Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube
A refreshing Filipino dessert featuring finely shaved ice layered with sweet beans, jellies, ube halaya, and topped with evaporated milk. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers shaved ice, sweetened red mung beans, sweetened 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 300 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
- 2 cups shaved ice
- 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans
- 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans
- 1/4 cup nata de coco (coconut jelly)
- 1/4 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit), sliced
- 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup leche flan, cubed (optional)
- 2 tbsp pinipig (toasted rice flakes, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a tall clear glass, layer 1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans, 1/4 cup sweetened kidney beans, 1/4 cup nata de coco, and 1/4 cup sliced kaong evenly.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups shaved ice on top of the layered ingredients, pressing gently to fill the glass.
- Step 3: Spoon 1/4 cup ube halaya over the ice, followed by 1/4 cup cubed leche flan if using, and sprinkle 2 tbsp pinipig for crunch.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup evaporated milk slowly over the top to soak the shaved ice. Serve immediately with a long spoon and enjoy the medley of flavors and textures.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube 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 Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube?
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 Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube?
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 Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube 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 Shaved Ice Halo-Halo with Sweetened Beans and Ube?
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.