Halo-Halo Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans

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

A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweetened beans, jellies, and purple yam, topped with creamy leche flan and crushed ice. This filipino 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 280 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. 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall serving glass, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans, followed by 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans, 1/4 cup nata de coco, and 1/4 cup jackfruit strips.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/3 cup sweetened purple yam (ube halaya) on top of the fruit and beans.
  3. Step 3: Fill the glass with 2 cups shaved ice, pressing gently to compact.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tablespoons sugar syrup evenly over the shaved ice.
  5. Step 5: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk over the entire dessert until it seeps through the ice.
  6. Step 6: Top with 2 slices of leche flan and sprinkle 2 tablespoons pinipig on top for crunch.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with a spoon to mix and enjoy the blend of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Halo-Halo Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans 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 Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

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 Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

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 Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans 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 Icy Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

Filipino filipino 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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