The Halo-Halo Recipe is a popular Filipino dessert that literally means “mix-mix” in English, capturing the essence of this colorful and refreshing treat. It’s made by layering a variety of sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and crushed ice, then topped with rich, creamy ingredients like leche flan and ube ice cream. This vibrant dessert is perfect for hot summer days, offering a delicious mix of flavors and textures that’s as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a first-time taster or a devoted fan, this Halo-Halo Recipe is sure to deliver a refreshing burst of flavors in every bite.

Why is it Called “Halo-Halo”?
Halo-Halo, which means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, earned its name due to the way the dessert is prepared and eaten. This traditional Filipino dessert requires all its ingredients to be mixed thoroughly before being enjoyed. The concept of layering various sweetened fruits, beans, and ice is rooted in Filipino culinary history and reflects the country’s diverse cultural influences, including elements of Japanese and Spanish desserts. Today, Halo-Halo is enjoyed across the Philippines, especially during the summer months, as a cool, refreshing treat that embodies the country’s love for sweet and colorful foods.
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How Should Halo-Halo Taste?
The taste of Halo-Halo is a delightful combination of sweetness, creaminess, and freshness. The base of sweetened fruits and beans provides a burst of fruity flavors, while the crushed ice cools you down with every bite. The creamy leche flan and ube ice cream add a rich texture, and when everything is mixed together, the dessert creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures—from chewy, crunchy, to soft and creamy. The dessert is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, making it a perfect balance of flavor and refreshment.
How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?

To make the perfect Halo-Halo, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh fruits like ripe bananas, jackfruit, and sweetened beans for that authentic taste. Layering the ingredients is key—start with the fruits and beans at the bottom, followed by the crushed ice, and finish with generous scoops of leche flan, ube ice cream, and a drizzle of evaporated milk. Make sure to use finely crushed ice to get that smooth, refreshing texture. Also, mix thoroughly before eating to ensure every spoonful delivers the perfect blend of all the flavors and textures.

Halo-Halo Recipe
Equipment
- Large glasses or bowls
- Ice crusher
- Spoons for mixing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sweetened red beans
- 1/2 cup sweetened jackfruit
- 1/2 cup ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sweetened palm fruit
- 1/2 cup coconut gel
- 2 cups crushed ice
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 4 scoops ube ice cream
- 4 slices leche flan
- 1/4 cup sweetened purple yam (optional)
Instructions
- Start by layering sweetened red beans, jackfruit, bananas, palm fruit, and coconut gel at the bottom of each glass.
- Add a layer of crushed ice on top of the fruits.
- Drizzle evaporated milk over the ice.
- Top with ube ice cream, leche flan, and optional purple yam.
- Serve immediately and mix thoroughly before eating.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less sweetened fruits or evaporated milk.
- For a vegan option, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and vegan ice cream.
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Conclusion
This Halo-Halo recipe is a refreshing, delicious way to experience one of the Philippines’ most beloved desserts. It’s incredibly easy to make, with ingredients that can be customized to your liking. The combination of fruity, creamy, and icy textures makes this dessert a summer favorite. Whether you’re looking to cool off or treat yourself to a sweet delight, Halo-Halo is a must-try. Give this recipe a go and bring a taste of the Philippines to your kitchen!