Mais con yelo is a quintessential and original Filipino sweetened corn dessert combining corn, ice, sugar, and milk. This easy recipe showcases corn in all its glory, mingled with sweet milk and a corn-infused vanilla ice cream to top it all off. This is a happy, comforting, and easy dessert recipe, one that will make you fall in love with sweet corn like you never thought you would.
Updated on August 6, 2025
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Corn with ice, milk, and sugar is as familiar and nostalgic to me as avocado con yelo. The way Filipinos make ice based drinks is magical and so welcome in the tropical heat and sunny days where ever you may be.
These days I am all about Filipino desserts, fruit drinks like melon sa malamig, strawberry sago, and of course a party favorite…mango bango.
Ice with creamy milk and some kind of delicious fruit or tapioca, it’s just a dreamy combo every time. Mais con yelo is no exception. My kids love it too!
What is Mais con Yelo
Mais con Yelo is a popular Filipino dessert that traditionally consists of crushed ice, sweet corn kernels, milk, and sugar.
The name “Mais con Yelo” translates to “corn with ice” in English. This name perfectly describes the key ingredients and the method of preparation.
This is a refreshing and sweet treat enjoyed especially during hot weather.
The crushed ice mingled with sweetened, creamy corn is like a corn ice cream dessert…and then my recipe tops it off with “corn infused” vanilla ice cream…it’s that little touch that takes it to the moon.
Truly an exciting and easy Summer dessert that is a must try for new and seasoned foodies everywhere.
History and Origin of Mais con Yelo
Mais con Yelo has its origins in the Philippines, where it has been enjoyed for many years as a popular and refreshing dessert.
The exact date of its creation is not documented, but it is thought to have originated from the Filipino tradition of using sweet corn in various dishes.
Mais con yelo recipe is very uniquely and quintessential Filipino food and has been said to have been around long before colonization.
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- Indigenous Ingredients: The primary ingredients of Mais con Yelo are corn and shaved ice, both of which are readily available in the Philippines. Corn, or “mais” in Filipino, has been a staple in the Filipino diet for centuries, originally cultivated by indigenous peoples long before Spanish colonization.
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- Spanish Colonization: During the Spanish colonization from the 16th to 19th centuries, the Philippines saw significant culinary influences. The concept of cold, sweet treats became more prevalent as the Spanish introduced various desserts and methods of preparing sweets. However, Mais con Yelo itself remained a uniquely Filipino creation, blending local ingredients with the idea of sweet, refreshing treats.
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- Post-Colonial Innovation: After gaining independence, Filipino cuisine continued to evolve, incorporating new ideas while preserving traditional flavors. Mais con Yelo became a popular street food and home-prepared dessert, especially during the summer. The use of shaved ice, sweetened milk, and sugar reflects a broader Southeast Asian tradition of creating cool, sweet treats to combat the tropical heat.
Traditional and Modern Variations
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- Traditional Recipe: The classic Mais con Yelo recipe includes layers of sweet corn kernels, crushed or shaved ice, evaporated milk, and sugar. The dessert is served in a tall glass, allowing the layers to be seen and mixed together for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
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- Modern Twists: Today, variations of Mais con Yelo recipe may include additional ingredients such as leche flan (caramel custard), ice cream, and sweetened condensed milk for an even richer flavor. Some versions also incorporate other local ingredients like ube (purple yam) or jackfruit to add unique twists to the traditional recipe.
Expect to find many variations of mais con yelo, but one thing remains the same…there is corn.
Cultural Significance
Mais con Yelo is more than just a dessert; it represents the Filipino spirit of creativity and adaptability.
It is often enjoyed at home, in markets, and at street stalls, bringing a sense of nostalgia and comfort to many Filipinos.
The dessert embodies the essence of Filipino hospitality, often shared among family and friends during gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
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- 1 can Regular Sweet Corn (14oz)
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- 1 can Condensed Milk (14oz) – regular or coconut condensed milk to make it vegan
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- 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk – or use Milk of Choice (regular or plant-based such as oat/almond/coconut milk)
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- Shaved or Crushed Ice
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- Vanilla Ice Cream – French or Regular Vanilla Ice Cream
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- Corn Flakes – garnish
Instructions
Make Corn Mixture:
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- Put the can of corn in the saucepan and add the condensed milk. Heat over medium heat.
