Vegan Halo Halo Recipe: Refreshing Filipino Dessert Guide

Halo halo, a beloved Filipino dessert, is a delightful mix of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, and creamy layers that come together to create a refreshing treat perfect for warm days. Traditionally made with dairy and sometimes animal-based ingredients, this vegan halo halo recipe offers a plant-based twist on the classic, ensuring everyone can indulge guilt-free.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try a new version of this iconic dessert, this recipe brings vibrant colors, exciting textures, and a balance of sweet and creamy flavors that will brighten up your day.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making a delicious vegan halo halo that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. From homemade coconut milk to natural sweeteners and an array of tropical fruits, this recipe captures the essence of the original while keeping it entirely plant-based.

It’s a perfect dessert to share with family and friends or to treat yourself after a long day. Let’s dive in and create this colorful, tasty, and healthy version of halo halo!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan halo halo recipe is a fantastic blend of tradition and innovation. By using natural plant-based ingredients, it transforms a classic Filipino dessert into a healthier option without sacrificing any of the delightful flavors and textures.

The use of coconut milk adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the fresh fruits and sweet beans, while the crushed ice keeps it refreshingly cool.

It’s also highly customizable — you can add your favorite fruits, nuts, or vegan jellies to make it uniquely yours. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days, festive occasions, or whenever you crave a sweet treat that’s light and nourishing.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and assemble quickly, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or a fun family activity.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup sweetened red kidney beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 cup sweetened jackfruit, sliced into strips
• 1/2 cup sweetened saba bananas (or plantains), sliced
• 1/4 cup kaong (sugar palm fruit) or substitute with diced lychee
• 1/4 cup nata de coco (coconut gel)
• 1/4 cup sweet purple yam (ube) halaya or ube jam
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/4 cup vegan pinipig (toasted young rice flakes) or toasted coconut flakes
• Fresh fruits for topping: mango, melon, or berries (optional)

Equipment

• Large serving glasses or bowls
• Ice crusher or blender (for crushed ice)
• Mixing bowls
• Spoons for layering and serving
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the coconut milk mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, coconut cream (if using), and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
2. Prepare the fruits and beans: Drain and rinse the sweetened red kidney beans. Slice the jackfruit and saba bananas into thin strips. If you can’t find kaong or nata de coco, substitute with diced canned lychee or other vegan jelly options.
3. Crush the ice: Use an ice crusher or blender to crush the ice finely. The ice should be fluffy and easy to layer.
4. Layer the ingredients: In your serving glass or bowl, start by adding a few spoonfuls of sweetened kidney beans at the bottom. Follow with jackfruit, saba bananas, kaong, nata de coco, and a generous spoonful of ube halaya.
5. Add the crushed ice: Pile the crushed ice over the layered ingredients, filling most of the glass or bowl.
6. Pour the coconut milk mixture: Slowly drizzle the chilled coconut milk mixture over the crushed ice, allowing it to seep through and coat the fruits and beans.
7. Top your halo halo: Sprinkle the vegan pinipig or toasted coconut flakes on top. Add fresh fruits like mango or melon if desired for extra color and flavor.
8. Serve immediately: Serve with a spoon and enjoy this refreshing vegan halo halo right away for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“To achieve the perfect halo halo texture, make sure the ice is finely crushed and the coconut milk mixture is well chilled. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.”

• Use homemade sweetened beans: For a more authentic touch, cook your own kidney beans with brown sugar instead of canned.
• Try other vegan jellies: Aloe vera cubes, grass jelly, or agar-agar jelly add great texture and variety.
• Swap fruits seasonally: Add fresh pineapple, watermelon, or even kiwi for a unique twist.
• Make it sugar-free: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the coconut milk mixture.
• Add vegan ice cream: Top your halo halo with a scoop of vegan ube or coconut ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan halo halo is best enjoyed fresh and cold. It makes a perfect dessert after a spicy meal or as a cooling afternoon snack.

You can serve it in tall glasses for a festive look or in small bowls if you prefer portion control. Pair it with other Filipino vegan dishes such as Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for an international twist or complement with a light vegan cake like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

For a more substantial snack or light meal, serve halo halo alongside a crispy bread made with the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. The combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures will delight your palate and keep you coming back for more.

Conclusion

This vegan halo halo recipe is a wonderful way to experience a classic Filipino dessert with a plant-based twist. It’s vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavors that balance sweetness and creaminess perfectly.

The recipe is customizable, making it easy to adapt based on your preferences or what fruits and vegan jellies you have on hand. Preparing it is fun, and enjoying it is even better, especially as a refreshing treat during warm weather.

By using wholesome ingredients like coconut milk, sweetened beans, and fresh fruits, you’re not only indulging your taste buds but also nourishing your body.

Whether you’re new to vegan desserts or a seasoned plant-based eater, this halo halo will become a favorite. It’s a delicious reminder that traditional recipes can be reinvented in exciting and healthful ways.

So next time you crave something cool, sweet, and satisfying, give this vegan halo halo a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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