dessert salad blending tropical macapuno strings and chewy nata de coco in a sweetened condensed milk dressing. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers nata de coco, drained, 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 250 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup macapuno strings, 1 cup drained nata de coco, 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits, and 1/4 cup halved maraschino cherries.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup all-purpose cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Pour the milk and cream mixture over the fruit mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese on top if using, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving cold.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Macapuno and Nata de Coco 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 Nata de Coco 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 Nata de Coco 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 Nata de Coco 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 Nata de Coco 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.

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