Sweet Macapuno and Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing

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

A refreshing Filipino dessert salad combining chewy macapuno strings and tropical fruits in a luscious, sweet condensed milk and cream dressing. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers pineapple chunks, drained, jackfruit, sliced into strips, ripe mango, diced 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 bowl, combine 1 cup macapuno strings, 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1 cup sliced jackfruit, and 1 cup diced ripe mango, gently tossing to mix the fruits evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup all-purpose cream, and 1/4 cup evaporated milk until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
  3. Step 3: Pour the creamy dressing over the mixed fruits and fold gently until all pieces are thoroughly coated, ensuring not to crush the fruit.
  4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and serve cold.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Macapuno and Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing 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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing?

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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing?

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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing 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 Tropical Fruit Salad with Creamy Condensed Milk Dressing?

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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