Are you in search of a quick and delightful Chinese dessert recipe? Look no further! In this article, we have the perfect suggestion for you. Whether you have limited time or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful treat, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, get ready to whip up a mouth-watering dessert that will leave you craving for more. Stay tuned, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of China. Sure! Chinese desserts are not only delicious but also diverse in flavors and textures. Whether you are a fan of traditional treats or looking to try something new, there is something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the best Chinese dessert recipes across various categories.
Traditional Chinese Desserts
Sesame Balls
Sesame balls, also known as Jian Dui, are popular Chinese pastries with a crispy exterior and a sweet, sticky filling. These delightful treats are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or black sesame paste. Once deep-fried, they develop a golden and crispy shell while retaining a chewy interior. Sesame balls are often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a sweet snack.
Red Bean Soup
One of the most classic Chinese desserts is the red bean soup. Made from red beans, water, and sugar, this dessert is simple yet tasty. The red beans are cooked until they become soft and mushy, resulting in a thick and hearty soup. Some variations also include ingredients like lotus seeds or glutinous rice balls for added texture. Red bean soup can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dessert for any season.
Sweet Tofu Pudding
Sweet tofu pudding, also known as douhua, is a delicate and silky dessert that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. This dessert is made from soy milk, which is curdled with a coagulant like gypsum or Epsom salt to create a soft and smooth tofu-like texture. It is then served in a sweet syrup made from ingredients like sugar, ginger, or black sesame paste. Sweet tofu pudding is loved for its mild flavor and melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Modern Chinese Desserts
Mango Pomelo Sago
Mango pomelo sago is a refreshing and fruity dessert that originated in Hong Kong. This dessert combines sweet mango, tangy pomelo, and chewy sago pearls in a creamy coconut milk base. The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a visually appealing and delicious treat. Mango pomelo sago is often served chilled, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days.
Dragon’s Beard Candy
Dragon’s Beard Candy is a unique and ancient Chinese dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicate treat consists of fine strands of pulled sugar that are wrapped around a filling of nuts, coconut, or sesame. The process of making Dragon’s Beard Candy involves skillful hand-pulling and stretching the sugar to create thin threads, resembling the mythical dragon’s beard. The result is a sweet, chewy, and delightful dessert that is sure to impress.
Pandan Chiffon Cake
Pandan chiffon cake is a light and fluffy dessert that is popular not only in China but also in Southeast Asian countries. This cake gets its vibrant green color and unique aroma from the pandan leaves, which are used to flavor the batter. Pandan chiffon cake is made with a combination of flour, egg yolks, coconut milk, and pandan juice. The fluffy texture and fragrant flavor of this cake make it a favorite amongst dessert lovers.
Easy Chinese Desserts
Fried Banana Fritters
Fried banana fritters, also known as pisang goreng, are a popular Chinese dessert that is quick and easy to make. This dessert involves coating sliced bananas in a simple batter made from flour, sugar, and water and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. The result is a delicious sweet treat with a soft and caramelized banana center. Fried banana fritters can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Coconut Milk Jelly
Coconut milk jelly, or dou fen gao, is a refreshing and light dessert that requires minimal effort to make. This dessert is made from a mixture of agar-agar powder, coconut milk, and sugar, which is then set into a jelly-like consistency. Coconut milk jelly can be flavored with ingredients like pandan or coffee for added variety. It is usually served chilled and can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or topped with fresh fruits.
Sticky Rice Dumplings
Sticky rice dumplings, also known as zongzi, are a traditional Chinese dessert commonly enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival. These dumplings are made by wrapping glutinous rice around various fillings such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or meat, and then steaming or boiling them. The sticky rice becomes deliciously soft and sticky while the fillings provide a burst of flavor. Sticky rice dumplings are usually wrapped in bamboo leaves, giving them a unique aroma.
Healthy Chinese Desserts
Osmanthus Jelly
Osmanthus jelly, or guìhuā gāo, is a light and floral Chinese dessert that is highly regarded for its health benefits. Made from a combination of osmanthus flowers, sugar, and gelatin, this dessert has a delicate texture and a sweet and aromatic flavor. Osmanthus jelly is believed to promote good skin health and aid digestion. It is often served chilled and can be garnished with goji berries or wolfberries for added nutritional value.
