The Philippines is a tropical country with temperatures that can soar to unbearable levels, especially during the summer months. When the heat becomes too much to handle, there’s nothing like a cold and refreshing icy dessert to help you cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth.
From classic Filipino desserts like halo-halo and mais con yelo to Western favorites like ice cream and popsicles, there are plenty of icy treats to choose from. These desserts not only help to keep you cool but also provide a burst of flavor and texture that makes them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best icy desserts that you can find in the Philippines. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take a closer look at the ingredients, preparation, and history behind these delicious treats, and share some tips on where to find them.
So, sit back, relax, and prepare to indulge in some of the most delicious and refreshing icy desserts that the Philippines has to offer.
Classic Filipino Desserts to beat the heat
1. Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is perhaps the most popular Filipino dessert that is perfect for beating the heat. The name “halo-halo” means “mix-mix” in Tagalog, which is a fitting name for this dessert as it is a mixture of various ingredients.
The base of halo-halo is shaved ice, which is topped with a variety of sweetened ingredients such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar. Other ingredients commonly added to halo-halo include boiled sweet beans, sweet potato, coconut meat, jackfruit, and ube (purple yam) jam. Some vendors may also add ice cream or leche flan on top for extra sweetness.
One of the best things about halo-halo is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking by adding more or less of your favorite ingredients. Some people prefer to add more sweetened milk for a creamier texture, while others may add more fruits for a fruity flavor.
Halo-halo can be found in many Filipino restaurants, food stalls, and even in some convenience stores in the Philippines. It is a refreshing and delicious dessert that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. So, the next time you’re in the Philippines, make sure to try this iconic dessert!
2. Buko Pandan:
This is a salad dessert made of young coconut meat, pandan-flavored jelly cubes, cream, and sweetened condensed milk together. It is served chilled and is a popular dessert during special occasions like birthdays and fiestas.
3. Mais con Yelo:
This dessert is a simple mixture of shaved ice, corn kernels, sugar, and milk. It is a popular snack during the summer season and is often sold by street vendors.
4. Ube Halaya:
This is a sweet dessert made of mashed purple yam, coconut milk, chocolate syrup and condensed milk. It is usually served cold and is a staple in many Filipino households.
5. Saba con Yelo:
This dessert is a recipe similar to Mais con Yelo, but instead of corn kernels, it uses cooked plantain bananas, milk, sugar, and shaved ice.
6. Leche Flan:
This is a creamy custard dessert made of egg yolks, milk, and caramelized sugar. It is usually served chilled and is a popular dessert during special occasions.
7. Sorbetes:
This is a Filipino-style ice cream that comes in various flavors such as ube, mango, and cheese. It is made from coconut milk and is traditionally served on a small wafer or sugar cone.
This Filipino-style dessert is easy to find especially in parks, that’s why it is a perfect treat during picnics at local parks. here are some fun picnic date ideas you could do for your loved one.
8. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo:
This is a sweet coconut milk soup dessert made with glutinous rice balls, jackfruit, and sweet potato. It is usually served warm but can be enjoyed chilled as well.
9. Mango Float:
This is a no-bake dessert that is made of layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and fresh mango slices. It is chilled overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and is perfect for a refreshing dessert on a hot day. It is also a perfect dessert for a household or be it in a house or a condominium it is easy to store back in the refrigerator after getting a slice.
Filipino desserts are not only delicious, but they also provide a refreshing way to cool down during the hot and humid summer season. Whether you prefer shaved ice, creamy desserts, or fruity salads, there’s always a classic Filipino dessert that’s perfect for beating the heat.
Other Refreshing Icy Dessert
From classic flavors to new flavors, there are a lot more frozen goods to add to our taste pallet. What better time to explore frozen desserts to our taste pallet than summer? right? So, before it ends Here are other easy yet tasty desserts to help you quench your thirst for this melting heat.
1. Vanilla Ice Cream is a Classic Summer Treat
Vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various toppings. However, if you’re looking for recipes to take your vanilla ice cream to the next level, here are some delicious upgrades to try:
Add Fresh Fruit:
Top your vanilla ice cream with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The combination of the creamy vanilla ice cream and the sweet and tangy fruit is a match made in heaven.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce:
Melt some chocolate chips in a bowl and drizzle the chocolate sauce over your vanilla ice cream. You can also add chopped nuts or whipped cream for extra texture and flavor.
Mix in Cookie Crumbs:
Crush some cookies such as Oreos or graham crackers and mix them into your vanilla ice cream. The crunchy texture of the cookie crumbs adds a nice contrast to the smooth ice cream.
Add Caramel Sauce:
Drizzle some caramel sauce over your vanilla ice cream for a sweet and indulgent treat. You can also add some sea salt or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Sprinkle with Spices:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to your vanilla ice cream for a warm and cozy flavor. You can also add some pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a unique twist.
