Pinoy Halo-Halo – A Colorful Filipino Classic

Pinoy Halo-Halo is a beloved Filipino dessert that lives up to its name, which means “mix-mix” in Tagalog. This delightful treat layers crushed ice, creamy milk, sweet fruits, and colorful toppings into one refreshing bowl. Every bite is a surprise of textures and flavors—soft beans, chewy jellies, juicy fruits, and rich custards, all topped with ice cream. It’s not just dessert, it’s an experience, perfect for hot days or when you want to enjoy a taste of the Philippines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing & Cooling: Perfect for summer or tropical cravings.
Fun to Eat: Every spoonful has a different mix of textures and flavors.
Customizable: Add your favorite fruits, beans, or jellies.
Cultural Favorite: A dessert deeply rooted in Filipino tradition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shaved or crushed ice
• 1 cup sweetened red beans or kidney beans
• 1 cup sweetened garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 1 cup nata de coco (coconut gel)
• 1 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit)
• 1 cup sweetened jackfruit, sliced
• 1 cup sweetened banana (saba variety, cooked in syrup)
• 1 cup sweetened purple yam (ube halaya)
• 1 cup leche flan (Filipino caramel custard), sliced
• 1 pint ube ice cream (or your preferred flavor)
• 1 cup evaporated milk (or light milk for a lighter version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glasses or Bowls
Choose tall glasses or clear bowls to showcase the beautiful layers.

2. Layer the Ingredients
Add a spoonful of each sweetened fruit, beans, and jellies at the bottom of each glass.

3. Add the Ice
Top with shaved or crushed ice until the glass is nearly full.

4. Pour the Milk
Generously drizzle evaporated milk over the ice to soak into the layers.

5. Garnish with Delights
Finish with a scoop of ube ice cream and a slice of leche flan on top.

6. Serve
Mix everything together before eating—the true “halo-halo” way!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Shaved Ice: The finer the ice, the better the texture.
• Mix Before Eating: The fun is in blending all the flavors together.
• Make It Lighter: Use less condensed syrup and more fresh fruit for a lighter version.
• Add Crunch: Some versions include puffed rice or cornflakes for added texture.

Why This Recipe Works

Halo-Halo isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration in a glass. Its layers of color, flavor, and texture make every bite unique and exciting. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or customize with what you have on hand, this dessert never fails to bring joy and refreshment.

Pinoy Halo-Halo is a true Filipino treasure: cool, vibrant, and endlessly fun to eat. With its irresistible mix of sweet fruits, jellies, custards, and ice cream, it’s the ultimate tropical indulgence. Share it with family and friends, or treat yourself to a single glass—it’s always a celebration of flavor in every bite.