Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Tropical Fruits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Filipino dessert combining shaved ice, sweetened purple yam (ube), assorted tropical fruits, and creamy milk for a colorful and cooling treat. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers shaved ice, ube halaya (purple yam jam), sweetened banana slices 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 300 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, place 1/4 cup sweetened red beans, 1/4 cup sweetened coconut strips, 1/3 cup jackfruit strips, and 1/3 cup sweetened banana slices evenly at the bottom.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups shaved ice on top of the fruit layer, gently packing to fill the container.
  3. Step 3: Spoon 1/2 cup ube halaya over the shaved ice, spreading evenly.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk slowly over the entire mixture until absorbed and slightly pooling on top.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup leche flan cubes and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig over the top. Serve immediately with a spoon to mix all layers before eating.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Tropical Fruits take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Mixed Tropical Fruits?

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 Mixed Tropical Fruits?

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 Mixed Tropical Fruits 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 Mixed Tropical Fruits?

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.

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