Nothing beats the heat like a colorful glass of Halo-Halo. Packed with shaved ice, milk, fruits, jelly, and toppings, this Filipino dessert is more than just refreshing; it’s fun, festive, and full of textures that make every spoonful a surprise.
Making Halo-Halo at home is simple and creative. With a few key ingredients, you can prepare it your way, whether you like it classic, layered, or with modern twists.
And when you use Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk for creaminess and Coconut Gel for that chewy bite, you’ll bring out the very best of this summer dessert.
The Story Behind Halo-Halo
The name “halo-halo” literally means “mix-mix” in Filipino, which describes how it’s eaten.
Originally inspired by Japanese shaved ice desserts, Halo-Halo evolved into a Filipino favorite by adding tropical fruits, beans, and toppings like leche flan and purple yam.
Today, it’s more than just food; it’s a tradition enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, and summer afternoons.
Its beauty lies in the mix: creamy, chewy, sweet, and refreshing all at once. And with the vibrant purple drizzle of ube condensed milk plus the playful chew of coconut gel, every serving feels like a celebration.
Why Ube and Jubes Make a Perfect Pair
- Ube: With its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and striking purple color, Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk adds richness, creaminess, and a bold visual pop.
- Jubes Coconut Gel: Known as nata de coco, Jubes Coconut Gel is light, chewy, and refreshing. It balances out the creaminess with texture that keeps you coming back for another bite.
Building Your Own Halo-Halo
Now let’s get to the best part, making it at home. Halo-Halo is flexible and fun, and you can adjust it depending on what you have in the kitchen.
Here are two delicious variations to start with:
Classic Halo-Halo with Jubes
Ingredients
- Crushed or shaved ice
- A spoonful of tropical fruits (jackfruit, banana, or mango)
- A drizzle of Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Jubes Coconut Gel
- Optional toppings: jelly, beans, or a scoop of ice cream
Steps
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
- Add fruits and jelly at the bottom.
- Pour ube condensed milk over the ice for sweetness and color.
- Top with Jubes and ice cream for a creamy finish.
Layered Halo-Halo Twist
Ingredients
- Shaved ice
- Sweetened fruits (lychee, melon, or langka)
- Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Coconut Gel
- Optional toppings: leche flan or purple yams
Steps
- Start with fruits at the bottom of your glass.
- Add shaved ice and drizzle with condensed milk.
- Repeat with another fruit and ice layer.
- Finish with Jubes and leche flan for a picture-worthy dessert.
Tips for Making the Perfect Halo-Halo at Home
- Ice texture matters: Finely shaved ice gives the smoothest texture, while chunky crushed ice makes it extra crunchy.
- Chill your glass first: This helps keep the dessert cold longer, even in the summer heat.
- Get creative with toppings: Add flan, ice cream, or even corn kernels for a playful mix.
Beyond Halo-Halo – Other Fun Ube & Treats
Once you’ve mastered Halo-Halo, why stop there?
The same key ingredients, ube condensed milk and coconut gel, work beautifully in other refreshing desserts, too.
Ube Bingsoo
A Korean-inspired shaved ice treat that’s light and elegant.
Ingredients
- Finely shaved ice
- Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Fresh fruit or jelly cubes
- Whipped cream or ice cream
Steps
- Place shaved ice into a bowl.
- Drizzle ube condensed milk for creaminess.
- Add fruit or jelly on top.
- Finish with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ube Sago
Refreshing and drinkable, perfect for sipping on hot days.
Ingredients
- Cooked sago pearls
- Crushed ice
- Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Jubes Coconut Gel
Steps
- Add sago pearls to the bottom of a tall glass.
- Fill with ice and pour condensed milk over it.
- Mix in Jubes for chewiness.
- Stir before sipping so every sip is balanced.
Ube Milkshake or Smoothie
Quick, creamy, and on the go, delicious.
Ingredients
- Cold milk
- Ice cubes
- Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Optional whipped cream topping
Steps
- Blend milk, ice, and condensed milk until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream.
- Enjoy cold with a straw.
Fun Ways to Serve
- DIY Halo-Halo Station: Perfect for parties, set out bowls of fruits, jelly, Jubes, and toppings so everyone can mix their own.
- Mini Glasses: Serve in smaller cups for bite-sized, Instagram-worthy desserts.
- Colorful Layers: Use clear glasses to show off the layers of fruit, ice, and ube drizzle.
Conclusion
From its Filipino roots to its colorful layers, Halo-Halo is the ultimate summer dessert, combining ice, milk, fruits, and toppings into one refreshing mix. With Sweet Cow Ube Sweetened Condensed Milk adding creaminess and Jubes Coconut Gel bringing chewy fun, you can enjoy the classic version or try layered twists, then explore bonus treats like Bingsoo, Sago, or an Ube Smoothie. Simple to prepare, flexible to customize, and always rewarding, these desserts show how a few key ingredients can turn any hot day into something cool, colorful, and delicious.