Make a Sundae:
Create a sundae with your vanilla ice cream by adding toppings such as whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, and chocolate sauce. You can also add some chopped nuts or crushed cookies for extra crunch.
Toasted Marshmallow Topping:
Top your vanilla ice cream with some toasted marshmallows for a smoky and sweet flavor. You can use a kitchen torch or broil them in the oven for a few minutes.
Vanilla ice cream is a versatile dessert that can be upgraded with various toppings and mix-ins. Whether you prefer a fruity or chocolatey flavor, there’s always a delicious way to take your vanilla ice cream to the next level.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream: An Alternative to Dairy-Based Treats
Coconut milk ice cream is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional dairy-based ice cream. Made from coconut milk, this non-dairy treat is perfect for people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. Here are some reasons why you should consider trying coconut milk ice cream.
Lactose-Free:
Coconut milk ice cream is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. Unlike traditional ice cream, which is made from cow’s milk, coconut milk ice cream is made from plant-based ingredients and is free from lactose.
Vegan-Friendly:
If you’re a vegan, coconut milk ice cream is a great alternative to traditional ice cream. It’s made from all plant-based ingredients and doesn’t contain any animal products.
Healthier Option:
Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats and contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Compared to traditional ice cream, which is often high in sugar and fat, coconut milk ice cream is a healthier option.
Delicious Flavor:
Coconut milk has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor that is perfect for making ice cream. The natural flavor of coconut adds a tropical twist to your dessert and pairs well with various toppings such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.
All in all, coconut milk ice cream is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional dairy-based ice cream. It’s perfect for people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking for a healthier option. With its creamy texture and delicious flavor, coconut milk ice cream is a treat that everyone can enjoy.
Whipped Cream Desserts for a Sweet and Refreshing Bite
Whipped cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts to add a creamy, sweet, and refreshing flavor. Here are some delicious whipped cream desserts that are perfect for any occasion.
Strawberry Shortcake:
Top a sweet biscuit or cake with fresh strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. This classic dessert is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Chocolate Mousse:
Whip together melted chocolate and heavy cream to create a rich and decadent chocolate mousse. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Fruit Salad:
Combine your favorite fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi in a bowl and top with a generous amount of whipped cream. This dessert is light and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ice Cream Sundaes:
Top your favorite flavor of ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, and a cherry for a classic ice cream sundae. This delicious dessert is perfect for a hot summer day and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Banana Cream Pie:
Layer sliced bananas and vanilla pudding in a pie crust and top with a layer of whipped cream. This classic dessert is a delicious way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pavlova:
A pavlova is a meringue-based dessert that is topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The crispy meringue shell and the creamy whipped cream create a delicious texture and flavor contrast.
Whipped cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious desserts. From classic strawberry shortcake to rich chocolate mousse, there’s a whipped cream dessert for every occasion. So, next time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, try one of these delicious whipped cream desserts.
Creative Frozen Fruit Treats
Frozen fruit treats are a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a healthy and refreshing snack. Here are some easy and creative frozen fruit treats that you can make at home. If you’re interested in becoming healthy in your lifestyle you may also check Veganism.
Frozen Grapes: Simply wash and dry a bunch of grapes, and then freeze them for a few hours. These frozen grapes make for a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for a hot day.
Frozen Banana Pops: Peel a banana and cut it in half, then insert a popsicle stick into each half. Dip the banana halves in melted chocolate or peanut butter, then roll them in chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Freeze the banana pops for a few hours until they are firm.
Frozen Yogurt Bites: Spoon your favorite flavor of yogurt into a silicone ice cube tray and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, pop the yogurt bites out of the tray and enjoy a healthy and refreshing snack.
Watermelon Slushies: Cut up a watermelon and freeze the pieces for a few hours. Once frozen, blend the watermelon pieces in a blender with a little bit of lime juice and honey. Serve the mixed together in a glass with a straw for a delicious and refreshing slushie.
Frozen Pineapple Dole Whip: Blend frozen pineapple chunks with coconut milk and a little bit of sugar until smooth. Serve the frozen mixture in a bowl for a refreshing and tropical treat.
Frozen fruit treats are a great way to enjoy a healthy and refreshing snack during hot summer days. These easy and creative frozen fruit treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without indulging in sugary snacks. So, next time you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing snack, try making one of these delicious frozen fruit treats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a lot of tasty treat that offers a wide variety of icy desserts that are perfect for beating the heat. Whether you’re in the mood for an icy dessert, something sweet, creamy, or refreshing, there’s a dessert that will satisfy your cravings. Some may settle for a quick sip of refreshing cool drinks you may visit this blog to know how to chill out this summer with these refreshing drinks. So the next time you’re in the Philippines during the summer months, make sure to try one of these icy desserts and enjoy a cool and delicious treat.
Written by JJM
