Top Chinese Desserts

25 Sweet Chinese Desserts to Delight Your Taste Buds

Chinese desserts offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, often less sweet but equally satisfying.

These recipes introduce you to treats like delicate almond cookies, refreshing mango pudding, and silky custard tarts.

Each dessert brings a taste of Chinese culture and culinary tradition to your table.

Homemade Chinese Doughnuts

Homemade Chinese doughnuts offer a delightful twist on traditional treats.

With a crunchy sugar-coated exterior, these goodies provide an irresistible texture that contrasts with their fluffy interior.

Preparing them takes less than an hour, so you can indulge in fresh, warm doughnuts without much hassle.

The sweet aroma fills your kitchen as they fry to golden perfection.

Pineapple Buns

An authentic recipe for pineapple buns opens the door to a delightful baking experience.

Despite their name, these treats don't contain any pineapple, yet they are packed with flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to create a soft and buttery milk bread.

The golden crust adds an appealing touch, inviting you in for a taste.

sweetened and slightly crunchy on top, these buns make any occasion special.

Chinese Almond Cookies

Chinese almond cookies offer a delightful finish to any meal.

These treats combine a buttery texture with the unmistakable taste of almonds, creating an irresistible snack.

Preparing them requires minimal effort, making it suitable for even the busiest evenings.

Ideal for festive occasions like Chinese New Year, these cookies add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

The aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply enchanting and will have everyone eagerly waiting for their share.

Hong Kong Style Mango Pancake

Surprising friends with a Hong Kong-style mango pancake will surely create a memorable moment.

This dessert features delicate crepes that are light and fluffy, filled with luscious whipped cream and ripe mango pieces.

The balance of sweetness from the fruit combined with the airy texture makes it an irresistible treat.

Preparing this dish is straightforward, allowing you to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Mung Bean Cake

Mung bean cake offers an exquisite blend of flavors and textures that will cool you down.

This traditional Chinese dessert features a silky-smooth consistency, making it incredibly satisfying to enjoy.

The unique mold used in its preparation adds an artistic touch, turning each piece into a delightful visual experience.

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding

Eight treasure rice pudding offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts.

This dish combines glutinous rice with an array of dried fruits and nuts, resulting in a rich medley of flavors.

The addition of red bean paste adds depth and sweetness, creating an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Preparing this pudding is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.

Chinese-Style Swiss Roll

Sponge cake lovers will appreciate the delightful twist of a Chinese-style Swiss roll.

This recipe offers a straightforward way to whip up this beloved dessert in your own kitchen.

With just a few simple steps, you can achieve that light and airy texture that makes Swiss rolls so irresistible.

A touch of creativity allows for various fillings, from classic whipped cream to fruity jams, enhancing the experience with every bite.

Chinese Banana Fritters

Chinese banana fritters offer a light yet satisfying treat.

Coated in a delicate batter, these bananas fry up crispy and golden, inviting everyone to take a bite.

Dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness.

The option for vegan preparation makes this dish accessible and enjoyable for various dietary preferences.

Steamed Red Bean Buns

Classic Chinese steamed red bean buns offer a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys sweet treats.

The soft, fluffy texture invites you to take a bite, while the rich red bean paste inside surprises with its unique flavor.

Preparing these buns at home is straightforward and rewarding, allowing you to impress others.

Chinese Mango Pudding

Chinese mango pudding offers a delightful treat that everyone will love.

This dessert features a silky texture and an inviting sweetness, capturing the essence of ripe mangoes in every spoonful.

Preparing it at home is incredibly straightforward, making it accessible for any occasion.

Using frozen mangos allows you to enjoy this refreshing dish year-round without compromising flavor or quality.

This pudding serves as an excellent addition to the Chinese New Year.

Chinese Coconut Buns

Delicious coconut buns offer a delightful experience with their soft, milky texture.

Fragrant ribbons of coconut and vanilla create a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

Pairing these treats with coffee or tea enhances the enjoyment, making every moment special.

Dunking them in chocolate sauce adds an exciting twist for those who crave something sweet and indulgent.

Pineapple Cookies

Homemade cookies can elevate any gathering, and traditional Chinese pineapple cookies are a delightful choice.

These bite-sized treats feature a buttery shortbread base that melts in your mouth.

A simple pineapple jam fills each cookie, adding a sweet and tangy twist.

Preparing the jam takes just 30 minutes, making this recipe both quick and satisfying.

Wife Cakes

Wife cakes, also known as sweetheart cakes, hold a special place in Chinese bakeries.

The flaky pastry encases a delightful blend of sweet winter melon and coconut that creates an irresistible texture.

This treat has become a favorite for many, celebrated for its unique flavor profile and chewy filling.

Once tasted, the popularity of these cakes becomes clear; they often leave people craving more.

Chinese Egg Cake

Chinese egg cake offers a delightful taste that appeals to all ages.

