Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino Salad
A refreshing Filipino dessert salad featuring chewy macapuno strings, tropical fruit cocktail, and sweetened cream for a delightful finish to any meal. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers drained macapuno strings, drained fruit cocktail (canned), sweetened condensed milk 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 180 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 drained macapuno strings
- 1 cup drained fruit cocktail (canned)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup all-purpose cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1 tbsp dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water gelatin powder (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup drained macapuno strings, 1 cup drained canned fruit cocktail, 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, and 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose cream, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tbsp sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: If using, dissolve 1 tbsp gelatin powder in 1/4 cup hot water, then mix it into the cream mixture to help set the salad.
- Step 4: Pour the cream mixture over the fruit and macapuno mixture and gently fold together until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the gelatin to set, if used.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino 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 Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino 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 Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino 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 Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino 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 Sweetened Macapuno and Fruit Filipino 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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