Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened Fruits
A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and topped with creamy leche flan and purple yam ice cream. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers crushed ice, sweetened red mung beans, sweetened kidney 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 400 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
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans
- 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans
- 1/4 cup jackfruit strips
- 1/4 cup macapuno (coconut sport) strips
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1/4 cup sweetened nata de coco cubes
- 1/4 cup saba banana slices
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 slices leche flan (Filipino caramel custard)
- 2 scoops ube (purple yam) ice cream
- 1 tbsp (optional, to taste) sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans, 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans, 1/4 cup jackfruit strips, 1/4 cup macapuno strips, 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels, 1/4 cup nata de coco cubes, and 1/4 cup sliced saba bananas evenly.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups crushed ice on top of the layered ingredients, packing lightly.
- Step 3: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over the crushed ice until it starts to seep down.
- Step 4: Place 2 slices of leche flan on top of the ice, then add 2 scoops of ube ice cream on top of the flan.
- Step 5: Optionally sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar over the top if you prefer more sweetness. Serve immediately with a long spoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened 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 Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened 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 Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened 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 Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened 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 Halo-Halo with Crushed Ice and Sweetened 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.