Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Ed Joven
Cream Cheese Buko Salad : A Cool and Creamy Treat You’ll Keep Coming Back To
If you ever need a dessert that hits that sweet spot between fruity and creamy, the Cream Cheese Buko Salad Recipe nails it. This Filipino favorite brings a refreshing twist to your typical Buko Salad. It mixes tender strips of young coconut, tropical fruits, and soft jelly cubes with thick cream and rich cream cheese. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and that perfect cold, creamy texture that keeps you saying, “Just one more cup please.“
Table of contents
Whether a weekend family lunch or a holiday celebration, this dessert always finds its place on the table. And yes, it works great even as a cold snack during a hot afternoon. It’s sweet, tangy, and extra creamy without being too heavy. You get the chew from the buko, a mix of textures from the fruits and jelly, and a mellow creaminess from the cream cheese that ties everything together—no need for complicated techniques. Just mix and chill.
Healthier Than You Think
Sure, it’s a dessert, but it has some nutritional benefits. Young coconut meat adds fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you full a little longer. Most fruit cocktail mixes contain vitamin C, which supports your immune system. The cream cheese adds calcium to strong bones and teeth. If you go easy on the sugar and use real fruit, this dish becomes a satisfying treat that won’t make you feel too guilty.
Ingredients and Step by Step Procedure:
Cream Cheese Buko Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 med. Young Coconut Buko meat about 3cups
- 836 g Fruit Cocktail drained
- 340 g Red Nata de Coco drained
- 340 g White Nata de Coco drained
- 1 med. Apple diced about 1½cups
- 1½ cups Red & Green Seedless Grapes halves
Cream:
- 225 g Cream Cheese thawed
- 1 cup Condensed Milk adjust according to taste
- 375 ml All-Purpose Cream
Instructions
Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
- Scrape the meat from 2 medium young coconuts and set aside.
- Wash and slice the apple and grapes, then set aside.
- Drain the fruit cocktail and nata de coco separately. Set both aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buko meat, fruit cocktail, nata de coco, apple, and grapes. Gently toss to mix.
Make the Creamy Base
- In a separate bowl, whisk the thawed cream cheese until soft and smooth.
- Add the condensed milk and whisk until fully blended.
- Pour in the all-purpose cream and mix until well combined.
Combine Everything
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bowl of fruits.
- Toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours to let the flavors blend and the salad firm up.
- Always keep the Buko Salad refrigerated and serve cold for best texture and taste.
Video
Nutrition
Food Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Skip
When working with dairy and fresh fruits, safety is a must. Always keep your cream cheese and cream cold before mixing. If they sit out too long, they spoil faster and affect the overall flavor. Wash your hands, clean your utensils, and use sanitized containers. If you’re using canned fruit or condensed milk, check the expiration dates and rinse off the syrup if it’s too thick or sticky.
Never leave this dessert out at room temperature for more than two hours. Because it contains dairy, it can spoil fast in warm weather. Serve it chilled, and return the leftovers to the fridge right after.
How to Store Cream Cheese Buko Salad
Refrigeration is key. Keep the salad in an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of your fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Stir it gently before serving to bring back its creamy consistency. If it starts to get watery or sour, it’s time to toss it out.
You can also make this ahead of time. Just mix everything except the jelly and refrigerate. Add the jelly cubes right before serving to keep them firm and bouncy. Freezing is not recommended because it changes the texture of both the cream and the fruits. Stick with the fridge for the best results.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Making Cream Cheese Buko Salad doesn’t require fancy equipment. With just a few basic kitchen tools, you can easily whip up this creamy and refreshing dessert.
- Mixing Bowl – A large bowl is essential for evenly combining all ingredients without making a mess.
- Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Use this to gently fold the mixture so the fruits and jelly cubes stay intact.
- Chopping Board and Knife – These help slice fresh fruits or open young coconuts using fresh ingredients.
- Can Opener – Needed for opening canned fruit cocktail, condensed milk, or cream.
- Fine Strainer – To avoid a watery salad, use this to drain excess syrup or water from canned fruits.
- Airtight Container – Perfect for storing the salad in the fridge and keeping it fresh for days.
- Dessert Cups or Glass Tray (optional) – Use these for a cleaner and more attractive way to serve your salad at parties or gatherings.
A Dessert That Never Disappoints
The Cream Cheese Buko Salad hits that sweet spot between comfort food and tropical dessert. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy base and fruity flavors cool you down and bring a smile with every spoonful. Whether chilling at home or feeding a hungry group, this dessert never disappoints. Keep your ingredients fresh, store them properly, and enjoy this Filipino classic anytime you want a treat that’s cool, creamy, and easy to love.
Happy cooking! And remember, patience is key—these pancakes are all about low and slow. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right?
FAQ:
Yes. You can prep it a day in advance. Add jelly cubes before serving so they stay firm and don’t get soggy.
Yes, you can! Fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, grapes, or apples work great. Just make sure to slice them into small, bite-sized pieces.
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always keep it chilled to maintain its texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese Buko Salad Pairing Ideas for Any Celebration
Planning a party or fiesta spread? Pair Cream Cheese Buko Salad with well-loved handaan dishes like Lechon Kawali, Beef Caldereta, or Beef Kare-Kare. These bold, flavorful mains need a light and creamy dessert to cap off the meal, and this salad fits right in.
It also goes great alongside rice dishes like Arroz Valenciana or Bringhe. The fruity creaminess offers perfect cooldown after all the rich and savory bites. It’s a reliable dessert that complements any celebration menu, big or small.
This is now my favorite Pinoy salad. Sarap nya talaga!