Indulge in the delightful world of Chinese desserts as you explore the tantalizing array of flavors, textures, and ingredients that make them truly special. From the iconic egg tarts, with their flaky crust and silky custard filling, to the sticky and satisfying sweetness of sticky rice balls, these desserts are sure to leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether you have a preference for creamy, fruity, or crispy treats, there is a Chinese dessert waiting to be discovered that will provide the perfect sweet ending to your meal. So, join us on this culinary journey and prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth like never before.
Traditional Chinese Desserts
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a staple dessert in Chinese culture and are specially made and enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These sweet pastry treats are typically round or square in shape and filled with various flavors such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even salted egg yolk. Mooncakes have a rich and dense texture and are often adorned with intricate designs on the surface. They symbolize unity and are traditionally shared among family and friends during this festival.
Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup, also known as hong dou tang, is a popular Chinese dessert that is served either hot or cold. This sweet and comforting soup is made from boiling red beans, sugar, and sometimes dried tangerine peel or lotus seeds. The beans are cooked until they become soft and acquire a smooth texture. Red bean soup is believed to have various health benefits, including improving digestion and circulation.
Sweet Dumplings
Sweet dumplings, or tang yuan, are bite-sized glutinous rice balls that are typically served in a sweet syrup. These colorful and chewy dumplings are often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, especially during the Lantern Festival. Tang yuan can be filled with a variety of sweet ingredients such as black sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors of these dumplings make them a delightful treat for both young and old.
Sesame Balls
Sesame balls, also known as jin deui, are fried pastry balls that are coated with sesame seeds. These crispy treats are made from glutinous rice flour dough that is filled with a sweet paste, usually red bean or lotus seed paste. The balls are then rolled in sesame seeds and deep-fried until golden brown. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey filling creates a delightful contrast of textures. Sesame balls are commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert in Chinese cuisine.
Regional Chinese Desserts
Cantonese Style Egg Tarts
Originating from Guangzhou, Cantonese style egg tarts have become one of the most popular Chinese desserts worldwide. These delectable treats consist of a crispy, flaky pastry crust filled with a smooth and creamy egg custard. Cantonese style egg tarts are often served warm and are known for their irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
Sichuan Spicy Tofu Pudding
Sichuan Spicy Tofu Pudding, also known as mala douhua, is a unique and flavorful dessert that originated from the Sichuan province. It comprises a silky smooth tofu pudding made from freshly coagulated soy milk, which is then paired with a spicy and numbing chili oil. The combination of the soft tofu and the fiery chili oil creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Sichuan Spicy Tofu Pudding is a must-try dessert for those who enjoy spicy and bold flavors.
Shanghai Walnut Cookies
Shanghai Walnut Cookies, or hetao su, are a popular dessert in Shanghai cuisine. These crunchy and nutty cookies are made from a combination of walnuts, flour, sugar, and butter. They are often shaped like walnuts and are adorned with a whole walnut on top for added visual appeal. Shanghai Walnut Cookies have a rich and buttery flavor and are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. They make for a delightful afternoon snack or a gift for friends and loved ones.
Fujian Pineapple Cakes
Originating from the Fujian province, pineapple cakes have become a beloved dessert in Chinese cuisine. These bite-sized pastries consist of a buttery and crumbly crust filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam. The combination of the fragrant pineapple filling and the tender pastry creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Fujian pineapple cakes are often enjoyed with a cup of tea and are a popular gift during festive seasons, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Modern Chinese Desserts
Mango Sago Pomelo
Mango sago pomelo is a refreshing and fruity dessert that has gained popularity in recent years. This dessert consists of a delightful combination of fresh mango chunks, sago pearls, and pomelo sacs, all mixed together with a sweet and creamy coconut milk. The creamy texture of the coconut milk complements the sweetness of the mangoes and the slight tartness of the pomelo, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Mango sago pomelo is often served chilled and is a perfect dessert for hot summer days.
Black Sesame Ice Cream
Black sesame ice cream is a unique and flavorful dessert that has become increasingly popular in modern Chinese cuisine. This rich and creamy ice cream is made from ground black sesame seeds, sugar, and milk. The result is a silky smooth ice cream with a distinct nutty flavor and a dark gray color. Black sesame ice cream is a delightful treat for those who enjoy trying unconventional flavors and is often served as a refreshing dessert after a meal.
