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The Ultimate Filipino Halo-Halo

The Ultimate Filipino Halo-Halo: A Symphony of Sweet Delights

Halo-Halo, which literally means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that encapsulate the joy and diversity of the Philippines. This iconic treat is a beloved staple in Filipino households and eateries, especially during the sweltering summer months.

Our recipe takes you step by step through creating the perfect Halo-Halo, combining the traditional elements with a touch of culinary artistry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer to Filipino desserts, this dish is sure to captivate your taste buds. It’s a harmonious blend of sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies, topped with creamy ube halaya and leche flan, and crowned with a scoop of ice cream. Each spoonful offers a surprise, making every bite an adventure.

So, grab your tallest glass and let’s dive into making this “Symphony of Sweet Delights” that promises not just a dessert, but an experience that’s truly unforgettable!

RatingDifficultyBeginner

Halo-Halo is a classic Filipino dessert known for its colorful mix of sweet ingredients and shaved ice, topped with evaporated milk. Here's a basic recipe for making Halo-Halo:

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Prep Time10 minsTotal Time10 mins

 Shaved Ice
 Evaporated Milk
 Sweetened Red Beans
 Sweetened White Beans
 Nata de Coco (Coconut Gel)
 Kaong (Sugar Palm Fruit)
 Macapuno (Coconut Sport Strings)
 Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)
 Leche Flan (Caramel Custard)
 Sago Pearls (similar to Tapioca Pearls)
 Gulaman (Agar Jelly), diced
 Ripe Jackfruit, sliced
 Banana, sweetened and sliced
 Cornflakes or Pinipig (Toasted Rice Flakes)
 Ice Cream (commonly Ube or Mango flavor)

Prepare the Sweetened Ingredients
1

- In a saucepan, cook the red and white beans until they are soft. Add sugar to sweeten them and let them cool.
- Cook sago pearls in boiling water until they become translucent. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the banana and cook it in a saucepan with a bit of sugar and water until it becomes soft.

Prepare the Leche Flan and Ube Halaya
2

These can be bought ready-made or prepared in advance. Slice the leche flan into small pieces.

Shave the Ice
3

Use an ice shaver or a blender to crush ice until it's finely shaved.

Assemble the Halo-Halo
4

- In a tall glass, layer the bottom with a spoonful each of sweetened red beans, white beans, nata de coco, kaong, macapuno, and sweetened banana.
- Pack the shaved ice into the glass, filling it almost to the top.
- Pour evaporated milk over the ice, allowing it to seep down through the layers.
- On top of the ice, add a spoonful of ube halaya and a piece of leche flan.
- Sprinkle the top with sago pearls, diced gulaman, and sliced jackfruit.
- Add a layer of cornflakes or pinipig for crunch.
- Top everything off with a scoop of ice cream.

Serve
5

Provide a long spoon for mixing. The fun of Halo-Halo comes from stirring all the ingredients together before eating.

Top Tips
6

Ingredient Variations: Feel free to adjust or substitute ingredients based on availability and preference.
Sweetness: Control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar in the beans and banana, and the quantity of evaporated milk.
Presentation: Serve in a clear glass to showcase the colorful layers of the dessert.

Ingredients

 Shaved Ice
 Evaporated Milk
 Sweetened Red Beans
 Sweetened White Beans
 Nata de Coco (Coconut Gel)
 Kaong (Sugar Palm Fruit)
 Macapuno (Coconut Sport Strings)
 Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)
 Leche Flan (Caramel Custard)
 Sago Pearls (similar to Tapioca Pearls)
 Gulaman (Agar Jelly), diced
 Ripe Jackfruit, sliced
 Banana, sweetened and sliced
 Cornflakes or Pinipig (Toasted Rice Flakes)
 Ice Cream (commonly Ube or Mango flavor)

Directions

Prepare the Sweetened Ingredients
1

- In a saucepan, cook the red and white beans until they are soft. Add sugar to sweeten them and let them cool.
- Cook sago pearls in boiling water until they become translucent. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the banana and cook it in a saucepan with a bit of sugar and water until it becomes soft.

Prepare the Leche Flan and Ube Halaya
2

These can be bought ready-made or prepared in advance. Slice the leche flan into small pieces.

Shave the Ice
3

Use an ice shaver or a blender to crush ice until it's finely shaved.

Assemble the Halo-Halo
4

- In a tall glass, layer the bottom with a spoonful each of sweetened red beans, white beans, nata de coco, kaong, macapuno, and sweetened banana.
- Pack the shaved ice into the glass, filling it almost to the top.
- Pour evaporated milk over the ice, allowing it to seep down through the layers.
- On top of the ice, add a spoonful of ube halaya and a piece of leche flan.
- Sprinkle the top with sago pearls, diced gulaman, and sliced jackfruit.
- Add a layer of cornflakes or pinipig for crunch.
- Top everything off with a scoop of ice cream.

Serve
5

Provide a long spoon for mixing. The fun of Halo-Halo comes from stirring all the ingredients together before eating.

Top Tips
6

Ingredient Variations: Feel free to adjust or substitute ingredients based on availability and preference.
Sweetness: Control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar in the beans and banana, and the quantity of evaporated milk.
Presentation: Serve in a clear glass to showcase the colorful layers of the dessert.

Notes

Halo-Halo
IngredientsDirections

We hope you enjoyed creating your very own “Ultimate Filipino Halo-Halo” and that it brought a burst of tropical delight to your table! Remember, the beauty of Halo-Halo lies in its versatility, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Did your Halo-Halo turn out to be a stunning masterpiece? Or did you add a unique twist to this classic recipe? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Share your Halo-Halo photos and experiences in the comments below, or better yet, snap a picture and tag us on Twitter @BestDesserts2. Let’s spread the joy of Filipino dessert magic together!

Your feedback and variations not only inspire us but also the entire community of dessert enthusiasts. So, don’t hesitate to show off your dessert skills and share your story. Who knows, your version might just be the next big hit!

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Written by:
Best Desserts Team
Published on:
January 8, 2024
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Categories: Frozen DessertsTags: The Ultimate Filipino Halo-Halo

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