Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice

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

A refreshing layered Filipino dessert combining sweet purple yam, jellies, beans, and crushed ice topped with creamy leche flan and purple yam ice cream. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers shaved or crushed ice, cooked sweet red beans, cooked sweet white 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 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, layer 1/4 cup cooked sweet red beans, 1/4 cup cooked sweet white beans, 1/4 cup chopped nata de coco, and 1/4 cup kaong evenly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/3 cup sweetened purple yam halaya on top of the layered ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Fill the glass with 2 cups shaved or crushed ice, packing lightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over the ice to soak the layers.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 slices leche flan and 2 scoops purple yam ice cream.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig on top if using for a crunchy texture. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice 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 Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice?

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 Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice?

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 Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice 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 Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube, Sweet Beans, and Crushed Ice?

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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