Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream

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

A refreshing Filipino dessert layered with crushed ice, sweet beans, tropical fruits, and topped with vibrant purple ube ice cream. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers crushed ice, sweetened red mung beans, sweetened white 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 350 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: 10 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans at the bottom, followed by 1/4 cup sweetened white kidney beans.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup jackfruit strips, 1/4 cup sliced ripe saba bananas, 1/4 cup coconut gel, and 1/4 cup leche flan cubes in even layers.
  3. Step 3: Fill the glass with 2 cups crushed ice, packing gently but not compressing.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over the crushed ice to moisten all layers.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 scoops of vibrant purple ube ice cream and sprinkle 2 tablespoons pinipig over the top for crunch.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with a spoon to mix the layers while enjoying the cool, sweet medley.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream?

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 Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream?

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 Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream 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 Sweetened Beans and Ube Ice Cream?

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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