Remember those sweltering Manila afternoons when the last thing anyone wanted was to fire up the stove? That’s when Filipino ingenuity shines brightest, especially in our desserts. These no-cook Filipino desserts aren’t just convenient shortcuts – they’re beloved classics that have graced countless celebration tables and merienda times.
From the creamy layers of mango float to the purple-hued majesty of ube desserts, these treats prove that some of the best Filipino sweets don’t need heat to warm your heart.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick treats, a novice cook wanting to explore Filipino cuisine, or simply someone craving the taste of home, these 12 no-cook desserts will transport you back to the sweet memories of your childhood.
The best part? All you need is a refrigerator, some patience, and a sweet tooth.
1. Mango Float
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 4 hours chilling
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 2 packs graham crackers
- 4 ripe mangoes, sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose cream
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 rectangular container or dish
Instructions:
- Whip the all-purpose cream and condensed milk together until well combined
- Layer graham crackers at the bottom of the container
- Spread cream mixture over crackers
- Add a layer of sliced mangoes
- Repeat layers until container is full
- End with cream mixture on top
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
Tips:
Choose sweet, ripe mangoes for the best flavor. You can also crush some graham crackers to sprinkle on top for decoration.
2. Maja Blanca de Ube
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours setting
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
- 2 packs unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Grated cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Dissolve gelatin in cold water
- Mix condensed milk, coconut milk, and ube halaya until smooth
- Add dissolved gelatin to mixture
- Pour into a container or mold
- Top with grated cheese
- Refrigerate until set
Tips:
Make sure all ingredients are well-mixed to avoid lumps. You can also add coconut strips on top for extra texture.
3. Buko Pandan
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 packs buko pandan gelatin, cubed
- 2 cups young coconut strips
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can all-purpose cream
- Pandan extract or flavoring
- Sago pearls (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix cream and condensed milk
- Add pandan extract to taste
- Combine with coconut strips and gelatin cubes
- Add sago if using
- Chill before serving
Tips:
Add more pandan extract gradually to achieve desired color and flavor. You can also use nata de coco instead of young coconut.
4. Graham Balls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 20-24 pieces
Ingredients:
- 2 packs graham crackers, crushed finely
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- Chocolate sprinkles or crushed nuts
- Desiccated coconut for coating
Instructions:
- Mix crushed graham, condensed milk, and powdered milk
- Form into small balls
- Roll in sprinkles, nuts, or coconut
- Chill until firm
Tips:
If mixture is too sticky, add more crushed graham or powdered milk. Wet hands slightly when forming balls to prevent sticking.
5. Fruit Cocktail Float
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 3 hours chilling
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 2 cans fruit cocktail, drained
- 2 packs graham crackers
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can all-purpose cream
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix cream and condensed milk
- Layer graham crackers in container
- Add cream mixture
- Add fruit cocktail
- Repeat layers
- Garnish with cherries
- Chill before serving
Tips:
Reserve some fruit cocktail syrup to slightly moisten graham crackers if desired.
6. Pinipig Crunch
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12-15 pieces
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pinipig (pounded rice)
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 1 pack graham crackers, crushed
- Colored sprinkles
Instructions:
- Mix condensed milk and powdered milk
- Add crushed graham crackers
- Form into balls
- Roll in pinipig and sprinkles
- Chill until firm
Tips:
Toast pinipig lightly before using for more crunch and aroma.
7. Cheese Cream Delight
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pack graham crackers
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 can all-purpose cream
- Grated cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth
- Add condensed milk and cream
- Layer graham crackers and cream mixture
- Top with grated cheese
- Chill until set
Tips:
Let cream cheese reach room temperature for easier mixing. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
8. Peanut Float
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 4 hours chilling
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 2 packs graham crackers
- 1 cup crushed peanuts
- 1 can condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose cream
- Peanut butter
Instructions:
- Mix cream and condensed milk
- Spread thin layer of peanut butter on crackers
- Layer crackers, cream mixture, and crushed peanuts
- Repeat layers
- Top with more crushed peanuts
- Chill before serving
Tips:
Use unsalted peanuts for better control of sweetness. Toast peanuts lightly for better flavor.
9. Chocolate Refrigerator Cake
Prep Time: 25 minutes + 6 hours chilling
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 1 pack chocolate graham crackers
- 1 can condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose cream
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips for topping
Instructions:
- Mix cream, condensed milk, and cocoa powder
- Layer crackers and chocolate mixture
- Top with chocolate chips
- Chill until firm
Tips:
Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Can add a shot of coffee for mocha flavor.
10. Coconut Macaroons (No-Bake Version)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients:
- 3 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mini cupcake liners
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients well
- Scoop into cupcake liners
- Chill until firm
Tips:
Toast some coconut for topping to add color and texture variation.
11. Mais Con Yelo in a Cup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels
- 1 can condensed milk
- Crushed ice
- Corn flakes
- Leche flan pieces (store-bought)
Instructions:
- Layer corn kernels in cups
- Add crushed ice
- Pour condensed milk
- Top with corn flakes and leche flan
- Serve immediately
Tips:
Use cream-style corn for extra creaminess. Add nata de coco for more texture.
12. Royal Float
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 3 hours chilling
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 2 packs graham crackers
- 1 can condensed milk
- 2 cups all-purpose cream
- 1 pack cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth
- Mix in condensed milk, cream, and powdered milk
- Layer graham crackers and cream mixture
- Chill until set
Tips:
Add food color of choice for festive look. Can top with fruit cocktail or macapuno strings.
13. Samalamig
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gulaman (pre-made gelatin cubes)
- 1 cup sago pearls (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup brown sugar syrup
- 4 cups water
- Crushed ice
- Pandan leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine water and brown sugar syrup
- Add gulaman cubes and sago
- Pour over crushed ice
- Garnish with pandan
Tips: Make the brown sugar syrup ahead and store in the fridge. Add arnibal (caramelized sugar) for deeper flavor.
Remember, all these desserts should be kept refrigerated and are best consumed within 2-3 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness!
