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Raspados are the perfect summer treat! This Mexican shaved ice is made by blending and crushing ice, then topping it with homemade fruit syrup. They can be made into many fruit flavors and are a refreshing dessert for the whole family.
If you like snow cones or shaved ice, you’ll love raspados Mexicanos! While similar, raspados typically only come in natural flavors, like mango, strawberry, or lime, compared to some of the crazy creations you might find when the snow cone truck rolls through your neighborhood.
When I would visit Mexico with my family growing up, raspado stands were always around the corner when we would visit the market. Now you can make this sweet treat at home in under an hour!
What Are Raspados?
Raspados are a popular Mexican street food and dessert made of shaved ice and fresh fruit syrup. They’re very similar to snowcones in the US, but they’re made with natural fruits and flavor, and can also have chunks of fruit in them. You can mix different flavors together or even top them with chile lime seasoning or chamoy if you want to spice it up. They’re a great alternative to ice cream or popsicles!
Ingredients
- Fruit: For this recipe, I used mangoes, but you can use practically any fruit you want! Berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries also work great, as do peaches, kiwis, and even coconut.
- Granulated sugar and water: Melting the sugar and water together creates a simple syrup for the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Ice: Making your own shaved ice is super simple. All you need is a blender!
How to Make Raspados
Make the simple syrup: Add water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Add mangoes: Add diced mangos and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes until the mangos are fully cooked and tender and release their juice.
Make mango syrup: Smash the mangos using a potato masher if you want a chunky consistency, or blend it using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency. Allow the mango mixture to reduce into a syrup-like consistency by cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Once its reduced, take it off the heat and cool it for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Make shaved ice: Once the mango syrup has cooled and you’re ready to serve, crush ice in your blender. Place the shaved ice either in a large bowl or scoop directly into your serving cups.
Assemble Raspados: Assemble your raspados by packing shaved ice into your serving cups and drizzling ¼ cup or so of the mango syrup on top. Garnish with additional diced mangos, Tajín, or chamoy, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Use different fruit. If you don’t like mangos, you could use raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwis, or even shredded coconut.
- Add some spice. Top off your raspados with a drizzle of chamoy and a sprinkle of chile lime seasoning like Tajín.
- Raspados can melt pretty quickly, so be sure to assemble them right before you’re ready to serve them.
Recommended Tools
- Blender. This is my favorite blender that I actually found on a whim when I needed a new one. It’s relatively inexpensive but very strong and effective.
- Immersion blender. This handheld immersion blender really comes in handy and gives a super smooth consistency.
More Mexican Recipes
Raspados (Mexican Shaved Ice)
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large mangoes, diced
- 8 cups ice
Instructions
- Add the water and sugar to a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced mangoes, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the mangos using a potato masher for a chunky consistency, or puree the mixture using a handheld immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
- Allow the mixture to reduce, uncovered, over medium-low heat, until it reaches a syrup-like consistency. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool on the counter for 30 minutes before serving.
- When ready to serve, crush and blend 4 cups of ice cubes in the blender. Transfer the crushed ice to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining ice.
- To assemble, pack the crushed ice into a cup and pour ¼ cup of the mango syrup on top. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photos by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