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- Take the immersion blender and blend the corn and condensed milk for five seconds so the mixture consists of whole kernels, chunky, and blended kernels.
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- Add in the milk and heat everything over medium heat for 5 more minutes. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Make Corn Infused Vanilla Ice Cream:
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- Take a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and place it in a bowl or container. Flatten it out a little with a fork. Add three tablespoons of the corn mixture and fold it into the vanilla ice cream.
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- Place the “corn infused” vanilla ice cream in the freezer until it is reset and frozen again.
Assemble:
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- Add a big layer of crushed ice to a tall cup. (If you are serving a lot of people at once, you can combine ice and the corn mixture into a big bowl.)
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- Add in the corn mixture and mix it well with the ice.
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- Add a scoop of the corn vanilla ice cream on top.
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- Garnish with a lot of corn flakes. Serve and enjoy with a tall spoon!
Notes
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- Do not fully blend the corn. It should have a mix of whole and chopped corn kernels.
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- Use high quality, natural ingredients for best flavors.
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- You can use evaporated milk, coconut milk, regular milk, or any milk of choice.
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- Make layers of ice, corn mixture, and ice cream for a fun presentation.
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- Be sure the corn flakes go on top so they don’t get soggy.
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- Add as much corn fusion to the vanilla ice cream as you like.
Add Ins and Variations
Mais con Yelo recipe is a versatile dessert that lends itself well to a wide variety of add-ins and variations. These additions can enhance the flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment of the dish. Here are some popular and creative ways to customize Mais con Yelo:
Classic Filipino-Style Add-Ins
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- Leche Flan:
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- A slice of creamy caramel custard adds richness and a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the corn and the cold ice.
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- Leche Flan:
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- Cheese:
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- Shredded or cubed mild cheese can introduce a savory element, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
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- Cheese:
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- Sweetened Condensed Milk:
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- Drizzling sweetened condensed milk over the top intensifies the sweetness and adds a creamy consistency.
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- Sweetened Condensed Milk:
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- Sugar Palm Fruit (Kaong):
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- These small, chewy, sweet palm fruit pieces add a delightful texture and a unique flavor.
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- Sugar Palm Fruit (Kaong):
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- Coconut Strips:
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- Adding strips of young coconut (buko) introduces a slightly sweet, tender bite.
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- Coconut Strips:
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- Jackfruit (Langka):
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- Sweet and fragrant jackfruit strips provide an exotic flavor and chewy texture.
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- Jackfruit (Langka):
Modern and Innovative Add-Ins
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- Ube (Purple Yam):
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- Ube halaya can add a vibrant color and a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with corn.
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- Ube (Purple Yam):
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- Ice Cream:
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- A scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream on top turns Mais con Yelo into a more indulgent treat.
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- Ice Cream:
Flavor Enhancements
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- Vanilla Extract:
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- A few drops of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
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- Vanilla Extract:
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- Pandan Essence:
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- Pandan essence can give a unique, aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the corn and milk.
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- Pandan Essence:
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- Caramel Sauce:
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- Drizzling caramel sauce over the dessert adds a deeper sweetness and a gooey texture.
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- Caramel Sauce:
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- Chopped Nuts:
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- Adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews provides a crunchy contrast to the soft and creamy elements.
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- Chopped Nuts:
Serving Variations
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- Halo-Halo Style:
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- Incorporate elements of the popular Filipino dessert Halo-Halo by adding a mix of ingredients like sweet beans, jellies, and sago pearls.
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- Halo-Halo Style:
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- Layered Parfait:
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- Create a layered dessert in a tall glass with alternating layers of corn, ice, milk, and various add-ins for a visually appealing treat.
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- Layered Parfait:
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- Blended:
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- Blend the ice, corn, milk, and other ingredients for a smoothie-like version of Mais con Yelo.
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- Blended:
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- On a Bed of Sticky Rice:
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- Serve Mais con Yelo over a small portion of sticky rice for a more filling and unique presentation.
