This Banana con Yelo is a refreshing Filipino dessert perfect for hot summer days, featuring ripe bananas, crushed ice, and a sweet creamy syrup.
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Banana or Saging na Saba con Yelo is a beloved summer staple in the Philippines. This delightful dessert features minatamis na saging (sweetened bananas) topped with shaved ice and milk, creating a simple yet refreshing treat.
When you're craving halo-halo but don't have all the ingredients on hand, Banana con Yelo is the closest and most satisfying alternative. I know I've been going crazy with my Ninja Creami ice cream maker, but summer won't be complete without me and the family making this Banana con Yelo!
And let’s not forget other classic Filipino merienda that can elevate your snack time. Ice scramble is a fun, colorful treat made with shaved ice, milk, and flavored syrups, often topped with sprinkles. Then there’s taho, a warm, sweet snack of silken tofu drizzled with syrup and topped with sago pearls, perfect for a comforting bite.
For those with a sweet tooth, easy mango bango, avocado with condensed milk offers a creamy, rich experience that’s hard to resist. Turon, or banana lumpia, is a crispy snack filled with sweet bananas and sometimes jackfruit, wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection. And if you're in the mood for something a bit more festive, bibingka—rice cake topped with cheese and salted egg—will surely hit the spot.
Not only is Banana con Yelo delicious, but it’s also somewhat healthy, as saba bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So, enjoy a sweet treat that’s good for you too, and make your merienda moments extra special with these delightful options!
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Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a refreshing and delicious Banana con Yelo.
- Minatamis na saging
- Shaved or Crushed Ice
- Evaporated Milk or any milk of your choice
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Banana Con Yelo?
- Prepare the Minatamis na saging.
- Assemble the banana con Yelo
- In a glass or bowl, spoon the cooled minatamis na saging.
- Place a generous amount of crushed or shaved ice.
- You can put more minatamis na saging on top and pour evaporated milk over the top. Adjust the amount of milk to your preference.
- Get creative and put any toppings you might have. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing treat!
Topping Suggestion for Banana Con Yelo
- Leche flan: Add a slice of creamy leche flan for a rich, custardy flavor.
- Nata de coco: Include some chewy nata de coco for a fun texture contrast.
- Sweetened macapuno: Top with sweetened macapuno (coconut sport) for added sweetness and chewiness.
- Cornflakes or rice crisps: Sprinkle some for a crunchy texture.
- Chopped nuts: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Pinipig (toasted pounded rice): Sprinkle some for a traditional Filipino touch.
- Ube halaya: Add a dollop of ube halaya (purple yam jam) for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cheese: Grate some cheese on top for a savory twist.
- Sweetened jackfruit: Add sweetened jackfruit for a fruity and tropical twist.
Con Yelo Variations
- Mango con Yelo: Substitute ripe mango chunks for bananas for a tropical twist.
- Avocado con Yelo: Use ripe avocado slices instead of bananas for a creamy and nutritious option.
- Strawberry con Yelo: Add fresh strawberry slices or strawberry syrup for a fruity and refreshing variation.
- Mixed Fruit con Yelo: Combine various fruits like pineapple, papaya, and melon with bananas for a colorful medley.
- Mais con Yelo: Add sweet corn kernels and sweetened milk to the shaved ice for a delightful Filipino dessert experience.
My Ice Shaver
Introducing my trusty 10+ year-old ice shaver—I should give it a name! LOL This hand-cranked manual ice shaver is the same type we use back home in the Philippines, and it works perfectly for making my con yelos and halo-halo!
You can use various types of ice shavers, such as shaved ice machines, snow cone machines, food processors, or blenders. While each may yield slightly different textures of ice, they will all get the job done!
Recipe FAQs
It's best to use ripe saba bananas (also known as cooking bananas or plantains) for authentic flavor and texture. They hold up well when cooked in syrup.
Yes, you can prepare the sweetened bananas ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Assemble with ice and milk just before serving for the best texture.
Use plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk, and substitute brown sugar with your preferred vegan sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup.
Banana con Yelo is simpler and focuses on sweetened bananas, ice, and milk. Halo-halo, on the other hand, is a more elaborate dessert that includes a variety of ingredients like sweet beans, fruits, and shaved ice, topped with leche flan and ube halaya.
Shaved ice is finely shaved into delicate, snow-like flakes using a specialized machine, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture that melts quickly. Crushed ice, on the other hand, is coarsely crushed into irregular pieces using a blender, food processor, or manual methods, giving it a crunchier consistency that lasts longer.
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Recipe Card
Banana Con Yelo
Equipment
- 1 pot for cooking banana
- 1 ice shaver
Ingredients
Minatamis na Saging
- 6 pieces saba bananas
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Con Yelo
- Shaved or Crushed Ice
- 12 ounce Evaporated Milk or any milk of your choice
Instructions
Prepare the Minatamis na saging
- Peel the saba bananas and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a pot, combine the water and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the banana pieces to the pot and simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bananas are tender and the syrup has thickened.
- Add vanilla extract (if using) and stir to combine.
Assemble the banana con Yelo
- In a glass or bowl, spoon the cooled minatamis na saging.
- Place a generous amount of crushed or shaved ice.
- You can put more minatamis na saging on top and pour evaporated milk over the top. Adjust the amount of milk to your preference.
- Get creative and put any toppings you might have. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing treat!
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