4. Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Next, pour a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk over the shaved ice and strawberries. The condensed milk adds rich sweetness and creaminess, enhancing the flavors and tying everything together. You can adjust the amount to your taste, depending on how sweet you prefer your bingsu.
5. Add Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional)
For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of your bingsu. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who love a creamy contrast to the icy base. The vanilla ice cream melts slightly over the shaved ice, creating a delicious creamy texture that perfectly complements the fruit.
6. Top with Whipped Cream
Finish off your bingsu with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The light, airy texture of the whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence and enhances the overall presentation.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a final touch of sweetness and a little extra flair, dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top of the whipped cream and strawberries. The powdery sweetness will add a delicate finish to each bite.
8. Garnish with Mint Leaves (Optional)
If you want to make your bingsu look even more beautiful and fresh, garnish it with a few mint leaves. The mint not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing note that pairs well with the sweetness of the dessert.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Your Strawberry Bingsu is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately with a spoon or a straw and dig into the fluffy, creamy, and fruity goodness. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends or family, or simply to enjoy by yourself on a sunny afternoon.
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Bingsu
• Light and Refreshing: Unlike many heavy desserts, bingsu is light, fluffy, and cool, making it the perfect treat for hot weather or when you want something refreshing after a meal.
• Customizable: While this recipe features strawberries, you can swap them out for other fruits like mango, banana, or even sweet red beans, depending on your preference. The base of shaved ice and condensed milk remains the same, allowing for endless variations.
• Sweet and Creamy: The balance of sweetened condensed milk, fresh strawberries, and optional vanilla ice cream creates the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and icy textures in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Bingsu requires very few ingredients, and it’s super easy to make. It’s a great option for a quick, satisfying dessert when you have friends or family over.
Tips for the Perfect Bingsu:
• Shave the Ice Properly: The finer the ice, the better your bingsu will be. If you don’t have a specialized ice shaver, use a blender to crush the ice as finely as possible for the best texture.
• Chill the Ice Cream: If you’re using vanilla ice cream, make sure it’s well frozen before adding it to the bingsu. Soft or melting ice cream may not hold its shape on top of the shaved ice.
• Layer the Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, try layering the strawberries and condensed milk as you build your bingsu. This ensures that every bite has the perfect combination of ingredients.
• Experiment with Other Toppings: While strawberries are delicious, you can try adding other fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or blueberries. You can also mix in sweet toppings like red bean paste, chocolate syrup, or even crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.
Variations of Bingsu:
• Mango Bingsu: Swap out the strawberries for fresh mango slices and add a drizzle of mango syrup for an exotic twist.
• Green Tea Bingsu: Add a spoonful of matcha powder to the condensed milk to create a green tea bingsu. Top it with sweet red bean paste and mochi pieces for an authentic Japanese-style dessert.
• Chocolate Bingsu: For a chocolate lover’s version, drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice and top with chocolate ice cream or crushed chocolate cookies.
