🧊 What is Bingsu?
Bingsu (빙수) is a wildly popular Korean shaved ice dessert that’s winning hearts across the globe, especially during hot summer months. Traditionally topped with red bean paste, condensed milk, and mochi, Bingsu has evolved into a customizable masterpiece. From Oreo crumbles to fresh mango, the flavor combos are endless.
This icy treat is more than just a dessert—an experience. And today, you’ll learn how to make it at home, no fancy machine required!
🌍 Where Did it Originate?
Bingsu has deep roots in Korean culinary history. The dessert dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, where early versions were made by shaving naturally harvested ice and serving it with red beans. It was a royal treat at the time, enjoyed only by the wealthy or the ruling class. Over time, as ice became more accessible and refrigeration spread, Bingsu evolved from a seasonal luxury into a mainstream summer essential across Korea.
In modern cafés, Bingsu has been reinvented with global flavors—from matcha and mango to tiramisu and even cheesecake toppings. The international popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas also helped spread Bingsu’s fame, making it a viral trend in dessert shops worldwide.
🥭 Why is Trending (And Why You’ll Love It)
- ✅ Light, refreshing, and lower in calories than many Western desserts
- ✅ Customizable for any taste—fruit, chocolate, matcha, you name it
- ✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
- ✅ Aesthetic for social media (it’s Instagram and TikTok-worthy!)
Bingsu
Equipment
- Ice cube tray ( for freezing milk)
- High-speed blender or food processor (to shave ice)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or small spatula
- Serving bowls (pre-chilled recommended)
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 cups of frozen milk or almond milk ice cube form
- 1 –2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Toppings (choose your favorites):
- Sweetened red bean paste azuki
- Fresh fruits: mango strawberries, kiwi, blueberries
- Mini mochi cubes
- Crushed Oreos or cereal
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt optional
- Chopped nuts or coconut flakes
Instructions
Freeze Your Milk
- Pour milk into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. This gives a creamier texture than water ice.
Blend the Ice
- Use a blender or food processor to shave the frozen milk until it becomes fluffy, snow-like powder. Don’t over-blend—it should look soft, not slushy.
Assemble the Bingsu
- Pile the shaved milk ice into a bowl. Drizzle with condensed milk and start layering your toppings.
Serve Immediately
- Bingsu melts quickly, so enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Notes
💡 Tip: If you have a Korean-style ice shaver, great! But a quality blender works just as well.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate)
This homemade Bingsu is a light and refreshing dessert that’s naturally low in fat. Each serving contains approximately 90 to 150 calories, depending on the toppings you choose. It typically has 1 to 3 grams of total fat, 18 to 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 to 20 grams of sugar. You’ll also get around 3 to 6 grams of protein, 30 to 60 milligrams of sodium, and a nice boost of Vitamin C—about 10 to 15% of your daily value, especially if you add fresh fruits like strawberries or kiwi.
🍽️ Why It’s Light
Bingsu’s base is just frozen milk (or plant-based milk), meaning it avoids heavy ingredients like cream or eggs. The majority of calories come from natural toppings—fresh fruits, a spoonful of sweetened red beans, or a drizzle of condensed milk. Compared to traditional Western-style sundaes or creamy desserts, Bingsu is much lighter in both fat and sugar. The addition of fresh fruit also enhances the nutritional value by contributing fiber and vitamin C, making it a refreshing and relatively guilt-free summer indulgence.
🧮 Calculation Notes
- Frozen milk (1 cup): approximately 60 to 100 calories
- Condensed milk drizzle: about 40 calories
- Fruit topping (½ cup): roughly 30 to 50 calories
- Optional scoop of ice cream: adds around 100 calories
That brings the average serving of Bingsu to a total of about 90 to 150 calories, depending on your topping choices.
✅ Tips for Perfect Bingsu Every Time
- Use full-fat milk or cream for a richer flavor.
- Don’t blend too long—pulse gently for a snow-like texture.
- Pre-chill your bowl to keep it from melting too fast.
- Get creative with seasonal fruits and global toppings!
🔄 Popular Variations of Bingsu
One of the best things about Bingsu is how customizable it is. From fruity and refreshing to rich and indulgent, there’s a version to satisfy every sweet craving. Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavors or decadent desserts, these popular Bingsu variations have earned their place as café favorites around the world:
🥭 Mango Bingsu
A tropical classic that’s especially loved during summer. This version features a soft bed of milk-shaved ice topped with juicy fresh mango chunks, a drizzle of sweet mango syrup, and often a scoop of mango sorbet or ice cream. Some cafés add mango puree or condensed milk for extra richness. It’s vibrant, naturally sweet, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for hot days.
🍵 Matcha Bingsu
A favorite among matcha lovers, this variation infuses the shaved ice or condensed milk with premium green tea powder (matcha). It’s often layered with sweet red beans (pat), chewy mochi pieces, and a light dusting of matcha on top. The subtle bitterness of the green tea balances perfectly with the sweetness of the beans and toppings, creating a complex and comforting flavor profile.
🍪 Oreo Bingsu
For chocolate lovers, Oreo Bingsu is a dreamy treat. It’s made with fluffy shaved milk ice topped with crushed Oreo cookies, a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup, and often a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Some versions even include chocolate chips or brownies for added texture. This one is perfect for kids—or your inner child.
🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Bingsu
This indulgent version brings together two beloved desserts: Bingsu and cheesecake. It features fresh strawberries, chunks of real cheesecake, a sprinkling of graham cracker crumble, and a swirl of condensed milk or strawberry syrup. The result? A beautifully balanced dessert with creamy, crunchy, and juicy layers in every bite.
🍧 Bonus Variations Worth Trying
- Injeolmi Bingsu – A traditional Korean favorite made with powdered roasted soybean (injeolmi), chewy rice cakes, and sliced almonds for a nutty, earthy flavor.
- Coffee Bingsu – Uses coffee-infused shaved ice or espresso drizzle, often paired with chocolate bits or whipped cream.
- Chocolate Bingsu – Rich shaved chocolate milk ice with fudge sauce, brownie bites, and cocoa powder.
- Taro Bingsu – A purple-hued twist using taro puree and milk, perfect for fans of earthy, mildly sweet flavors.
For inspiration, you can explore more authentic Korean dessert ideas from trusted sources like My Korean Kitchen.
🔗 Want More Summer Treats?
Check out our Smoothie ِCategory and Mocktails Category to keep your summer cool and colorful.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Bingsu is More Than Dessert
Whether you’re looking to try something new, impress guests, or simply cool down, Bingsu offers the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. It’s a dessert you can build around your favorite flavors, and it always delivers.
💬 Common Questions About Bingsu
❄️ Can I use a regular blender instead of an ice shaver?
Yes—but results may vary. A high-speed blender can crush pre-frozen milk cubes to a snow-like texture, though the fluffiness may not match a traditional Korean ice shaver.
🍶 What type of milk works best?
Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but plant-based options like oat or almond milk work well too, especially if you’re going for a vegan version.
🧊 How long can I store leftover shaved milk?
Bingsu is best eaten fresh. Once shaved, the texture degrades quickly. However, you can pre-freeze your milk blocks and store them for up to 2 weeks before use.
💬 Have You Tried Bingsu?
What’s your favorite Bingsu combo—mango, matcha, or something else?
Leave a comment below and share your favorite topping ideas!