Snow Fungus Soup
Snow fungus soup, or yín ěr tāng, is a nourishing and soothing Chinese dessert commonly consumed for its health benefits. This dessert is made by simmering snow fungus, which is a type of edible mushroom, with ingredients like rock sugar, dried longan, and red dates. Snow fungus is rich in dietary fiber and believed to have various medicinal properties, including improving skin health and boosting the immune system. Snow fungus soup is usually served warm and makes for a comforting treat on a cold day.
Hawthorn Berry Popsicles
Hawthorn berry popsicles, or shān zhā bīng, are a healthy and tangy Chinese dessert that can be enjoyed guilt-free. Hawthorn berries are known for their numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion and improving blood circulation. To make these popsicles, hawthorn berries are pureed and mixed with water and sugar, then frozen into popsicle molds. These refreshing treats are a great way to cool down during hot summer days while reaping the nutritional benefits of hawthorn berries.
Quick Chinese Desserts
Steamed Egg Custard
Steamed egg custard, or dàn tātōng, is a simple and quick-to-make Chinese dessert that requires only a few ingredients. This dessert involves whisking together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, then steaming the mixture until it becomes set and silky. The result is a smooth and creamy custard with a delicate sweetness. Steamed egg custard can be enjoyed warm or chilled and is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tang Yuan with Peanut Filling
Tang Yuan, or glutinous rice balls, are sticky rice dumplings typically served during festivals and special occasions. These dumplings can be filled with various ingredients, but one popular filling is crushed peanuts mixed with sugar. Tang Yuan are often served in a sweet syrup made from ginger and brown sugar. The chewy texture of the glutinous rice balls paired with the nutty and sweet peanut filling creates a delightful combination that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Black Sesame Soup
Black sesame soup, or zhīma tāng, is a comforting and flavorful Chinese dessert commonly consumed for its health benefits. This dessert is made by grinding black sesame seeds into a fine powder and then simmering it with water and sugar to create a smooth and velvety soup. Black sesame seeds are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and antioxidants, making this dessert a nutritious choice. The nutty and aromatic flavor of black sesame soup makes it a favorite amongst dessert lovers.
Popular Chinese Desserts
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a must-have during the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important Chinese festivals. These round pastries are typically filled with ingredients like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk, and have intricate designs on their outer surface. Mooncakes are enjoyed as a symbol of unity and are often given as gifts to friends and family. The richness and sweetness of the fillings, combined with the flaky crust, make mooncakes a beloved treat.
Egg Tart
Egg tarts, or dàn tǎ, are a popular Chinese dessert that originated from Portuguese custard tarts. These small pastries consist of a buttery and flaky crust filled with a creamy egg custard. The custard is made from eggs, sugar, milk, and sometimes a hint of vanilla or almond extract. Egg tarts are loved for their silky smooth texture and delicate sweetness. They can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them a perfect treat any time of the day.
Almond Cookies
Almond cookies, or xìng rén bǐng, are bite-sized treats with a crumbly texture and a nutty flavor. These cookies are made from a combination of almond flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes almond extract. Almond cookies are often shaped into small rounds and topped with a whole almond for added presentation. They are a popular choice during festive occasions like Chinese New Year and are enjoyed as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Unique Chinese Desserts
Bird’s Nest Soup
Bird’s Nest Soup, or nido soup, is a luxurious and highly prized Chinese dessert made from edible bird’s nests. The bird’s nests are made from the saliva of swiftlets and are known for their high collagen content and health benefits. The nests are soaked, cleaned, and then simmered with rock sugar or other ingredients to create a sweet and nourishing soup. Bird’s Nest Soup is considered a delicacy due to its rarity and the intricate and time-consuming process of harvesting.
