Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Fruits
A refreshing Filipino dessert featuring crushed ice layered with sweetened ube halaya, tropical fruits, jellies, and topped with creamy leche flan and evaporated milk. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers crushed ice, ube halaya (purple yam jam), sweetened jackfruit strips 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups crushed ice
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup sweetened jackfruit strips
- 1/2 cup sweetened banana slices (saba)
- 1/4 cup sweetened red beans
- 1/4 cup nata de coco (coconut gel)
- 2 slices leche flan, sliced
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp pinipig (toasted rice flakes)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, place 1/2 cup ube halaya at the bottom as the base layer.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup sweetened jackfruit strips, 1/2 cup sweetened banana slices, 1/4 cup sweetened red beans, and 1/4 cup nata de coco in layers on top of the ube halaya.
- Step 3: Fill the container with 3 cups crushed ice, packing lightly but evenly.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over the crushed ice until it starts to seep through.
- Step 5: Top with 2 slices of leche flan and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig over the top for crunch.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a spoon, stirring to combine flavors as you eat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Fruits 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 Ube and Mixed 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 Ube and Mixed 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 Ube and Mixed 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 Ube and Mixed 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.