Halo halo is the ultimate shaved ice dessert (mix mix) from the Philippines that delivers layers of vibrant color, texture, and tropical flavor in every spoonful. This traditional summer Filipino dessert combines sweetened fruits, beans, jellies, leche flan, ube halaya, and crushed ice, all topped with creamy evaporated milk and sometimes a scoop of ice cream. A true crowd-pleaser, this dessert is both refreshing and indulgent—perfect for hot weather or festive occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This halo halo dessert recipe captures the spirit of Filipino summers and family gatherings in a single glass. It’s easy to customize and endlessly fun to assemble.
- A refreshing dessert perfect for hot weather
- Made with accessible Filipino halo-halo ingredients
- Customizable layers and toppings
- Visually stunning and colorful for entertaining
- A true taste of Filipino culture and tradition
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Crushed or shaved ice
- Evaporated milk
- Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- Leche flan (optional, for topping)
- Sweetened saba bananas (or plantains)
- Sweetened jackfruit
- Sweetened red mung beans
- Sweetened garbanzo beans
- Nata de coco (coconut gel)
- Kaong (sugar palm fruit)
- Macapuno (coconut sport)
- Pinipig (toasted rice flakes) or crispy rice
- Ube ice cream (optional, for topping)
Directions
- In a tall glass or bowl, layer about 1 tablespoon each of the sweetened ingredients: mung beans, garbanzo beans, nata de coco, kaong, jackfruit, and bananas.
- Add a generous spoonful of macapuno and a layer of ube halaya on top.
- Fill the glass with shaved ice or crushed ice, packing it tightly over the layered ingredients.
- Pour about ¼ to ½ cup of evaporated milk over the ice, letting it soak through.
- Top with a slice of leche flan and a scoop of ube ice cream, if desired.
- Sprinkle pinipig or toasted rice flakes on top for crunch.
- Serve immediately with a long spoon—halo-halo means “mix-mix,” so stir it all together before enjoying.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 large servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Coconut Halo-Halo: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a richer, tropical twist.
- Ice Cream Swap: Try mango or vanilla ice cream instead of ube for a flavor change.
- Homemade Touch: Make your own leche flan, ube halaya, or sweetened bananas for an authentic finish.
- Healthier Version: Use less sugar in homemade ingredients and skip condensed toppings.
- All-Fruit Halo-Halo: Replace beans with more varieties of tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, or lychee.
Storage/Reheating
Halo halo is best assembled and enjoyed immediately due to the ice content. However, individual ingredients can be prepped and stored:
- Sweetened fruits and beans: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Ube halaya and leche flan: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Shaved ice: Prepare just before serving.
Do not freeze the assembled dessert as it will compromise the texture when thawed.
FAQs
What does “halo halo” mean?
“Halo halo” translates to “mix-mix” in Filipino, referring to the way the dessert is stirred before eating to combine all the flavors and textures.
Is halo halo only eaten during summer?
While it’s especially popular as a summer Filipino dessert, halo halo can be enjoyed year-round in warm climates or as a celebratory treat.
Do I need to use all the ingredients?
No, you can mix and match based on availability and preference. The key is to include a variety of textures and sweet elements.
Can I make halo halo without ube?
Yes, although ube halaya and ice cream are signature components, halo halo can be made with other sweet toppings and still be delicious.
Where can I find Filipino halo-halo ingredients?
Most Asian or Filipino grocery stores carry these items, often canned or jarred in syrup. Online retailers may also offer them.
What kind of ice is best for halo halo?
Finely shaved ice provides the best texture, but crushed ice can be used if a shaver isn’t available.
Is halo halo gluten-free?
Yes, most traditional Filipino halo-halo ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
Can kids enjoy halo halo?
Absolutely. It’s a fun and colorful dessert that kids can also help assemble.
What’s the difference between halo halo and bingsu?
Bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert that usually features condensed milk, fruit, and red beans, while halo halo has a broader mix of Filipino toppings and evaporated milk.
How long does it take to make halo halo?
If ingredients are prepped in advance, assembling a halo halo dessert recipe takes just 5–10 minutes.
Conclusion
Learning how to make halo halo at home is a joyful experience that brings the tropical flavors of the Philippines straight to your table. With its colorful presentation and layered goodness, this shaved ice dessert (mix mix) is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of Filipino culture, tradition, and flavor. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or sharing dessert with family, halo halo is sure to impress and refresh.
PrintHalo Halo Dessert Recipe
Looking for a refreshing and colorful treat? This halo halo dessert recipe is a layered symphony of sweetened fruits, jellies, ube, leche flan, and crushed ice — the ultimate summer Filipino dessert! Learn how to make halo halo with classic Filipino halo-halo ingredients in this cool, vibrant shaved ice dessert (mix mix) that’s as fun to build as it is to eat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 (if using pre-made ingredients)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assembled
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base:
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2 cups shaved ice
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1/3 cup evaporated milk
Layer Fillings (adjust to taste):
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1/4 cup sweetened saba bananas (or plantains)
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1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit (langka)
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1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans
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1/4 cup sweetened garbanzo beans
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1/4 cup macapuno (coconut sport)
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1/4 cup nata de coco or gulaman (jelly cubes)
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2 tbsp ube halaya (purple yam jam)
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1 scoop ube ice cream
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1 slice leche flan
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Pinch of crushed cornflakes or pinipig (toasted rice flakes)
Instructions
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In a tall glass, start layering your Filipino halo-halo ingredients: beans, fruits, macapuno, jelly, and ube halaya.
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Fill the glass with shaved ice all the way to the top.
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Pour evaporated milk evenly over the ice.
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Top with a scoop of ube ice cream, a slice of leche flan, and a sprinkle of cornflakes or pinipig for crunch.
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Serve immediately with a long spoon — stir and enjoy your shaved ice dessert (mix mix)!
Notes
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For extra authenticity, use a mix of homemade and canned Filipino sweet preserves.
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Ube halaya and leche flan can be made ahead of time or store-bought.
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Customize the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of milk and fruit syrup.