Mais con Hielo Recipe: A Quick & Easy Filipino Sweet Corn & Ice Treat
Looking for a uniquely refreshing, slightly sweet, and fun dessert that comes together in under 5 minutes? Mais con Hielo (“corn with ice”) is a beloved Filipino classic that’s as simple as it is delicious.
This quirky-sounding dessert is a surprising delight. Sweet, creamy corn kernels meet crunchy, shaved ice and rich milk, creating a refreshing and comforting bowl that’s perfect for hot afternoons. It’s a staple of Filipino childhood and a must-try for the adventurous eater.
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 0 mins | 5 mins | 2 | Very Easy |
What You’ll Need
You’ll find the main ingredient in the canned goods aisle.
- Cream-Style Sweet Corn: 1 (15 oz) can, chilled
- Crushed Ice or Shaved Ice: 3-4 cups
- Evaporated Milk: ½ to ¾ cup
- Sugar (optional): 1-2 tbsp
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla or Cheese Ice Cream
- Pinipig (toasted glutinous rice flakes)
- Grated Cheddar Cheese (a surprisingly delicious savory touch)
Step-by-Step Directions
This is a straightforward assembly job. The key is using pre-chilled ingredients.
- Chill Ingredients. For the best experience, ensure the canned corn and evaporated milk are well-chilled before starting.
- Prepare the Glasses. Scoop a generous amount of crushed ice into two tall serving glasses or bowls.
- Add the Corn. Divide the chilled cream-style sweet corn evenly over the ice in each glass.
- Sweeten (Optional). If you prefer it sweeter, sprinkle a little sugar over the corn.
- Add Milk and Toppings. Drizzle the chilled evaporated milk over everything. Top with a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of pinipig or cheese, if desired.
- Serve Immediately. Enjoy right away with a long spoon!
How to Serve
Serve immediately in tall glasses with long spoons. Mix everything together as you eat to combine the melting ice, creamy corn, and milk into a sweet, cold soup.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill Everything: Using cold corn and milk prevents the ice from melting too quickly and keeps the dessert refreshing.
- Cream-Style is Essential: Use cream-style sweet corn, not whole kernel corn, for the right creamy texture and sweetness.
- Texture of Ice: Finely crushed or shaved ice is best. Large cubes are difficult to eat with the corn.
- The Cheese Twist: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! A little grated cheddar cheese adds a salty, savory contrast that is uniquely Filipino and delicious.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen corn?
For the authentic taste and texture, canned cream-style sweet corn is required. It has a specific consistency and sweetness that fresh corn can’t replicate without blending and sweetening.
Is this a dessert or a snack?
It’s considered both! It’s a very common merienda (afternoon snack) but is sweet enough to serve as a light, unconventional dessert.
Why is it called “corn with ice”?
The name is a direct Spanish translation and perfectly describes the two main ingredients.
Can I make a version without dairy?
Yes. You can use sweetened condensed milk for extra richness or a non-dairy milk like oat or soy milk, though the flavor will differ from the classic.
Final Thoughts
Mais con Hielo is a delightful testament to Filipino culinary creativity. Its unusual combination is a joyful, refreshing, and incredibly easy-to-make treat that’s sure to become a conversation-starting favorite.