The fluffy texture and subtle sweetness create a wonderful treat for any occasion.

With just a few simple ingredients, this classic dessert becomes an easy go-to for gatherings or quiet afternoons at home.

Tips for achieving the perfect rise can elevate your baking game, ensuring each cake is light and airy.

Tapioca Thousand Layer Cake

Tapioca thousand layer cake invites you to explore a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

This Southern Chinese delicacy showcases an impressive number of delicate layers, each contributing to its unique chewiness.

Light sweetness enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Preparing this steamed cake is straightforward, allowing anyone to create something special in their kitchen.

Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes

Mooncakes carry a rich cultural significance, especially during the mid-autumn festival when families gather to admire the full moon.

Strawberry snow skin mooncakes add a refreshing twist to this cherished tradition.

The no-bake aspect makes them accessible for anyone, regardless of baking skills.

A luscious strawberry custard filling combined with whole strawberries creates an explosion of flavor.

Chinese New Year cookies

Consider adding a delightful twist with almond flour sugar cookies.

These treats offer a unique texture, combining softness with buttery richness.

Decorating them can be an enjoyable activity for guests, allowing everyone to express their creativity through various shapes and colorful icing.

Ma Lai Go (Chinese Steamed Cake)

An easy-to-make version of authentic Chinese steamed cakes awaits you with this ma lai go recipe.

This delightful treat enjoys immense popularity in Southern China and Hong Kong, capturing hearts with its airy texture.

Brown sugar lends a rich sweetness, creating a sponge cake that feels light yet satisfying.

The steaming process ensures moisture is locked in, resulting in a fluffy bite.

Baked Nian Gao

Baked nian gao offers a delightful twist on the traditional steamed version.

The contrast between the crispy exterior and chewy interior creates an irresistible texture.

Perfect for gatherings, this dessert adds a touch of excitement to any table setting.

Mango Sago

Mango sago stands out as a refreshing treat that captures the essence of summer.

This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with creamy coconut milk and chewy tapioca pearls, creating an irresistible harmony.

Each spoonful offers a burst of flavor that dances on your palate, leaving you craving more.

Preparing this dish takes little time, making it an excellent choice for those warm afternoons when you want something light yet satisfying.

Chinese Sticky Rice Dumplings

Chinese sticky rice dumplings, known as zongzi, celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival with their rich flavors and cultural significance.

Preparing these delightful treats at home is straightforward and rewarding.

Glutinous rice serves as the base, filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients that cater to different tastes.

Wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, they are then cooked in water for a tender finish.

Chinese Sesame Balls

Chinese sesame balls are a delightful treat that can brighten any gathering.

With a crispy, golden crust and a sweet black sesame paste inside, they offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Preparing these treats is straightforward; just follow some simple tips for success.

The joy of biting into one reveals the warm filling that many adore.

Cantonese Steamed Milk Egg Pudding

Cantonese steamed milk egg pudding offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts.

This creamy treat features a smooth texture that melts in your mouth, providing an experience unlike any other.

Toppings can range from fresh fruits to drizzles of syrup, allowing you to personalize each serving according to your taste preferences.

Fat Goh (Prosperity Cake)

Looking for a delightful treat to celebrate the Lunar New Year?

Fat Goh, or Prosperity Cake, serves as a wonderful choice.

This cake symbolizes wealth and good fortune, making it an essential part of festive celebrations.

Its unique texture becomes light and airy when steamed, creating an inviting appearance that captures attention.

Chinese Walnut Cookies

Chinese walnut cookies offer a unique twist on traditional treats.

Their crispy texture combined with the rich flavor of walnuts creates an irresistible snack.

Perfect for sharing, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

The simplicity of the recipe allows for quick preparation, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever cravings strike.

Linda Dean

Linda Dean

Expertise

Culinary Arts, Food Journalism, Global Cuisine, Exploration, Recipe Development, Cultural Food Studies, Culinary Travel and Storytelling

Education

Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Program: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Developed a comprehensive understanding of global cuisines and essential cooking techniques. Engaged in intensive hands-on practice in both kitchens and real-world settings, guided by expert chefs. This program emphasized the application of culinary skills in professional environments, preparing students for a variety of roles in the culinary industry.

City, University of London, London, UK
Program: BA Journalism
Focus: Gained expertise in media studies with a strong foundation in reporting, editing, and communicating. While the program focuses broadly on journalism, the skills acquired apply to food journalism, including the ability to analyze and report on food culture and culinary trends effectively.


Linda Dean is an experienced chef and food writer who loves exploring flavors from around the world. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Linda has spent over ten years mastering the art of making dishes that truly represent different cultures. She also studied journalism at City, University of London, which helps her write engaging stories about these foods.

On heythattastesgood.com, Linda shares recipes that bring the world’s kitchens to her readers. She focuses on authentic tastes and the stories behind them, making it easy for anyone to try international cuisine at home.

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