Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans

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

A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet purple yam, jellies, beans, and creamy milk for a colorful treat. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 10 minutes layers shaved ice, 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 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, layer 3 cups shaved ice evenly. Sprinkle 2 tbsp sugar over the ice and let it melt slightly for 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Spoon 1/2 cup ube halaya over the ice, followed by 1/3 cup sweetened red mung beans and 1/3 cup sweetened white kidney beans in separate layers.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup nata de coco and 1/4 cup kaong on top, then scatter 1/3 cup cubed leche flan.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk evenly over all layers and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig for crunch. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans 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 Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

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 Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

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 Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans 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 Layered Halo-Halo Dessert with Ube and Sweet Beans?

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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