Halo-Halo (with Ice Cream) Recipe
I. Introduction
A refreshing Filipino shaved ice dessert loaded with various ingredients and topped with ice cream. This Halo-Halo (with Ice Cream) Recipe is a beloved Filipino treat that combines sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and creamy ice cream in a refreshing summer dessert.
II. Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed or shaved ice
- 2 scoops ube ice cream (or vanilla)
- 1/4 cup sweetened beans (mung or kidney beans)
- 1/4 cup sweetened saba bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit (langka)
- 1/4 cup sweet beans (bataw/giwan)
- 1/4 cup sago (tapioca pearls), cooked and sweetened
- 1/4 cup gulaman (agar jelly), cubed
- 2 tbsp ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 2 tbsp evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp sweetened carabao’s milk (leche flan-style)
- Crushed graham crackers (optional)
III. Equipment
- Large glasses or parfait bowls
- Spoon or ice cream scoop
- Ice shaver or food processor for crushing ice
- Small bowls for toppings
- Serving spoons
IV. Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients ahead of time – cook and sweeten beans, prepare jellies, cook sago, etc.
- In a tall glass, layer the sweetened ingredients over the crushed ice.
- Add the sago pearls, sweetened beans, fruits, and jellies in layers.
- Drizzle with evaporated milk and sweetened carabao’s milk.
- Add a dollop of ube ice cream on top.
- Serve immediately with a long spoon for mixing.
- Add ube halaya at the bottom of the glass before other ingredients for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle graham crackers on top if desired.
V. Tips
Prepare ingredients in advance; use colorful toppings for visual appeal. The key is having a variety of textures and flavors. Make sure the ice doesn’t melt too quickly by serving immediately. You can customize with your favorite ingredients like sweet yam, kidney beans, or even ice cream flavors. The name “halo-halo” means “mix-mix” in Filipino, referring to the mixing of ingredients.
VI. Serving
Serve immediately while the ice is still solid and ingredients are cold. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot days and is commonly sold by street vendors called “halo-halo vendors” during summer months. The combination of cold, creamy, sweet, and chewy textures creates a delightful experience.
VII. Storage
Best consumed immediately; ingredients can be prepared a day ahead and stored separately. The individual components can be made in advance and assembled when ready to serve. Store prepared beans, jellies, and sago in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the final assembly should be done right before serving.
