Halo Halo Recipe

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Colorful, refreshing, and loaded with fun textures, this Halo Halo recipe is a tropical dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Layers of shaved ice, fresh fruit, creamy sweetened condensed milk, chewy boba, colorful gelatin, coconut, crunchy cereal, and rich ube ice cream come together for the ultimate summer treat. Every spoonful is a little different, making Halo Halo a dessert that’s both exciting and satisfying.

Halo Halo recipe served in a fresh coconut shell with ube ice cream, mango, strawberries, colorful gelatin, boba, and wafer cookies.

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Whether you’re introducing your family to this popular Filipino dessert or recreating a favorite from your travels, this easy homemade version uses readily available ingredients while keeping the playful spirit that makes Halo Halo so memorable.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
A fun no-bake dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.
Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for entertaining.
Sweet, creamy, fruity, crunchy, and chewy in every bite.
Great for summer parties, cookouts, and celebrations.
Easy to prepare ahead so assembly is quick.
Uses simple grocery store ingredients.

What is Halo Halo?

Halo Halo (pronounced hah-loh hah-loh) is a classic Filipino shaved ice dessert whose name literally means “mix-mix.” The dessert is traditionally served in a tall glass filled with layers of sweet ingredients before being topped with finely shaved ice, evaporated or condensed milk, and ice cream.

There are countless regional and family variations throughout the Philippines. Some versions include sweetened beans, jackfruit, coconut gel, leche flan, purple yam jam, or candied fruits.

This homemade version keeps things approachable by combining fresh strawberries, mangoes, banana, flavored gelatin, boba, coconut, and ube ice cream for a colorful dessert that’s easy to recreate at home.

One of the best parts of Halo Halo is that no two bites are exactly alike. Before eating, everything gets stirred together, creating the perfect combination of creamy, icy, fruity, crunchy, and chewy textures.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ube ice cream

Its rich purple color and lightly sweet, vanilla-like flavor make it one of the signature ingredients in Halo Halo.

Fresh mango

Sweet, juicy mango adds tropical flavor and balances the creamy ingredients beautifully.

Strawberries

Fresh strawberries add bright color and a little tartness.

Shaved ice

Finely shaved ice creates the light, fluffy base that makes Halo Halo so refreshing.

Sweetened condensed milk

This adds richness and sweetness while soaking into the shaved ice.

Raspberry and lime gelatin

Colorful cubes bring another fun texture and bright fruity flavor.

Cream cheese

Mixed with a little granulated sugar, it adds a creamy, cheesecake-like element.

Boba

Chewy tapioca pearls add one of Halo Halo’s signature textures.

Coconut flakes and corn flakes

These toppings add delicious crunch to contrast with the soft fruit and ice cream.

Ingredients for making homemade Halo Halo, including mango, strawberries, banana, ube ice cream, boba, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and shaved ice.

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Boiling water – dissolves the gelatin. Ice water – helps cool and set the gelatin faster.
Raspberry-flavored gelatin – substitute cherry- or strawberry-flavored gelatin.
Lime-flavored gelatin – lemon or another fruit flavor also works well.
Fresh coconut – use serving bowls or tall glasses instead.
Strawberries – raspberries, blueberries, or pineapple are great alternatives.
Mangoes – peaches, papaya, or fresh pineapple work well.
Cream cheese – mascarpone can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Granulated sugar – adjust slightly to taste if desired.
Shaved ice – finely crushed ice works in a pinch.
Sweetened condensed milk – evaporated milk creates a less sweet dessert, though the flavor will differ.
Banana – use ripe but firm bananas.
Boba – substitute cooked large pearl tapioca if preferred.
Ube ice cream – coconut, vanilla, mango, taro, sherbet, or sorbet are all delicious options.
Shredded coconut flakes – toasted coconut adds even more flavor.
Corn flakes – crispy rice cereal or another lightly sweet cereal can be substituted.
Rolled coconut wafer cookies – optional for decoration and extra crunch.

Variations

Add traditional ingredients – Try sweetened red beans, jackfruit, nata de coco, macapuno coconut, sweet corn, leche flan, or ube halaya for a more traditional Halo Halo.
Change the fruit – Swap in pineapple, kiwi, peaches, blueberries, dragon fruit, or lychee.
Make it extra tropical – Add passion fruit, papaya, or toasted coconut for even more tropical flavor.
Use different ice cream – If ube ice cream isn’t available, try coconut, vanilla, mango, taro, or your favorite fruit sorbet.
Make it kid-friendly – Let everyone build their own Halo Halo with bowls of toppings for a fun dessert bar.

Close-up of homemade Halo Halo featuring ube ice cream, mango, strawberries, gelatin cubes, banana, corn flakes, and wafer cookies.

