Name: Halo-Halo (Filipino “Mix-Mix” Shaved Ice Dessert)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 cup finely shaved or crushed ice; 1/4 cup evaporated milk (plus more to taste); 1 tbsp simple syrup or sugar (optional); 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); 1 small cube of leche flan; 1 scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream; Optional: rice crispies, wafer stick

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.

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

Prep the Ingredients: Chill evaporated milk. Drain and prepare all mix-ins ahead of time.
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.
Add Shaved Ice: Pack the rest of the glass with finely shaved or crushed ice. Dome it above the rim like a snow cone.
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.
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.
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