Durian Pancakes
Durian pancakes are a decadent dessert choice for durian lovers. Durian is a tropical fruit known for its distinctive aroma and creamy texture. The flesh of the durian is blended into a smooth paste and then wrapped in a delicate pancake. The combination of the luscious durian filling and the soft pancake creates a unique and indulgent dessert experience. Durian pancakes are often served chilled and are a must-try for adventurous dessert enthusiasts.
Purple Yam Paste with Coconut Milk
Purple yam paste with coconut milk, also known as taro paste, is a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine. This sweet and creamy dessert is made from steamed and mashed purple yams, mixed with coconut milk and sugar. The resulting paste has a rich, velvety texture and a delightful purple hue. Purple yam paste with coconut milk is often served warm and is a comforting and satisfying dessert option for those who enjoy the unique flavor of taro.
Chinese Desserts with a Western Twist
Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake
Matcha green tea cheesecake combines the lusciousness of traditional cheesecake with the aromatic flavors of matcha green tea. This dessert features a creamy and velvety cheesecake filling infused with the distinct flavor of matcha green tea powder, giving it a vibrant green color. Matcha green tea cheesecake is often baked to perfection and served chilled. It is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Western flavors, appealing to both tea lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts.
Black Sesame Macarons
Black sesame macarons offer a unique twist on the classic French pastry. These delicate and flavorful cookies are filled with a rich and smooth black sesame buttercream. The crunchy and slightly chewy texture of the macaron shell pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, creating a delightful combination of textures. Black sesame macarons are often enjoyed as an elegant and indulgent dessert option.
Taro Cupcakes
Taro cupcakes are a delightful fusion of Chinese taro root and Western cupcake traditions. These moist and flavorful cupcakes are made with fresh taro puree, which adds a unique earthy and sweet taste to the batter. Topped with a creamy taro frosting and sometimes adorned with taro chips or sprinkles, these cupcakes are a visual and culinary delight. Taro cupcakes are perfect for those who enjoy trying innovative and delicious desserts.
Peking Duck Ice Cream
Peking duck ice cream is a truly unique dessert that combines the savory flavors of Peking duck with the sweetness of ice cream. This unusual yet delicious treat features a creamy ice cream base infused with the flavors of roasted duck and a hint of hoisin sauce. The result is a sweet and savory dessert that surprises and delights the taste buds. Peking duck ice cream is a must-try for those looking for an adventurous and unconventional dessert experience.
Famous Chinese Dessert Chains
Honeymoon Dessert
Honeymoon Dessert is a well-known dessert chain that originated in Hong Kong and now has branches all over the world. They specialize in traditional and modern Chinese desserts, offering a wide range of options to satisfy any sweet tooth. From their signature mango sago pomelo to their refreshing herbal jelly, Honeymoon Dessert has something for everyone. Their desserts are made with high-quality ingredients and are beautifully presented, making each visit a delightful experience.
Tai Cheong Bakery
Tai Cheong Bakery is a renowned bakery in Hong Kong famous for its egg tarts. Established in 1954, this bakery has been serving their iconic flaky and creamy egg tarts for decades. Tai Cheong’s egg tarts are a must-try for egg tart lovers and have received international recognition for their exceptional taste and texture. In addition to their egg tarts, Tai Cheong Bakery also offers a variety of other Chinese delicacies and pastries, making it a true gem for dessert enthusiasts.
Mao Shan Wang Café
Mao Shan Wang Café is a popular dessert café that specializes in durian-based desserts. Named after the prized Mao Shan Wang durian variety, this café offers a wide range of durian-infused treats, including durian pancakes, durian ice cream, and durian pastries. Each dessert is made with pure and premium Mao Shan Wang durian, ensuring an intense and indulgent durian experience. Mao Shan Wang Café is a haven for durian lovers and a must-visit for those looking to satisfy their durian cravings.
Uncle Tetsu
Uncle Tetsu is a well-known dessert chain that originated in Japan but has gained popularity in China and other countries around the world. They are famous for their light and fluffy Japanese cheesecakes, which have a delicate and cotton-soft texture. Uncle Tetsu offers a variety of flavors and toppings for their cheesecakes, allowing customers to customize their dessert experience. In addition to their cheesecakes, Uncle Tetsu also offers other Japanese-inspired desserts such as matcha rolls and melon tarts.
