Halo-halo means mix-mix, and this Filipino shaved-ice dessert is designed for joyful assembly: colorful sweet beans, fruit, ube, milk, ice cream, and leche flan.
The components can be prepared ahead, so each glass is assembled cold just before serving. The first spoonful should reach all the way through the layers.
Chill the serving glasses and keep the shaved ice frozen until the last moment so the dessert stays crisp instead of watery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve halo-halo immediately with a long spoon. Add toasted pinipig, coconut, or a scoop of mango ice cream if you want another layer of texture.
Recipe Notes
Prepare the individual toppings up to 2 days ahead. Assemble only what you plan to serve because the ice melts quickly.
Filipino Halo-Halo
A colorful Filipino shaved-ice dessert layered with sweet beans, tropical fruit, ube, milk, ice cream, and leche flan.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Toppings:
- Drain the beans and nata de coco. Slice the jackfruit and leche flan into bite-size pieces.
- Chill the glasses and all toppings while the ice is prepared.
Layer the Glasses:
- Divide the sweet red beans, white beans, nata de coco, jackfruit, and ube halaya among four tall glasses.
- Pack each glass with shaved ice, then pour over the evaporated milk. Add a scoop of ube ice cream and a piece of leche flan.
Serve:
- Add sugar if desired and serve immediately with long spoons.
- Mix the layers together as you eat so every spoonful includes several textures and flavors.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use any combination of traditional toppings that you enjoy; the mix-and-match format is part of halo-halo’s charm.
- For a less sweet dessert, omit the added sugar.
