How to Make Halo-Halo (Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert)

2023-05-09
How to Make Halo-Halo (Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert)
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
1

Originating in the Philippines, halo-halo is a shaved ice dessert that beats any snow cone on a hot summer day. Meaning "mix-mix" in Tagalog, the icy treat gets its name from a concoction of sweet ingredients—in interesting flavors and textures—topped with shaved ice and evaporated milk. Mix thoroughly to get all of the ingredients incorporated before you take that first, perfect bite.

Look for halo-halo ingredients in your local Asian market or online—the more variety of mix-ins, the better.

Ingredients for Halo-Halo

Every Filipino has a favorite combination of halo-halo ingredients. The most commonly used mix-ins include syrup-packed beans (a combo of chickpeas, red beans, and white beans), nata de coco (coconut gel), macapuno strings (coconut sport), sweet jackfruit, tapioca pearls, and colorful jellies. All this gets topped with shaved ice and a drizzle of evaporated milk. Some common halo-halo toppers include ube halaya (purple yam jam), leche flan, pinipig (flattened, toasted rice), fresh fruit, ube ice cream (you can purchase this or make it at home), and glazed pili nuts.

Offer as many mix-ins as you can when serving halo-halo for the most colorful variety of flavors and textures. You can stick with red mung beans, sweetened jackfruit, macapuno strings, nata de coconut, ube halaya jam, leche flan, evaporated milk, and ube ice cream as written here, or add even more variety to the table with other types of sweetened fruits, including bananas, mango, pineapple or strawberries, Kaong (sugar palm fruit), tapioca pearls, sweet corn, gulaman (agar-set jelly cubes), yema (sweetened condensed milk spread), and more.

If you can't source some of these ingredients, don't worry—the more mix-ins you have, the better, but halo-halo will still be delicious whether you have 10 different components, or five.

How To Make Your Own Shaved Ice

No shaved ice machine? No problem. A high-powered blender or food processor will do the trick. Start with crushed ice, if possible, then blitz until fine and fluffy. In a real pinch, you can crush the ice by placing it into a large zip-top plastic bag covered with a kitchen towel, and using a rolling pin or mallet to crush until you reach your desired consistency.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 tablespoons syrup-packed red mung beans, white beans, and/or garbanzo beans

  • 1 tablespoon sweetened jackfruit

  • 1 tablespoon macapuno strings (coconut sport)

  • 1 tablespoon nata de coconut (coconut gel)

  • 1 cup shaved ice

  • 1 tablespoon ube halaya jam

  • 2 tablespoons leche flan, purchased

  • 2 to 4 tablespoons evaporated milk

  • 2 tablespoons ube ice cream

Directions

  1. Begin To Layer the Halo-Halo

    In a tall glass or a trifle dish, layer the assorted beans, sweetened jackfruit, coconut gel, and coconut strings. Feel free to add more or less of any of the ingredients you enjoy.

    Test Kitchen Tip: Look for pre-mixed jars of halo-halo ingredients at your local Asian grocery stores. Common brands include Tropics, Kapuso, Kamayan, and Monika.

  2. Add Shaved Ice, Toppings, and Ice Cream

    Add shaved ice to fill the glass, leaving room for toppings. Top with ube halaya, leche flan, and ube ice cream.

  3. Drizzle with Evaporated Milk

    To finish the halo-halo recipe, drizzle evaporated milk over the top. Mix and enjoy. Halo-halo is best enjoyed right away.

How To Store Leftover Halo-Halo

The beauty of this dessert is that it's made to order, meaning you shouldn't have any assembled halo-halos left laying around. But if you do have leftover mix-ins on hand, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator so you can use them for your next batch, or incorporate into other desserts as desired.

Related Article

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe starts with a purchased crust and is filled with luscious chocolate filling. Garnish the pie with piles of whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle cake is a shortcut dessert that's made with purchased phyllo dough and custard. Here's how to make this easy dessert at home.
Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

We'll walk you through how to make banoffee pie. You'll fall in love with the layers of rich caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Don't forget the shaved chocolate on top!
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

This delicious oatmeal cookie recipe is a great use for sourdough discard. Use your choice of dried fruit to add flavor and texture to the sourdough discard recipe.
15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

No matter which of these recipes you reach for, these easy party dips dazzle on every occasion. Perfect for big potlucks or small gatherings.
Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

A soothing glass of lemon balm tea is our favorite way to enjoy the plentiful herb.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Need a quick drink for a party, but don't want to spend all night playing bartender? These delicious make-ahead margaritas are the answer! Freeze them in jars overnight and they're all set for the next day.
34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Hosting a party for Halloween? Or maybe you're bringing a dish to a bash. We've got you covered with Halloween potluck ideas for happy gobblin'!
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

The sustainable superfood algae called spirulina will give you a nutritional boost. Learn about the benefits of spirulina, plus why it's a sustainable option and how to eat more spirulina.
8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to feel healthier and reduce the risk and impact of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

Study up on the risks of eating raw cookie dough. You’re probably familiar with the danger of raw eggs, but did you know that raw flour can pose a health risk, too? Dietitians and a food safety specialist share more about raw cookie dough risks and how to stay safe as you enjoy cookie recipes and other baked goods.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

Here's how to dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator, including our Test Kitchen's secret for storing the dried tomatoes for up to 9 months.
Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Think outside the box with our best canned food recipes. Featuring beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, coconut milk, crab, and so much more, these globe-trotting canned food recipes prove that budget-friendly pantry staples can transform into a restaurant-quality meal.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.
Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

It's not summer without a homemade burger on the grill and all the extras that go with it. Follow our Test Kitchen tips for the perfect burger.