Durian Pancakes
Durian pancakes are a unique and divisive Chinese dessert that is beloved by some and disliked by others due to its strong smell and potent taste. Durian, known as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia, is a tropical fruit with a creamy and custard-like texture. The fruit is used as a filling in thin pancakes, which are then folded and served. Durian lovers enjoy the rich and distinctive flavor, while others may find the smell overpowering. This dessert is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Lotus Seed Paste Buns
Lotus seed paste buns, or lìan róng bāo, are delicate steamed buns with a velvety and sweet lotus seed paste filling. The lotus seed paste is made from boiled lotus seeds, sugar, and sometimes oil or butter. This filling is then wrapped in a soft and fluffy bun made from wheat flour and yeast. Lotus seed paste buns are often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing harmony and unity.
Fruit-Based Chinese Desserts
Lychee Sorbet
Lychee sorbet is a fruity and refreshing Chinese dessert that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. This dessert is made from fresh lychee fruit, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The mixture is then churned in an ice cream maker to create a smooth and icy treat. Lychee sorbet captures the sweet and floral flavors of the lychee fruit, making it a delightful and light dessert option.
Watermelon Pudding
Watermelon pudding is a fun and flavorful Chinese dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. This dessert is made by blending fresh watermelon with gelatin and sugar, then setting it in a mold until firm. The result is a vibrant and jiggly pudding that resembles a slice of watermelon. Watermelon pudding is a refreshing treat during the summer months and is loved by both kids and adults.
Longan and Red Date Dessert
Longan and red date dessert, or lái yuè gōu, is a nourishing and sweet Chinese dessert that is believed to have various health benefits. This dessert combines dried longan fruit, red dates, and rock sugar, which are simmered in water until the fruits become soft and release their flavors. Longan and red date dessert is often consumed for its rejuvenating properties and is enjoyed both warm and chilled.
Classic Chinese Desserts
Steamed Sponge Cake
Steamed sponge cake, or má lài gāo, is a classic Chinese dessert that is light and fluffy in texture. It is made from a combination of flour, eggs, sugar, and steamed to perfection. The steam creates air pockets in the cake, resulting in a soft and airy texture. Steamed sponge cake is often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Sweet Red Bean Pancakes
Sweet red bean pancakes, or dòu shā bǐng, are a popular dessert in China and some other Asian countries. These pancakes are made from a batter of flour, sugar, and water, which is cooked on a griddle until golden and crispy. The pancakes are then filled with sweet red bean paste and rolled up. The combination of the crispy pancake shell and the smooth and sweet red bean filling creates a delightful and satisfying dessert.
Jasmine Tea Jelly
Jasmine tea jelly is a fragrant and elegant Chinese dessert that combines the flavors of jasmine tea and jelly. This dessert is made by steeping dried jasmine flowers in hot water to create a flavorful tea. The tea is then mixed with gelatin or agar-agar powder and set until firm. Jasmine tea jelly can be enjoyed on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of honey for added sweetness.
Creative Chinese Desserts
Matcha Tiramisu
Matcha tiramisu is a creative twist on the classic Italian dessert, incorporating the vibrant and earthy flavors of matcha green tea. This dessert consists of layers of matcha-flavored ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of matcha powder on top. Matcha tiramisu is a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, making it a favorite amongst tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Golden Lava Buns
Golden lava buns, or liú shāo bāo, are steamed buns with a gooey and molten salted egg yolk filling. These buns are made from a soft and fluffy dough that surrounds the creamy and savory filling. When bitten into, the molten salted egg yolk oozes out, creating a luscious and indulgent experience. Golden lava buns are a popular dessert item in Chinese dim sum restaurants.
Mango Pancake Rolls
Mango pancake rolls are a delightful and fruity Chinese dessert that showcases the sweetness and juiciness of fresh mangoes. This dessert consists of thin pancakes made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and coconut milk, which are cooked on a flat griddle. The pancakes are then filled with sliced mangoes and rolled up. Mango pancake rolls are often served with a drizzle of condensed milk for added richness.
With so many delightful Chinese dessert recipes to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your taste buds. Whether you prefer traditional treats, modern creations, healthy options, or unique flavors, there is a Chinese dessert out there waiting for you to enjoy. So why not try your hand at making a fast and delightful Chinese dessert recipe today?