📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to the sunny streets of Manila with this quintessential Filipino frozen treat. These hand-held fruit popsicles are known for their unique tubular shape and velvety texture, achieved by a secret touch of cornstarch that prevents large ice crystals from forming. Whether you crave the buttery sweetness of ripe mango or the nutty richness of young coconut, these treats offer a nostalgic burst of tropical refreshment in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 4 cups Water (divided into 3 cups and 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (the secret for a smooth, non-icy texture)
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (adjust based on fruit sweetness)
- 1 can (370ml) Evaporated Milk (provides a creamy mouthfeel)
- 1/2 cup Condensed Milk (for added richness and silkiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to balance and enhance the sweetness)
Mango Flavor Profile
- 2-3 large Ripe Philippine Mangoes (pureed until smooth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Buko (Coconut) Flavor Profile
- 1 cup Young Coconut Meat (finely shredded or minced)
- 1/2 cup Coconut Water (freshly harvested if possible)
Packaging Equipment
- 20 pieces Ice Candy Plastic Bags (typically 1.5 x 10 inches in size)
- 1 piece Small Funnel (essential for mess-free filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until completely dissolved with no lumps remaining.
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2
In a large pot, combine the remaining 3 cups of water and the granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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3
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sugar water while whisking constantly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes clear.
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4
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and salt. Allow this base mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
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5
Prepare your fruit flavors. For Mango: peel and pit the mangoes, then blend the flesh until smooth. For Buko: finely shred the coconut meat so it can fit through the funnel.
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6
Divide the milk base into two separate bowls if making both flavors. Stir the mango puree and vanilla into one bowl, and the shredded coconut and coconut water into the other.
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7
Prepare your ice candy bags by blowing a little air into them to open them up. Insert the tip of the funnel into the opening of the bag.
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8
Hold the bag firmly and pour the mixture through the funnel, filling it until there is about 2-3 inches of empty space at the top.
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9
Twist the empty top of the bag tightly several times to compress the liquid, ensuring there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
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10
Form a loop with the twisted end and pull the tail through to create a tight knot. This takes practice—ensure the knot is secure to prevent leaking!
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11
Rinse the outside of the filled bags with water to remove any sticky residue from the filling process.
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12
Lay the bags flat on a tray in the freezer. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight, until rock solid.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always cook the cornstarch mixture; this 'gel' is what creates a soft, biteable texture rather than a hard block of ice. Ensure the mixture is slightly sweeter than you think it should be, as freezing dulls the perception of sweetness on the tongue. When filling Buko flavor, use a chopstick to gently push shredded coconut bits through the funnel if they get stuck. To tie the bags easily, leave enough 'tail' at the top; if the bag is too full, it will be nearly impossible to knot. If you don't have specialized bags, you can use small paper cups with wooden sticks, though it won't be 'authentic' ice candy style.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve directly from the freezer on a hot afternoon for maximum refreshment. Pair with a plate of salty Pancit Canton to balance the sweetness with savory noodles. Place several flavors in a bucket of ice for a colorful and fun DIY dessert at a backyard BBQ. To eat like a local, bite off a small corner of the plastic at the bottom and squeeze the frozen treat upward. For a gourmet twist, dip the frozen mango ice candy into melted dark chocolate just before eating.