Raspados

Cool off with homemade raspados! Learn how to make these traditional shaved ice Mexican snow cone treats topped with a variety of fresh fruit sauces.

If you’re looking for a refreshing, flavorful treat to cool off this summer, you're going to love this raspados recipe!

Raspados are traditional Mexican shaved ice treats, similar to snow cones, but often featuring a rich fruit syrup made from fresh or frozen fruits.

Eating raspados is delightful and refreshing. They're perfect on a hot summer day where the sun is blazing and you need something cool to rejuvenate you.

You take a bite of your raspado, and the first thing you notice is the texture: the finely crushed ice, almost snow-like, melts immediately on your tongue, providing an instant cooling sensation.

As the ice melts, the vibrant, sweet fruit syrup seeps in, creating a burst of flavor. The syrup, made from fresh or frozen fruit like pineapple, mango, or strawberry, brings a natural sweetness that's perfectly balanced with a hint of tanginess. This combination is incredibly refreshing and invigorating.

You can make up a batch (or three!) of fresh fruit sauces in any flavor you like, from pineapple and mango to strawberry and blueberry using fresh or frozen fruit. The fruit sauce is ready in minutes and then you can stash it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Then, when you want a refreshing treat, just blitz up some ice in the blender and serve it topped with fruit sauce! Super easy and super delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, cooling down after a hot day, or just craving something sweet, raspados are the way to go.

Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and toppings, and make this refreshing treat your own!

Serve up your raspados with a Mexican feast including Vegan Fajitas, Chickpea Tacos, Mexican Quinoa Salad, or Mexican Bean Soup.

You can also make raspados with a simple syrup recipes! Try Mango Syrup, Dragon Fruit Syrup, Toasted Coconut Syrup, or Strawberry Syrup.

Jump to:

• What are Raspados?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Raspados
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Storage
• Top tips
• List of Flavor Ideas
• List of Topping Ideas
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

What are Raspados?

Raspados are traditional Mexican shaved ice treats, similar to snow cones, but often featuring a rich fruit syrup made from fresh or frozen fruits.

They are typically sold by street vendors and are a popular way to cool off in the hot weather.

The word "raspado" comes from the Spanish word "raspar," which means "to scrape," referring to the way the ice is shaved.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and Cool: Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a cool treat.
• Customizable: You can use your favorite fruits and toppings to make it just the way you like.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
• Make ahead: Hot weather coming? Make a few different types of fruit sauce and store them in the fridge, ready for raspados!
• Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty shaved ice treats.
• Healthy Option: With fresh fruit, this can be a healthier dessert choice than typical corner store snow cones.

Ingredients

• Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Pineapple, mango, or strawberry work wonderfully. Use what you have on hand or mix and match for a unique flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the fruit syrup. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference or use a sugar substitute or even honey.
• Water: The base for our syrup, essential for dissolving the sugar and infusing the fruit flavors.
• Ice: Crushed to a fine, snow-like consistency to create the perfect base for the syrup.

Optional Toppings:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle for added sweetness and creaminess.
• Chopped Fresh Fruit: Adds texture and enhances the fruity flavor of the raspados.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Raspados

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

In a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen fruit (no need to thaw), water and sugar.

Heat over medium heat, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and the fruit is very soft.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

If desired, blend the mixture for a smoother syrup or strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a clear syrup without fruit chunks.
I like to blend it just a little so there are still some chunks.

Refrigerate your fruit sauce until cold, so it doesn't melt the ice too quickly.

Crush ice using a blender, food processor, or an ice crusher until you get fine, snow-like ice.

Fill each serving cup with the crushed ice, packing it down gently.

Pour a tablespoon or two of the chilled fruit sauce over the crushed ice. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve with just the fruit syrup for a simple, refreshing treat.
• Deluxe: Top with sweetened condensed milk and chopped fresh fruit for added richness and texture.
• Party Style: Set up a raspados bar with various fruit syrups, sauces, and toppings for guests to customize their own.

Variations

• Fruit Mix: Combine different fruits like pineapple and mango for a tropical twist.
• Citrus Splash: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the syrup for extra zing.
• Herbal Infusion: Infuse the syrup with fresh mint or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder to the syrup for a sweet and spicy combination.
• Alcoholic Version: Add a splash of rum or tequila for an adult version of raspados.

Storage

Store: Store any leftover fruit syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep the syrup for longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

Make ahead: You can prepare the fruit syrup ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. This makes assembling the raspados quick and easy, perfect for when you’re hosting a gathering or just need a quick cool-down treat.

List of Flavor Ideas

• Tropical Paradise: Pineapple and coconut. Try adding a drizzle of Toasted Coconut Syrup to the pineapple sauce.
• Berry Blast: Mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
• Citrus Delight: Orange and lime. Try Lime Syrup.
• Mango Madness: Mango and a hint of chili. Mango Syrup.
• Melon Medley: Watermelon and cantaloupe. Watermelon Syrup.

List of Topping Ideas

Traditional topping ideas for raspados often reflect the vibrant flavors and textures that complement the refreshing shaved ice and fruit syrup base. Here are some classic toppings that are commonly used:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzling sweetened condensed milk over the raspados adds a creamy richness and enhances the sweetness.
• Chopped Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit toppings like strawberries, mango chunks, pineapple tidbits, or kiwi slices are popular choices. They add a burst of freshness, juiciness, and natural sweetness to each bite.
• Chamoy Sauce: Chamoy is a Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit, often apricot or plum, seasoned with chili powder. It offers a tangy, spicy, and slightly salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet fruit syrup and ice.
• Tamarind Candy: Tamarind candies or pulparindo, which are sweet and tangy tamarind-flavored treats, can be chopped or crumbled over raspados for a unique sweet-and-sour kick.
• Chili Powder: Add a sprinkle of chili powder, such as Tajín or a homemade chili-lime seasoning for a mild heat and tanginess.
• Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted shredded coconut adds a tropical flair and a slight crunch to the raspados.
• Nuts or Seeds: Chopped peanuts, almonds, or seeds like sesame or pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

FAQ

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