Exotic Chinese Desserts
Bird’s Nest Soup
Bird’s Nest Soup, also known as yan wo, is a luxurious and exotic Chinese dessert made from the nests of swiftlets. These nests are composed of solidified saliva and are believed to have medicinal properties. When cooked, the bird’s nests transform into a gelatinous texture and are often combined with rock sugar and other ingredients to create a sweet and nourishing dessert soup. Bird’s Nest Soup is highly prized in Chinese cuisine for its unique texture and reputed health benefits.
Coconut Jelly
Coconut jelly, or ye zi gao, is a refreshing and light dessert made from the gelatinous flesh of young coconuts. The jelly is extracted from the coconut and then sweetened with sugar to balance the natural mild sweetness of the coconut. Coconut jelly has a delicate and silky texture and is often served chilled. This tropical dessert is a popular choice during hot summer months and is perfect for those looking for a cooling treat.
Thousand Layer Cake
Thousand Layer Cake, also known as qian shao bing, is a visually impressive Chinese dessert that lives up to its name. This multi-layered cake is made from alternating layers of thin pastry and sweet fillings such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or coconut. The layers are baked to perfection, resulting in a cake with a flaky and delicate texture. Thousand Layer Cake is a popular treat during festive occasions and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
Dragon’s Beard Candy
Dragon’s Beard Candy, also known as long xu tang, is a traditional Chinese confectionery that dates back to ancient times. This delicate sweet consists of multiple strands of silky sugar threads that are carefully wrapped around a filling, which can be flavored with peanuts, coconut, or sesame. The candy gets its name from its resemblance to the mythical dragon’s beard. Dragon’s Beard Candy requires skill and precision to make, making it a rare and special treat in Chinese culture.
Healthier Chinese Dessert Options
Steamed Pumpkin Cake
Steamed pumpkin cake, also known as nan gua gao, is a healthier Chinese dessert option that is low in fat and cholesterol. This moist and flavorful cake is made from fresh pumpkin puree, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. It is often steamed to perfection, resulting in a soft and tender texture. Steamed pumpkin cake is a popular choice for those seeking a guilt-free dessert, as it offers a satisfying sweetness while incorporating the natural goodness of pumpkin.
Fruit Salad with Lychee Sorbet
Fruit salad with lychee sorbet is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh fruits with the cooling and sweet taste of lychee sorbet. The fruit salad can include a variety of fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, mango, and strawberries, creating a colorful and flavorful medley. The lychee sorbet adds a delightful sweetness and a hint of floral aroma to the dish. Fruit salad with lychee sorbet is a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a healthier dessert option.
Oatmeal Walnut Cookies
Oatmeal walnut cookies are a wholesome and satisfying dessert that combines the goodness of oats and nuts. These crunchy and chewy cookies are made from a mixture of rolled oats, crushed walnuts, honey, and butter. The result is a cookie that is hearty, nutritious, and packed with fiber and healthy fats. Oatmeal walnut cookies are perfect for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat while incorporating nutritious ingredients into their diet.
Sticky Rice with Fresh Fruits
Sticky rice with fresh fruits, also known as nian gao, is a traditional Chinese dessert that is often enjoyed during the Lunar New Year. This dessert consists of steamed sticky rice cakes that are sliced and served with an assortment of fresh fruits such as mango, strawberry, and kiwi. The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the slightly sweet and chewy texture of the sticky rice cakes. Sticky rice with fresh fruits is a lighter and healthier alternative to more decadent desserts, making it a popular choice for those looking for a guilt-free option.
Serving Styles and Presentation
Almond Jelly in Rose Petal Cups
Almond jelly in rose petal cups is a visually stunning dessert that combines the flavors of almond and rose. This delicate and refreshing dessert features a silky almond jelly that is set in rose-shaped silicone molds. The almond jelly is then served in individual rose petal cups, which are made from edible rose petals or rose-flavored gelatin. The combination of the floral aroma and the smooth texture creates a beautiful and elegant dessert that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Jasmine Tea-infused Panna Cotta
Jasmine tea-infused panna cotta is a delightful dessert that combines the creaminess of panna cotta with the fragrant flavors of jasmine tea. This silky and smooth dessert is made from a combination of cream, milk, sugar, gelatin, and jasmine tea. The delicate floral notes of the jasmine tea infuse the panna cotta, creating a dessert that is both aromatic and indulgent. Jasmine tea-infused panna cotta is often served chilled and garnished with edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
Watermelon Fruit Basket
Watermelon fruit baskets are a creative and refreshing way to serve fruits as a dessert. The watermelon is carved into the shape of a basket, with the flesh scooped out and cut into bite-sized pieces. The basket is then filled with an assortment of fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and grapes, creating a colorful and vibrant display. Watermelon fruit baskets are perfect for summer parties or special occasions, as they not only taste delicious but also serve as a beautiful centerpiece.