Tips for Best Results

Ube ice cream is usually available in the freezer section of Asian markets. If you can’t find it, substitute your favorite sherbet or tropical ice cream.
Freeze the gelatin completely before cutting it into cubes.
Use very finely shaved ice for the best texture.
Chill the fruit before assembling so the dessert stays cold longer.
Assemble just before serving to keep the ice from melting.
Arrange colorful ingredients around the bowl for the prettiest presentation.
Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture.
Mix everything together before eating to enjoy the full Halo Halo experience.

Why this recipe works: Halo Halo is all about contrast. Creamy ingredients, juicy fruit, fluffy shaved ice, chewy boba, crunchy cereal, and rich ice cream all come together in one dessert, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

FAQs

What does Halo Halo mean?

Halo Halo means “mix-mix” in Filipino, referring to the way all of the colorful ingredients are stirred together before eating.

Where can I find ube ice cream?

Ube ice cream is commonly sold in the freezer section of many Asian grocery stores. Some larger supermarkets also carry it in their international foods section. If you can’t find it, vanilla, purple yam, coconut, taro, or mango ice cream are delicious alternatives. You can also use any fruit sherbet or sorbet.

Is Halo Halo served frozen?

It’s served with finely shaved ice and ice cream, making it very cold, but most of the toppings are simply chilled rather than frozen.

Can I use regular crushed ice?

You can, but finely shaved ice creates a softer, lighter texture that’s much closer to traditional Halo Halo.

What kind of boba should I use?

Any cooked tapioca pearls work well. You can also use ready-to-serve boba for convenience.

Can I make Halo Halo ahead of time?

You can prepare all of the toppings ahead, but wait to assemble the dessert until you’re ready to serve.

Do I have to use fresh coconut bowls?

No. They make a beautiful presentation, but serving glasses or dessert bowls work just as well.

Is Halo Halo very sweet?

It is a sweet dessert, but the fresh fruit, shaved ice, and creamy ingredients help balance the sweetness.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes. Kids love assembling their own Halo Halo by choosing and arranging their favorite toppings before mixing everything together.

Storage

Halo Halo is best enjoyed immediately after assembling.

If you need to prep ahead, store each component separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to build the dessert. Once assembled, the shaved ice will quickly melt, and the textures will change, so leftovers are not recommended.

How to Make Halo Halo

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Quick steps:

Prepare both flavors of gelatin and chill until firm.
Dice the gelatin into bite-sized cubes.
Slice the strawberries, mangoes, and banana.
Mix the cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth.
Finely shave or crush the ice.
Fill serving bowls or coconut shells with shaved ice.
Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
Arrange the fruit, gelatin, cream cheese mixture, and boba around the edges.
Top with ube ice cream, coconut flakes, corn flakes, and wafer cookies if using.
Mix everything together before enjoying.

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Raspberry and lime flavored gelatin being prepared for homemade Halo Halo.

Scoring a fresh coconut before splitting it into serving bowls for Halo Halo.

Make Ahead

Several components can be prepared ahead of time, making assembly quick and easy.

Prepare the gelatin up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated until needed. Slice the fruit several hours ahead and refrigerate it in airtight containers. The cream cheese mixture can also be made a day ahead.

Wait to shave the ice and assemble the Halo Halo until just before serving so everything stays fresh and icy.

What to serve with Halo Halo

Halo Halo is usually served as the star of the meal, especially during warm weather, but it also pairs well with a variety of savory dishes.

Filipino barbecue or grilled meats
Chicken or pork skewers
Lumpia
Pancit
Fried rice dishes
Fresh tropical fruit
Iced coffee
Thai iced tea
Lemonade
Fruit smoothies

If You Enjoyed Halo Halo

If you love desserts that are packed with fresh fruit, fun textures, and cool, creamy flavors, Halo Halo is just the beginning. It’s a wonderful way to beat the heat, especially on warm summer days. If you’re looking for more chilled treats, fruity favorites, or tropical-inspired recipes, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to add to your dessert rotation.

For another refreshing treat, try my Easy Piña Colada Ice Cream. It has the same tropical vibe with creamy coconut and pineapple flavors. If you’re craving something lighter, Watermelon Berry Fruit Salad is loaded with fresh seasonal fruit and makes the perfect side dish or healthy dessert.

And if you love the strawberry and fruit flavors in Halo Halo, don’t miss my Cream Cheese Fruit Dip, which pairs perfectly with your favorite fresh fruit for an easy snack or party platter.

If no-bake desserts are your favorite, you’ll definitely want to check out No-Bake Banana Split Lasagna Lush. It combines creamy layers, fresh fruit, and classic banana split flavors in one easy dessert.

Or, if you’re looking for something icy and refreshing to sip instead, my Sunshine Smoothie with Banana and Mango is another tropical-inspired recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a hot afternoon.

Spoonful of Halo Halo with creamy ube ice cream and fresh strawberry above a coconut bowl filled with tropical toppings.

📌 Save This Recipe

This colorful Halo Halo recipe is one you’ll want to make all summer long. Save it to your favorite Pinterest dessert or frozen treats board so it’s easy to find whenever you’re craving something cool, creamy, and packed with tropical flavor.

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