Halo-Halo with Ube and Crushed Ice

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

A refreshing Filipino dessert layered with sweetened purple yam, jellies, beans, fruits, and topped with shaved ice and creamy leche flan. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers shaved ice, cooked ube halaya (purple yam jam), sweetened red mung 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 320 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 320 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 sweetened red mung beans at the bottom followed by 1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit strips, 1/4 cup coconut gel, and 1/4 cup sweetened saba bananas.
  2. Step 2: Spoon 1/2 cup cooked ube halaya over the layered fruits and beans.
  3. Step 3: Fill the glass with 2 cups shaved ice, packing lightly but not compressed.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over the shaved ice until soaked through.
  5. Step 5: Top with 1/4 cup sliced leche flan and sprinkle 2 tablespoons pinipig on top for crunch. Serve immediately with a long spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Halo-Halo with Ube 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 with Ube 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 with Ube 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 with Ube 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 with Ube 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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