Baked Coconut Custard in Young Coconut
Baked coconut custard in young coconut is a unique dessert that combines the creamy texture of custard with the natural sweetness of young coconut. The custard is made from a mixture of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. The custard mixture is then poured into a young coconut shell and baked until set. The result is a rich and velvety custard with a subtle coconut flavor. Baked coconut custard in young coconut is a delightful treat for coconut lovers and is often served warm or chilled.
Popular Chinese Dessert Ingredients
Red Bean Paste
Red bean paste, also known as hong dou sha, is a sweet filling made from cooked and mashed red beans. It is a common ingredient in many traditional Chinese desserts, including mooncakes, tang yuan, and red bean soup. Red bean paste has a smooth and velvety texture and a rich, sweet flavor. It adds a delightful sweetness and earthy taste to desserts, making it a beloved ingredient in Chinese cuisine.
Mango
Mango, or Huang gua, is a tropical fruit that is celebrated in Chinese cuisine for its sweet and juicy flavor. It is commonly used in various Chinese desserts, such as mango sago pomelo, mango pudding, and mango sticky rice. The vibrant color and refreshing taste of fresh mangoes add a burst of tropical goodness to any dessert, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity and indulgent treats.
Black Sesame
Black sesame, or hei zhi ma, is a popular ingredient in Chinese desserts due to its unique nutty flavor and rich aroma. Black sesame seeds are used to create black sesame paste, which is often used as a filling in pastries, ice cream, and mochi. Black sesame is also ground into a powder and used as a flavoring in desserts like black sesame ice cream and black sesame soups. The distinctive taste and texture of black sesame add depth and richness to Chinese desserts.
Chinese Tea
Chinese tea, or cha, is not only a popular drink in Chinese culture but also an essential ingredient in many Chinese desserts. Green tea, jasmine tea, and oolong tea are commonly used to infuse desserts with their delicate flavors. Chinese tea is often used in desserts such as tea-infused jelly, tea-flavored panna cotta, and tea-flavored cakes. The natural fragrance and complex taste of Chinese tea enhance the overall taste profile of desserts, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Special Occasion Chinese Desserts
Longevity Peach Buns
Longevity peach buns, or shou tao, are a significant dessert in Chinese culture and are often served during special occasions and celebrations. These steamed buns are shaped like peaches and are filled with a sweet lotus seed paste or red bean paste. The peach symbolizes longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture, making these buns a popular choice for birthdays and other joyous occasions.
Glutinous Rice Balls
Glutinous rice balls, also known as tang yuan, are a traditional Chinese dessert that is commonly served during the Winter Solstice and Lantern Festival. These chewy and colorful rice balls are made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet fillings such as sesame paste, peanut paste, or red bean paste. Tang yuan symbolizes reunion and togetherness and is often enjoyed as a family activity, where family members gather to make and eat these delicious rice balls.
Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding
Eight-treasure rice pudding, or ba bao fan, is a festive and auspicious dessert that is often served during important occasions such as weddings and Chinese New Year celebrations. This elaborate dessert consists of glutinous rice cooked with various dried fruits, nuts, and sweet ingredients such as red bean paste, candied fruits, and lotus seeds. The eight treasures represented by the ingredients symbolize good luck and prosperity. Eight-treasure rice pudding is a visually stunning dessert that is both delicious and meaningful.
Double Boiled Snow Fungus with Papaya
Double boiled snow fungus with papaya, also known as yang zhi gan lu, is a nourishing and comforting dessert that is often enjoyed during the winter months. Snow fungus, known for its gelatinous texture and health benefits, is combined with sweet papaya and rock sugar in a double-boiled soup. This dessert is believed to enhance skin complexion, promote hydration, and boost overall health. Double boiled snow fungus with papaya is a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and soothing dessert option.
In conclusion, Chinese desserts offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and presentation styles that cater to every sweet tooth. From traditional delights such as mooncakes and red bean soup to exotic treats like bird’s nest soup and dragon’s beard candy, Chinese desserts never fail to surprise and delight. Whether you prefer classic recipes or innovative creations, there is always a Chinese dessert that will provide a sweet ending to your meal. Try some of these delectable desserts and embark on a flavorful journey through the rich culinary traditions of China.
