Halo-Halo is a famous Filipino dessert known for its colorful layers, icy base, and delicious mix of textures and flavors.
The name translates to “mix-mix,” perfectly describing how it’s eaten — by stirring together crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and milk. It’s the ultimate summer treat and a refreshing way to enjoy a variety of traditional Filipino sweets in one glass.
Equipment Needed
Tall dessert glasses or bowls
Ice shaver or blender (to crush ice)
Spoon for layering and mixing
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
1 cup crushed or shaved ice
1/4 cup sweetened red mung beans
1/4 cup sweetened garbanzos (chickpeas)
1/4 cup sweetened saba bananas (or plantains)
1/4 cup macapuno (coconut sport)
1/4 cup nata de coco (coconut jelly)
1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit strips (langka)
1/4 cup leche flan, sliced
2 scoops ube halaya (purple yam jam)
2 scoops of ube or vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Pinipig or crispy rice for topping (optional)
Directions
Preparation time: 15 minutes, Assembly Time: 10 minutes, Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Prepare the Glasses: Choose a tall glass or bowl to show off the layers. Place sweetened beans at the bottom.
Add the Sweetened Ingredients: Layer the bananas, jackfruit, macapuno, nata de coco, and any other sweet preserves.
Add Crushed Ice: Pile crushed or shaved ice over the layered ingredients until the glass is nearly full.
Drizzle with Milk: Pour evaporated milk evenly over the ice.
Top It Off: Add a spoonful of ube halaya, a slice of leche flan, and a scoop of ice cream on top. Sprinkle with pinipig for crunch if using.
Serve Immediately: Serve with a long spoon and instruct to mix before eating.
How to Serve
Halo-Halo is best served right away to keep the ice from melting. You can switch out ingredients based on what’s available — for example, canned fruit cocktail, coconut gel, or even corn kernels can be used.
Some regions also include shaved cheese or rice crispies for a unique twist.
Final Word
Halo-Halo is a celebration in a glass — cold, creamy, sweet, and layered with tradition. It’s not only refreshing but also a fun way to explore a wide range of Filipino flavors in one dessert. Try making it at home and enjoy a tropical delight any time of year!
