Halo-halo
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The ultimate Filipino summer dessert is Halo-halo , translating literally to 'mix-mix' in Tagalog. This vibrant, multi-layered treat combines shaved ice and creamy evaporated milk with a colorful treasure trove of sweet ingredients. From chewy coconut jellies and sweetened tropical fruits to rich ube ice cream and velvety leche flan, it offers an explosion of textures and flavors in every single spoonful. Watch our step-by-step video guide below to effortlessly master this elegant Filipino treat at home.
- Tapioca pearls : 1/4 cup small pearls (optional)
- Saba bananas : 3 pieces (or 2 regular bananas)
- Water : 1 cup (plus more for boiling pearls)
- Light brown sugar : 3/4 cup packed
- Kosher salt : 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract : 1/4 teaspoon
- Jackfruit in syrup : 1 (20-ounce) can
- Coconut milk : 2/3 cup canned, full-fat, unsweetened
- Evaporated milk : 3 tablespoons
- Sweetened condensed milk : 3 tablespoons
- Ice cream : 4 scoops coconut or ube flavor
- Macapuno : 1/2 cup coconut sport strings
- Ube halaya : 1/2 cup purple yam jam
- Nata de coco : 1 1/2 cups coconut gel
- Shaved ice : 4 cups (plus extra if needed)
🛒 Ingredients for Halo Halo
For the Minatamis na Saging & Tapioca
For Assembly
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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1. Make the Minatamis na Saging & Tapioca
- Boil the tapioca pearls in water until translucent.
- Combine 1 cup water and brown sugar in a pot.
- Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Add the sliced bananas and cooked tapioca to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture until the bananas are tender.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Refrigerate the banana mixture until cold before assembly.
2. Assemble the Halo-Halo
- Whisk the coconut milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk together.
- Grab four tall serving glasses.
- Layer the chilled banana-tapioca mixture at the bottom.
- Add the macapuno, ube halaya, jackfruit, and nata de coco.
- Drizzle a small spoonful of jackfruit syrup into each glass.
- Pack the glasses tightly with shaved ice.
- Pour the creamy milk mixture generously over the ice.
- Top each glass with a scoop of ice cream.
📝 Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
- Serving style : Always serve immediately with a long spoon.
- The "Halo" technique : Mix everything thoroughly from the bottom up before eating.
- Texture control : Shave the ice as finely as possible for the best mouthfeel.
- Milk substitution : Adjust the condensed milk amount to control the sweetness.