One hot summer day, I came across a Korean dessert called Bingsu. I had never tasted anything like it before, but the idea of fluffy shaved ice topped with fresh fruits and sweet condensed milk sounded so refreshing. It was like a perfect mix of creaminess and icy goodness, all in one bowl. I was excited to recreate this at home and make my own version, which I now call the “Korean Shaved Ice Delight.” This recipe quickly became a favorite in my house, especially during those warm, sunny days when we needed something cold and sweet.
Crafting the Perfect Base
The heart of this dessert lies in the milk base. I love how simple it is to prepare. I mix whole milk with sweetened condensed milk to give it a creamy, rich flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can easily swap out the whole milk for almond milk. I like to pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze overnight. The next day, it’s ready to be shaved into delicate, snow-like flakes. The key to achieving the best texture is making sure the ice is fully frozen and using a grater or food processor for that fine, fluffy texture.
Fun with Toppings
What I love most about Bingsu is how customizable it is. Everyone can have their own version, depending on the toppings they prefer. Fresh mango, strawberries, and kiwi are always a hit in my family, but I also like to add sweet red beans for a more traditional Korean touch. If you’re feeling creative, you can even add candies or a sprinkle of groundnut powder for extra texture. There’s something fun about layering all the different flavors and textures on top of the shaved ice.
Every time I serve Korean Shaved Ice Delight, it brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether we enjoy it after a family BBQ or during a cozy summer evening, this dessert never fails to impress. I love how it’s both light and indulgent, making it the perfect treat to cool down with. One of my favorites is Korean Shaved Ice Delight. If you’ve never tried Bingsu before, I highly recommend giving it a go—you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make and how much joy it can bring!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Korean Shaved Ice Delight
- To get the fluffiest shaved ice, ensure that the milk mixture is frozen solid and use a food processor with a grating attachment. A box grater works, but may take longer.
- Cover the milk mixture tightly while freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming, which can make the shaved ice less smooth.
- Prepare the toppings while the ice freezes, so everything is ready for assembly. You can also prepare toppings a day in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Encourage readers to get creative with their toppings. Sweet red beans, fruits, and candies are traditional, but crushed cookies, cereal, or even mochi balls work well too.
- Bingsu is best served immediately after assembly. Make sure to have everything prepared ahead of time to avoid melting.
- Suggest using almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk for readers who prefer a dairy-free version.
- A drizzle of extra condensed milk or even caramel sauce on top will make it even more indulgent.
Korean Shaved Ice Delight
4
bowls5
minutes3
minutes350
kcal5
hours5
hours8
minutesIndulge in the ultimate summer treat with our Authentic Korean Shaved Ice Dessert, Bingsu! Crafted to perfection, this icy yet creamy delight combines fluffy shaved ice with rich condensed milk and your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a fan of fresh fruits, chewy rice cakes, or sweet red beans, this versatile dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, Bingsu is a delightful fusion of texture and flavor that will impress your friends and family. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a taste of Korea to your home!
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
9 cups whole milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk or substitute with glucose syrup or corn syrup
- Toppings
assorted fresh fruits such as mango, strawberries, kiwi, and bananas, chopped to preference
sweet red beans
assorted candies and cookies
- Optional
additional condensed milk for drizzling
- Alternative Ingredients:
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Replace with glucose syrup or corn syrup.
Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Red Beans: Use sweetened adzuki beans or omit for those with legume allergies.
Candies and Cookies: Swap with nuts or seeds for a nut-free alternative.
Directions
- Prepare the Ice Base: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk (or your chosen substitute). Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined to achieve a creamy texture. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended milk mixture into a freezer-safe container, covering it securely to prevent ice crystals. Place the container in the freezer and allow it to set for a minimum of 5 hours, preferably overnight for optimal texture.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the mixture is freezing, meticulously prepare your desired toppings. Chop fresh fruits like mangoes, strawberries, kiwi, and bananas into bite-sized pieces. Additionally, prepare red beans, candies, or cookies as optional garnishes. This preparation can take around 10 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present your beautifully assembled Bingsu immediately to enjoy its creamy and icy perfection. Optionally, you can customize further with additional fruits or a scoop of ice cream for enhanced richness.
Equipment
- food processor
- box grater
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Korean Shaved Ice Delight
Can I make Bingsu without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a box grater or any manual ice shaver, but a food processor produces a finer, more snow-like texture.
How long can I store the frozen milk mixture?
You can store the frozen milk base for up to 1 week in a tightly sealed container to prevent ice crystals from forming. However, it’s best to shave and serve immediately after freezing for the finest texture.
What other toppings can I use besides fruits and red beans?
You can use a variety of toppings like mochi (rice cakes), sweet cereals, crushed cookies, or even a scoop of ice cream for added richness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free condensed milk substitute or simply use sweetened coconut cream.
How can I avoid the shaved ice from melting too quickly?
Serve the shaved ice in chilled bowls, and prepare all your toppings in advance so you can assemble the Bingsu quickly and enjoy it right away.
