Halo-Halo (Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert)

Halo-Halo is a beloved Filipino shaved ice dessert that translates to “mix-mix,” a nod to the way this vibrant treat is stirred together before eating. Served in tall glasses and layered with a variety of sweetened beans, fruits, jellies, shaved ice, milk, and often topped with creamy ube ice cream and leche flan, this cold, colorful dessert is both refreshing and indulgent. It’s the perfect sweet escape on hot days and an iconic dish that celebrates the flavors of the Philippines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Culturally rich and festive: Halo-halo showcases the diverse flavors and ingredients of the Philippines in one beautiful glass.
• Customizable: Use whatever mix-ins you have on hand — canned, jarred, or homemade — to suit your taste and availability.
• Refreshing and satisfying: Shaved ice combined with sweet milk and tropical fruits makes for an incredibly refreshing dessert.
• No cooking required: Most components are pre-sweetened and store-bought, making this recipe easy to assemble.
• Perfect for warm weather: A cool and creamy dessert ideal for hot summer days or tropical-themed gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Finely shaved or crushed ice
• Evaporated milk
• Simple syrup or sugar (optional)

Mix-ins (about 1–2 teaspoons each):

• Sweetened red mung beans (or red bean paste)
• Sweetened white beans or chickpeas
• Kaong (sugar palm fruit) or nata de coco (coconut gel cubes)
• Sweetened jackfruit (langka), sliced thin
• Macapuno (coconut sport strings) or young coconut strips
• Sweetened plantains (saba bananas)
• Sweetened sweet potato cubes

Toppings:

• Leche flan (caramel custard), cubed
• Ube halaya or scoop of ube ice cream
• Optional: rice crispies or wafer stick

directions

1. Prep the ingredients: Ensure all mix-ins and toppings are pre-chilled. Drain canned or jarred ingredients. Chill evaporated milk in the refrigerator.
2. Layer the glass: In a tall, clear glass, add about 1–2 teaspoons of each desired mix-in (beans, fruits, jellies) until the glass is 1/3 to 1/2 full.
3. Add shaved ice: Pack the rest of the glass with finely shaved or crushed ice. Dome the top like a snow cone if possible.
4. Drizzle milk and syrup: Pour 1/4 cup of chilled evaporated milk over the ice. Add a bit of simple syrup or sugar on top if you prefer it sweeter.
5. Add toppings: Place a small cube of leche flan and a scoop of ube ice cream on the mound of ice. Optionally, add rice crispies or a wafer stick for added texture.
6. Serve and mix: Serve immediately with a long spoon. Stir from the bottom up to blend all flavors and textures before enjoying.

Servings and timing

This recipe is for one serving. Preparation time is approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the number of mix-ins and whether any need to be sweetened or cooked beforehand. No freezing or chilling time is required aside from ensuring ingredients are cold.

Variations

• Tropical fruit version: Add fresh mango, pineapple chunks, or lychee for added fruitiness.
• All-natural halo-halo: Use only homemade or fresh ingredients with no added preservatives.
• Deluxe halo-halo: Add a scoop of homemade no-churn ube gelato, crushed cornflakes, or a drizzle of coconut cream.
• Minimalist style: Stick to just 3–4 mix-ins for a simpler version while retaining the essence of the dessert.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk and coconut-based ice cream, and ensure your mix-ins are dairy-free.

storage/reheating

Halo-halo is best served and consumed immediately after assembly.

• Do not store fully assembled halo-halo, as the ice will melt and dilute the flavors.
• Pre-chill and store individual mix-ins in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Shaved ice should be prepared fresh for best texture.

FAQs

What does “halo-halo” mean?

“Halo-halo” means “mix-mix” in Filipino, referring to the act of stirring the ingredients together before eating.

Can I make halo-halo without ube ice cream?

Yes, while traditional, ube ice cream is optional. You can replace it with vanilla or coconut ice cream or omit it entirely.

Where can I buy halo-halo ingredients?

Asian or Filipino grocery stores typically carry canned jackfruit, sweetened beans, nata de coco, and ube halaya.

What type of ice should I use?

Finely shaved or crushed ice works best to absorb the milk and syrup for a creamy texture.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, fresh jackfruit, bananas, or young coconut can be used, though they may require sweetening to match the traditional flavor.

What is macapuno?

Macapuno is a soft, jelly-like coconut variety often used in Filipino desserts, different from standard coconut flesh.

How do I sweeten plantains or sweet potatoes quickly?

Simmer them in a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) for several minutes until tender and sweetened.

Can I prepare halo-halo ahead of time?

You can prep the components in advance, but assemble and serve the dessert just before eating to maintain texture.

What’s the difference between halo-halo and Korean bingsu?

Both are shaved ice desserts, but halo-halo uses tropical mix-ins, beans, and milk, while bingsu typically includes sweetened condensed milk and red beans with fruit.

Is halo-halo a drink or a dessert?

It is a dessert, though it is served in a glass and eaten with a spoon due to its layered nature and texture.

Conclusion

Halo-Halo is more than just a dessert—it’s a colorful celebration of Filipino culture, flavors, and textures. With its dazzling array of ingredients and refreshing base of shaved ice and milk, it’s the perfect treat to cool down and satisfy a sweet craving. Whether you enjoy it traditional or with a modern twist, halo-halo is a tropical indulgence worth mixing and savoring.

Halo-Halo (Filipino “Mix-Mix” Shaved Ice Dessert)

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• Author: Mari
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: : 1 serving (easily scalable)
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bring the flavors of the Philippines to your kitchen with this vibrant halo halo dessert recipe! This shaved ice dessert (mix mix) is made with colorful layers of sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies, topped with finely shaved ice, creamy evaporated milk, and a scoop of ube ice cream. Learn how to make halo halo at home using easily found ingredients. A classic summer Filipino dessert that’s cool, creamy, and refreshingly delicious.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup finely shaved or crushed ice

• 1/4 cup evaporated milk (plus more to taste)

• 1 tbsp simple syrup or sugar (optional)

Mix-ins (1–2 tsp each, as desired):

• Sweetened red mung beans or red bean paste

• Sweetened white beans or chickpeas (garbanzos)

• Kaong (sugar palm fruit) or nata de coco (coconut gel cubes)

• Sweetened jackfruit (langka), thinly sliced

• Macapuno (coconut sport strings) or young coconut strips

• Sweetened plantains (saba bananas) – simmered in syrup (see note)

• Sweetened sweet potato cubes – simmered in syrup (see note)

Toppings:

• 1 small cube of leche flan

• 1 scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream

• Optional: rice crispies, wafer stick

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Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Chill evaporated milk. Drain and prepare all mix-ins ahead of time.

2. Layer the Glass: In a tall glass, spoon in 1–2 teaspoons of each mix-in. Aim to fill 1/3 to 1/2 of the glass with a colorful mix.

3. Add Shaved Ice: Pack the rest of the glass with finely shaved or crushed ice. Dome it above the rim like a snow cone.

4. Drizzle Milk & Syrup: Pour about 1/4 cup of evaporated milk over the ice. Drizzle with simple syrup or sprinkle sugar if a sweeter taste is desired.

5. Top It Fancy: Add a cube of leche flan and a scoop of ube ice cream. Garnish with optional rice crispies or a wafer stick.

6. Serve and Mix: Serve immediately with a long spoon. Stir well before eating to blend all textures and flavors — “halo-halo” style!

Notes

• Mix and match ingredients based on availability.

• Use a shaved ice machine or strong blender for fine texture.

• Ube halaya can be substituted for ice cream if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Assembled / No-Bake
• Cuisine: Filipino