Delicious and Authentic Filipino Halo-Halo Recipe

Ingredients

6-8 cups of shaved ice
1 cup of sweetened jackfruit
1 cup of sweetened banana
1 cup of sweetened saba bananas
1 cup of sweetened macapuno (coconut sport)
1 cup of sweetened kaong (sugar palm fruit)
1 cup of ube halaya (purple yam jam)
1 cup of leche flan (caramel custard)
2 cups of evap (evaporated milk)
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup cooked sago (tapioca pearls)
1 cup of nata de coco (coconut jellies)
1/2 cup of pinipig (toasted rice)
4 scoops of ube ice cream
1/2 cup of sweetened red beans
4 tablespoons of leche flan

Steps and instructions

Prepare all your ingredients by slicing the sweetened fruits into small pieces, cooking the sago pearls and preparing the leche flan and ube halaya.
Take a tall glass or bowl and start layering your ingredients. Begin with a layer of mixed sweetened fruits, followed by a layer of sago and nata de coco.
Add a layer of sweetened red beans, followed by a generous serving of shaved ice.
Pour 1/2 cup of evaporated milk over the shaved ice and sprinkle some sugar.
On top of the ice, add a layer of ube halaya and leche flan.
Add another layer of shaved ice, followed by more evaporated milk and sugar.
Top it off with scoops of ube ice cream and sprinkle some pinipig for crunch.
Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw.

Tools for making

Tall glass or bowl - You will need a tall glass or bowl to layer and serve the halo-halo.
Long spoon - A long spoon is necessary for reaching all the layers of ingredients in the tall glass or bowl.
Straw - A straw is used to sip and enjoy the melted ice and milk mixture.

Recipe variations

Use different flavors of ice cream such as mango, coconut, or chocolate instead of ube ice cream.
Add additional toppings like crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or chocolate syrup.
Include other sweetened fruits like mango, pineapple, or lychee.
Experiment with different flavored jellies or gelatin cubes instead of nata de coco.
Replace the shaved ice with crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, or cereal for added texture.
Add a layer of cornflakes or granola for a crunchy element.
Include other Filipino delicacies like bibingka or puto as additional layers.
For a healthier option, use coconut water instead of evaporated milk.
Make it a chocolate halo-halo by incorporating chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, and chocolate-flavored ingredients.

Recipe overview

This is a recipe for Halo-Halo, a traditional Filipino dessert that is a favorite during the hot summer months. The name Halo-Halo translates to "mix-mix", reflecting the medley of ingredients that go into this delightful dessert. It's a layered dessert that consists of sweetened fruits and beans, jellies, sago pearls, shaved ice, evaporated milk, and is typically topped with ube ice cream and leche flan. This delectable dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes with its vibrant colors. Making Halo-Halo is quite simple. It involves layering ingredients in a tall glass or bowl, and the final step is to mix everything together before eating. This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a fun and unique dessert experience. Enjoy the sweet and creamy taste of Halo-Halo!

Common questions

Can I use regular ice instead of shaved ice? Yes, you can use regular ice if you don't have access to shaved ice. However, the texture and consistency of the halo-halo may be slightly different.
Can I use different fruits? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your halo-halo with your favorite fruits. Just make sure to sweeten them according to your taste.
Do I need to cook the sago pearls? Yes, the sago pearls need to be cooked until they are translucent and soft. Follow the package instructions or boil them in water until done.
Can I use other flavors of ice cream? Yes, you can use different flavors of ice cream to top your halo-halo. Ube (purple yam) ice cream is traditional, but you can experiment with other flavors if desired.
Can I omit any of the ingredients? Certainly! You can tailor the recipe to your preferences and omit any ingredients that you don't enjoy. The beauty of halo-halo is its versatility.
Can I make halo-halo in advance? It's best to assemble and serve halo-halo immediately to enjoy the right texture and consistency. If prepared in advance, the ice may melt and affect the overall taste and presentation.

Serving dishes and utensils

Tall glass or bowl - A tall glass or bowl is needed to hold and layer the ingredients of the halo-halo.
Long spoon - A long spoon is necessary for scooping and mixing the different layers of the halo-halo.
Straw - A straw is typically used to sip the melted ice and milk from the bottom of the halo-halo.

Origin stories

Halo-Halo, a colorful and delightful dessert, hails from the tropical archipelago of the Philippines. The name "Halo-Halo" literally translates to "Mix-Mix" in the Filipino language, representing the vibrant medley of ingredients that goes into this dessert. It perfectly epitomizes the melting pot of cultures that the Philippines is. Influenced by the Japanese usage of sweet azuki beans, the American love for ice cream, and the local Filipino fondness for native fruits and jellies, Halo-Halo showcases the harmonious blend of diverse culinary traditions that coexist in the country. It is a cultural and gastronomic symbol that delightfully cools the tropical heat of the Philippines, reminding us that something beautiful can emerge from the mix and diversity of cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.