Fruits Shaved Ice Milk

This colorful Fruits Shaved Ice Milk brings all the refreshment of a Korean bingsu and Indonesian es campur into one delightful dessert. Perfect for hot summer days, this treat combines the cooling sensation of finely shaved milk ice with vibrant fresh fruits and a sweet drizzle of condensed milk.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly brutal heatwave last summer. After tasting something similar at a local Asian dessert shop, I was determined to recreate it at home. Now it's become our family's go-to refreshment whenever temperatures climb above 80°F.

Ingredients

• 1 L Frozen milk: The foundation of our dessert, frozen milk creates a creamier texture than plain ice.
• 1 Kiwi: Adds a tangy brightness and beautiful green color. Look for slightly soft kiwis for the sweetest flavor.
• 1 Sunkist orange: Provides juicy citrus notes. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size for maximum juice.
• 8 Strawberries: Contribute sweet berry flavor and vibrant color. Select bright red berries without white shoulders.
• 1/4 Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and acidity. A ripe pineapple should smell fragrant at the base.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Creates the signature sweet, creamy finish. Full-fat version works best for richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fruits:

Cut all fruits into bite-sized pieces after properly peeling the kiwi, orange, and pineapple. Uniformity matters here as it ensures each spoonful has a balanced fruit-to-ice ratio. I find that 1/2-inch cubes work perfectly, allowing the fruits to maintain their identity while blending beautifully with the shaved ice.

Create the Shaved Ice:

Process the frozen milk cubes in a food processor until you achieve a snow-like consistency. The key is pulsing rather than continuous processing to avoid melting. The texture should resemble fine snow rather than crushed ice. If your processor struggles, work in smaller batches for the fluffiest result.

Assemble Your Dessert:

Layer the shaved milk ice into individual serving bowls, creating a mound in the center. The ice should be packed firmly enough to hold shape but not compressed so much that it becomes solid. I like creating a slight indentation on top to cradle the fruits.

Add Toppings and Serve:

Arrange your prepared fruits atop the shaved ice, distributing them evenly for visual appeal. Finish with a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, allowing it to seep slightly into the ice below. Serve immediately while the ice maintains its fluffy texture.

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My absolute favorite part of this dessert is the moment the condensed milk hits the cold shaved ice, creating sweet pockets of creaminess throughout. My daughter loves helping arrange the fruits on top, turning each serving into her own edible art project.

Cultural Background

This refreshing dessert draws inspiration from multiple Asian treat traditions. Korean bingsu features milk-based shaved ice with sweet toppings, while Indonesian es campur combines shaved ice with fruits, jellies, and sweet milk. The Philippines has a similar dessert called halo-halo. Each culture puts its unique spin on the combination of shaved ice, fruits, and sweet creaminess.

Storage Tips

Shaved ice milk is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, you can prepare components ahead of time. Freeze milk in ice cube trays at least 8 hours before making the dessert. Cut fruits can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you have leftover prepared dessert, it will transform into more of a creamy slush as it melts, which can be enjoyed with a straw.

Fruit Variations

The beauty of this dessert lies in its adaptability to seasonal fruits. In summer, try ripe mangoes, peaches, or berries. Fall brings opportunities for persimmons and pomegranate seeds. Winter citrus like blood oranges add vibrant color. For texture contrast, consider adding chewy elements like mochi pieces, grass jelly, or sweet red beans as seen in traditional Asian versions.

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Serving Suggestions

For an impressive dessert spread, create a shaved ice bar where guests can customize their own bowls. Provide several fruit options, sweetened condensed milk, fruit syrups, and perhaps some fun additions like coconut flakes or chocolate shavings. Serve in clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. This interactive approach makes the dessert perfect for casual gatherings or children's parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other fruits for this dessert?

Yes, you can experiment with fruits like mangoes, grapes, or berries to suit your taste or availability.

→ How do I crush the frozen milk without a food processor?

If you don't have a food processor, place the frozen milk in a sealed bag and crush it with a rolling pin until smooth.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

It's best to assemble just before serving to keep the ice fresh and fruits vibrant, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance.

→ What’s a suitable substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use honey, maple syrup, or any sweet syrup as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk.

→ Is this dessert suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, use plant-based condensed milk and coconut or almond milk instead of dairy milk.