Learn how to make an easy bingsu recipe, also known as Korean shaved ice dessert. You’ll need milks, fruits of choice, and a bingsu machine for the cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth, snowy ice shavings. This recipe for bingsu is how cafés in Seoul craft that irresistible mountain of icy bliss.
Updated on July 30, 2025
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I usually go to Koreatown in my city in order to get the best bingsu, topped with melon (cantaloupe with condensed milk is soooo good), and drizzled with condensed milk. It’s actually healthier than other commercial desserts and the big snowball of milky and icy shavings is just so insanely delicious and fun to eat.
If you have a bingsu machine or basically, a snowflake shaved ice machine, you can make Korean shaved ice at home and you will not regret it! It’s the most amazing sunny weather treat, super kid friendly, and verstaile for making halo halo, tapioca desserts with shaved ice, and topping with everything from melon to boba balls.
What Is Bingsu and Bingsu Ice?
Bingsu is a beloved popular Korean dessert made of thinly shaved milk ice layered with sweetened condensed milk, red beans, chewy rice cakes, all kinds of fruits, chocolate or matcha toppings, and sometimes ice cream.
It’s known for its extremely snow-like, flaky, light texture, cold temperature, and variety of textures and flavors in every bite.
Unlike crunchy Western shaved ice, bingsu is ultra-soft and milky—closer to snow than ice. This is why a bingsu machine is important or a shaver to really slice the milky ice into super ultra-thin shavings that pile high and melt in your mouth. …There is NO crunch sound to this kind of ice.
Why Use a Bingsu Machine?
A bingsu machine (also called a snowflake shaved ice machine) isn’t just a fancy appliance. It’s the very reason why the texture of bingsu is so creamy and delicate…and again, no crunchy sounds.
Here’s why it’s essential:
- Shaves frozen milk or juice, not just plain ice, creating a smooth, snow-like consistency
- Designed specifically to produce ultra-fine, delicate flakes…not crunchy ice pieces. The shavings are paper-thin.
- Mimics the authentic Korean café bingsu experience
- Consistent results with easy operation
- Works quietly and efficiently compared to loud, uneven home blenders
- Awesome for a variety of desserts with shaved ice or shaved milk.
Check for…
- Adjustable shaving thickness
- Compatibility with frozen milk or milk cubes
- Easy cleanup and compact design
- Quiet operation for home use
If you want to make authentic bingsu at home and truly enjoy it like it’s served in Korea, a bingsu machine is a worthwhile investment.
Ingredients for Classic Korean Bingsu
This version of bingsu features fruit, mochi, and condensed milk. You can customize it easily with your favorite toppings.
- 2 cups whole milk or oat milk (for a creamy base)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit (like mango, strawberries, kiwi, banana)
- 1/4 cup sweet red beans (optional but traditional)
- 1/4 cup mochi or chewy rice cakes
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Bingsu snowflake ice maker machine
- serving bowls
- knife and cutting board
- talll spoons
- measuring cups
How to Make Bingsu Using a Bingsu Machine
- In a bowl, mix the milk, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt
- Follow the instructions of your bingsu machine to make shaved ice with the milk mixture (frozen or unfrozen). Shave the milk mixture and pile it super high in a dessert bowl, creating a soft, airy mountain of snow
- Add fruit, red beans, mochi, and any other toppings
- Drizzle additional condensed milk on top
- Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy before it melts
Tips for Perfect Bingsu at Home
- Freeze your serving bowls before assembling bingsu to prevent melting
- Use high-quality condensed milk or even flavored ones like coconut condensed milk
- Pre-cut all fruits and toppings in advance for fast assembly
- Don’t pack the shaved ice too tightly—keep the texture light and fluffy
Popular Bingsu Variations
Injeolmi Bingsu
Roasted soybean powder and chewy rice cakes for a nutty, nostalgic twist
Mango Bingsu
Topped with fresh mango chunks, mango puree, condensed milk, and vanilla ice cream. Try boba balls for additional fun texture.
Strawberry Bingsu
Fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup, and optional strawberry ice cream
Green Tea Bingsu (Matcha)
Matcha powder, sweet red beans, chewy green tea mochi, and an optional scoop of matcha ice cream. Add matcha jelly for a texture and flavor boost!
Oreo or Chocolate Bingsu
Crushed Oreos all on top, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup
More Add-Ins and Toppings
- ube halaya
- coconut meat
- almond slivers
- cheesecake pieces
- matcha jelly
- cornflakes and sweet corn
- earl grey tea
- black sesame paste
- milk tea
Calories in Bingsu
The calorie count in bingsu varies depending on the toppings. A fruit-based bingsu with minimal condensed milk might range from 200 to 300 calories, while a richer version with red beans, mochi, and ice cream could reach 500 calories or more per serving.
Is Bingsu Healthy?
Bingsu can be a healthier dessert choice depending on how it’s prepared. Compared to highly processed store-bought treats, bingsu offers:
- A gluten-free base (great for sensitive diets)
- A lower fat profile when made without ice cream
- Customizable dairy-free options
- Fresh fruit toppings that add natural sweetness and vitamins
- Hydration and refreshment during hot weather
Common Questions
Can I make bingsu without a bingsu machine?
Yes, you can—but it won’t be quite the same. Use a high-speed blender or food processor to crush frozen sweetened milk into fine ice. While the texture may be slightly chunkier, it can still result in a delicious, cooling dessert. The secret is freezing the milk and condensed milk mixture in advance and pulsing it carefully. Serve with toppings as usual.
Simple Bingsu Recipe
Equipment
- serving bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Tall Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or oat milk for a creamy base
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk plus more for topping
- ½ cup chopped fresh fruit like mango, strawberries, kiwi, banana
- ¼ cup sweet red beans paste optional but traditional
- ¼ cup mochi or chewy rice cakes optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the milk, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt2 cups whole milk or oat milk, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, Pinch of salt
- Follow the instructions of your bingsu machine to make shaved ice with the milk mixture (frozen or unfrozen). Shave the milk mixture and pile it super high in a dessert bowl, creating a soft, airy mountain of snow
- Add fruit, red beans, mochi, and any other toppings½ cup chopped fresh fruit, ¼ cup sweet red beans paste, ¼ cup mochi or chewy rice cakes
- Drizzle additional condensed milk on top
- Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy before it melts
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