Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk, 3.25%
  • ½ cup (125 g) sugar
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
  • Crushed ice
  • Sweetened fruits (you can use fresh fruits like mango, banana, jackfruit, or canned fruits in syrup)
  • Cooked sweet potatoes (ube and/or kamote)
  • Cooked red beans
  • Cooked white beans
  • Tapioca pearls (sago)
  • Shaved or crushed ice
  • Leche flan cubes
  • Gelatin cubes
  • Rice Krispies or cornflakes for added crunch
  • Nata de coco (coconut jelly)
  • Pinipig (crushed young rice)
  • Ice cream (vanilla or ube)
  • Grated coconut (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the milk syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar.
  2. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not let it boil.
  3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract if desired. Let it cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Halo Halo: (The most fun part about halo halo is customizing your own dessert)

  1. In a tall glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of cooked beans
  2. Add the crushed ice for the second layer. (you can customize the layer)
  3. Add the sweetened fruits, cooked sweet potatoes, cooked beans, tapioca pearls, and gelatin cubes. 
  4. Pour the milk syrup over the ingredients until the glass is about three-quarters full.
  5. Top the halo-halo with leche flan, Rice Krispies or cornflakes, nata de coco, pinipig, and scoop of ice cream.. 
  6. If desired, you can also sprinkle some grated coconut on top for extra flavor.
  7. Use a long spoon or a straw to mix all the ingredients together, blending the flavors and textures.
  8. Enjoy your halo-halo immediately.