Quench the summer heat and enjoy this tropical treat with each lick and bite! These ice buko with munggo (coconut popsicles with red mung beans) are made extra creamy with just the right amount of sweetness.
If you grew up in the Philippines, then you are most likely familiar with this delicious frozen treat. It's been a while since I last had them, and making these made me nostalgic! I remembered hot, sticky summer days (AC was only for the really rich back then), my siblings and I would wait in eager anticipation for the ice cream peddler to arrive every afternoon. This was my favorite!
What is Ice Buko?
Ice Buko is a Filipino popsicle made mainly with coconut. It also usually has red mung beans (munggo). It is usually cylindrical in shape with the popsicle stick as the handle. It is one of the most popular summer coolers in the country alongside Halo-halo, Pinipig Ice drops, ice scramble, and ice candy.
Why make Ice Buko?
We all know that we have a very long summer season here in the Philippines, and a cool and refreshing treat is always welcome. Yes, we can just run to the store and easily buy these treats, but making these yummy delights at home has advantages.
- It's super easy to make! Just mix all the ingredients, mold, and freeze. You just need paper cups, aluminum foil, popsicle sticks, and you're all set.
- It's affordable. All the ingredients used for this recipe are reasonably priced. It is way cheaper to make this than other frozen delights but is equally delicious and refreshing.
- No artificial flavors were added. Since we are using all-natural ingredients, you are assured that it is healthy as any sweet treat can be.
- You can control the amount of sugar and other ingredients you put. And if you are like me, who prefers a lot of coconut strings and munggo, who's to stop you from making it happen?
Ingredient substitutes and Tips for making Ice Buko
- I used all-purpose cream, but you can also use whipping or heavy cream.
- It is easier and more convenient to use bottled red mung beans in syrup. But you can always cook your own if you prefer.
- If fresh coconut is unavailable, you can use canned coconut water in place of the fresh one and use coconut sport or macapuno strings instead of fresh coconut shreds.
- Aside from paper cups, you can also use styrofoam and plastic cups as molds. If you have a popsicle mold, you can use that too.
- You can also use a plastic film to cover the cups instead of aluminum foil.
- If both foil or plastic film is unavailable, wait for the ice buko to slightly set in the freezer before placing the popsicle sticks. This will ensure that they stay in the center of the ice drops.
- For easy release of the ice drop, briefly dip the mold in hot water. Slightly squeeze the sides to loosen it and then pull using the stick.
Recipe Video
Printable Recipe
Ice Buko
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut strings
- 2 cups coconut juice
- 250 ml all purpose cream
- 300 ml condensed milk
- ⅛ cup sugar
- 1 cup red mung beans
Instructions
- 250 ml all purpose cream, 300 ml condensed milk, 2 cups coconut stringsIn a big bowl, add the condensed milk, all-purpose cream, coconut strings, and mix until well combined.
- 2 cups coconut juice, ⅛ cup sugarPour the coconut juice then add sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved.
- 1 cup red mung beansScoop 1 and ½ tablespoons of red mung beans per mold and pour the coconut mixture until just below the rim of the mold.
- Cover with foil, and poke a small hole in the middle when you can insert the popsicle stick.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight.
Notes
Nutrition
More Cool and Refreshing Treats
Pinipig Ice Drops 
Avocado Yogurt Ice Cream 
Graham Ice Cream Sandwich 
Mango Float 
Halo-Halo 
Mango Lassi
Menchie Manio says
Did you use sweetened red mung beans ?
Bebs says
Yes, it is more convenient because you can buy almost anywhere it and store the leftovers in the fridge. Boiling the dried ones takes a lot of time. 😉
Rosy Go says
My favorite ice buko from my childhood.
Bebs says
Yes, same here! 😉