Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Tropical Fruits

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Filipino dessert featuring shaved ice layered with sweetened ube, tropical fruits, jellies, and creamy leche flan, topped with evaporated milk. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers shaved ice, sweetened ube halaya (purple yam jam), 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 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: 15 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall, clear glass, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans at the bottom, followed by 1/4 cup nata de coco, 1/4 cup kaong, and 1/4 cup jackfruit strips evenly.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups shaved ice on top of the layered fruits, pressing gently to pack.
  3. Step 3: Spoon 1/3 cup sweetened ube halaya evenly over the shaved ice, followed by 1/4 cup sliced sweetened saba bananas.
  4. Step 4: Place 1/3 cup cubed leche flan gently on the top of the ube and bananas.
  5. Step 5: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk slowly over the entire dessert until it seeps through the layers.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig on top for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately with a long spoon.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Halo-Halo with Ube and Mixed Tropical 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 Ube and Mixed Tropical 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 Tropical 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 Tropical 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 Tropical 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.

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