Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream

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

A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert layered with sweet purple yam, jackfruit, red beans, and drizzled with rich coconut cream. This Filipino-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, layers shaved ice, cooked 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a tall glass or bowl, add 3 cups shaved ice to fill about three-quarters full.
  2. Step 2: Layer on 1/2 cup cooked ube halaya evenly over the shaved ice, followed by 1/2 cup sweetened jackfruit strips, 1/2 cup sweet red mung beans, 1/4 cup cooked tapioca pearls, and 1/2 cup sliced bananas.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients, then top with 1/4 cup coconut cream.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pinipig on top for a crunchy texture. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream 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 Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream?

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 Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream?

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 Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream 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 Sweet Halo-Halo with Ube and Coconut Cream?

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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