How to Make the Perfect Halo Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert
Filipino · Easy · 20 min · 2 servings
Halo Halo is the magnificent Filipino shaved ice dessert whose name literally means mix mix, combining layers of sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, leche flan, and ube ice cream all piled over a mountain of finely shaved ice. It is a joyful explosion of colors, textures, and flavors that is best eaten on a sweltering summer afternoon.
Why this recipe works
This Halo Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups finely shaved or crushed ice
- 0.5 cup sweetened red mung beans or adzuki beans
- 0.5 cup sweetened jackfruit strips (langka)
- 0.5 cup coconut jelly (nata de coco) and kaong palm fruit
- 2 scoops ube halaya ice cream
- 2 slices store-bought or homemade leche flan
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Layer the Sweet Toppings
In a tall glass or wide bowl, begin building the halo halo by spooning the sweetened red beans into the bottom, followed by the jackfruit strips. Add the nata de coco and kaong palm fruit on top of the beans and jackfruit. Pour a light drizzle of evaporated milk or sweetened condensed milk over the toppings.
Step 2: Add the Shaved Ice
Pack finely shaved ice tightly over the toppings, mounding it generously into a small mountain above the rim of the glass. The ice should be fine enough that it has a soft, almost slushy texture rather than crunchy chunks that would be too harsh to eat comfortably.
Step 3: Crown with Ice Cream and Flan
Place one generous scoop of ube ice cream directly on top of the shaved ice. Lay a slice of leche flan on the ice beside the ice cream. Optionally dust the top with a spoonful of pinipig (toasted rice puffs) or crushed corn flakes for a delightful crunch.
Step 4: Serve and Mix
Serve the halo halo immediately before the ice melts, along with a long spoon so the person eating can dig down through all the layers and mix everything together. The beauty of halo halo is in the chaotic and delicious combination of all the different flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ube ice cream → vanilla ice cream with a teaspoon of ube extract stirred in
- leche flan → store-bought egg custard or caramel flan from an Asian grocery store
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using large crushed ice cubes instead of finely shaved ice, which creates an uncomfortable crunchy texture and melts unevenly through the dessert
- Preparing the halo halo too far in advance and allowing it to sit, which causes the ice to melt completely and turn the dessert into a watery soup
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 8g protein, 78g carbs, 12g fat, 5g fiber.
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