Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk
A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet purple yam, jellies, fruits, and creamy coconut milk for a colorful tropical treat. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers shaved ice, ube halaya (purple yam jam), sweetened red beans into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shaved ice
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/4 cup sweetened red beans
- 1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit strips
- 1/4 cup nata de coco (coconut gel)
- 1/4 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit)
- 1/2 cup chilled evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup chilled coconut milk
- 1/4 cup leche flan cubes
- 2 tbsp toasted pinipig (pounded rice flakes)
- 1 tbsp (optional) sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, place 3 cups shaved ice as the base. Layer 1/2 cup ube halaya, 1/4 cup sweetened red beans, 1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit strips, 1/4 cup nata de coco, and 1/4 cup kaong evenly over the ice.
- Step 2: Drizzle 1/2 cup chilled evaporated milk and 1/4 cup chilled coconut milk over the layered ingredients to moisten the ice.
- Step 3: Top with 1/4 cup leche flan cubes and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig on top for crunch.
- Step 4: If desired, sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar over the top for extra sweetness. Serve immediately with a spoon, mixing before eating to combine flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Milk?
Filipino desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.