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- On a Bed of Sticky Rice:
How to Serve Mais con Yelo
Serve this mais con yelo recipe in any big glass with a tall spoon. This way the mix of all layers can come together and you can get a nice bite in every spoonful.
You can be creative and make layers as part of the presentation.
This is a great punchbowl recipe, but if you are not serving the dessert right away, you can separate the ice from the corn mixture and set everything out separately over ice. This way nothing gets diluted.
You can have your various additional toppings in their own containers as well.
Make your mais con yelo recipe more fun and add colorful cups, straws, spoons, or edible flowers to the mix.
I always think this recipe is so Summer and sunny day perfect, so lots of yellow decor, gold spoons, and adding this to a kids birthday, weekend brunch, yellow theme baby shower, or a simple gathering can be so uplifting!
Questions
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can store the corn mixture by itself in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Is this healthy?
Everything in moderation. This is a natural made dessert which is better than other choices at times, however, there is still sugars and fats present in this indulgent and creamy sweet corn dessert.
Why is my dessert watery?
When you simmer the corn and the milks together it helps slightly thicken the mixture. Shaved ice also melts very quickly. Serve this right away so the ice doesn’t dilute your mixture.
Can I make the corn mixture thicker?
Yes, add an additional can of corn to the recipe and blend the mix a little longer. This will help make the layer of corn mix a little thicker to your preference.
Watch the Video
The Best Mais con Yelo Recipe (Filipino sweet corn dessert)
Equipment
- Tall Cups and Tall Spoons
- bowl
- Spoon
- fork
- Hand Held Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 can Regular Sweet Corn 14oz
- 1 can Condensed Milk 14oz – regular or coconut condensed milk to make it vegan
- 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk (or use Milk of Choice) regular or plant-based such as oat/almond/coconut milk
- Shaved or Crushed Ice
- Vanilla Ice Cream French or Regular Vanilla Ice Cream
- Corn Flakes garnish
Instructions
Make Corn Mixture:
- Put the can of corn in the saucepan and add the condensed milk. Heat over medium heat.1 can Regular Sweet Corn, 1 can Condensed Milk
- Take the immersion blender and blend the corn and condensed milk for five seconds so the mixture consists of whole kernels, chunky, and blended kernels.
- Add in the milk and heat everything over medium heat for 5 more minutes. Do not boil. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.1/2 cup Evaporated Milk (or use Milk of Choice)
Make Corn Infused Vanilla Ice Cream:
- Take a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and place it in a bowl or container. Flatten it out a little with a fork. Add three tablespoons of the corn mixture and fold it into the vanilla ice cream.Vanilla Ice Cream
- Place the “corn infused” vanilla ice cream in the freezer until it is reset and frozen again.
Assemble:
- Add a big layer of crushed ice to a tall cup. (If you are serving a lot of people at once, you can combine ice and the corn mixture into a big bowl.)Shaved or Crushed Ice
- Add in the corn mixture and mix it well with the ice.
- Add a scoop of the corn vanilla ice cream as a topping.
- Finally, garnish with a lot of corn flakes. Serve and enjoy with a tall spoon!Corn Flakes
Notes
Find a larger list of “add ins and variations” in the article.
Classic Filipino-Style Add-Ins
- Leche Flan:
- A slice of creamy caramel custard adds richness and a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the corn and the cold ice.
- Cheese:
- Shredded or cubed mild cheese can introduce a savory element, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Drizzling sweetened condensed milk over the top intensifies the sweetness and adds a creamy consistency.
- Sugar Palm Fruit (Kaong):
- These small, chewy, sweet palm fruit pieces add a delightful texture and a unique flavor.
- Coconut Strips:
- Adding strips of young coconut (buko) introduces a slightly sweet, tender bite.
- Jackfruit (Langka):
- Sweet and fragrant jackfruit strips provide an exotic flavor and chewy texture.
Modern and Innovative Add-Ins
- Ube (Purple Yam):
- Ube halaya can add a vibrant color and a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with corn.
- Ice Cream:
- A scoop of vanilla or mango ice cream on top turns Mais con Yelo into a more indulgent treat.
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