Halo-Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert
A colorful, refreshing Filipino dessert layering sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and shaved ice topped with creamy leche flan and ube ice cream. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes pairs shaved ice, sweetened red mung beans, sweetened kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shaved ice
- 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans
- 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans
- 1/4 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit)
- 1/4 cup nata de coco cubes
- 1/4 cup ripe jackfruit strips
- 1/4 cup sweetened coconut strips
- 1/4 cup saba bananas, sliced and fried
- 1/4 cup leche flan, cubed
- 2 scoops ube (purple yam) ice cream
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a tall clear glass, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans, 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans, 1/4 cup kaong, 1/4 cup nata de coco cubes, 1/4 cup ripe jackfruit strips, 1/4 cup sweetened coconut strips, and 1/4 cup sliced fried saba bananas evenly.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups shaved ice gently on top of the layered ingredients, filling the glass.
- Step 3: Pour 1/3 cup evaporated milk evenly over the shaved ice to moisten.
- Step 4: Top the dessert with 1/4 cup cubed leche flan and 2 scoops of ube ice cream.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with a long spoon to mix all layers before eating.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Halo-Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Halo-Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shaved ice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Halo-Halo Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert?
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 Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert 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 Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This halo-halo was a taste of home! Made it for my family reunion and everyone raved about the authentic flavors.
- ★★★★★
I've been searching for a good halo-halo recipe for years, and this one is spot on. The halo-halo was a hit at my party!
- ★★★★★
My favorite Filipino dessert, and this recipe made it easy. The halo-halo was creamy and delicious.
