Discover the Sweet World of Chinese Desserts: 5 Must-Try Recipes

Discover the Sweet World of Chinese Desserts: 5 Must-Try Recipes

Table of contents

Introduction

Discover the sweet side of Chinese cuisine with these delicious dessert recipes. Whether you're a fan of traditional treats or looking for a modern twist, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Chinese cuisine is famous for its savory dishes, but it also boasts an extensive collection of sweet treats. From traditional desserts to modern creations, there is a world of flavors waiting to be explored. Chinese desserts are known for their delicate balance of sweetness and texture, often using ingredients such as red bean paste, sesame seeds, and fruit to create unique and delicious desserts.

In this article, we will explore five must-try Chinese dessert recipes that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you're a fan of pancakes, tarts, mooncakes, sesame balls, or pudding, there's something for everyone. These desserts are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special celebration.

Get ready to discover the sweet world of Chinese desserts and indulge in these mouth-watering treats. So, let's dive into the recipes and learn how to create these delectable desserts in the comfort of your own kitchen.

1. Red Bean Paste Pancakes

Red bean paste is a classic filling for Chinese desserts, and these pancakes are a delicious way to enjoy it. The pancakes are made with a simple batter of flour, sugar, and eggs, and are filled with a sweet and creamy red bean paste.

Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese desserts, the ingredients used are often unique and unexpected. From sweet red bean paste to glutinous rice flour, these desserts are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make five must-try Chinese desserts.

1. Red Bean Paste Pancakes: This dessert consists of soft, fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. To make the pancakes, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, milk, and eggs. For the red bean paste filling, you'll need red beans, sugar, and water.

2. Egg Tarts: A popular dessert in Hong Kong, egg tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling. To make the crust, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, butter, and egg yolks. For the filling, you'll need eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

3. Snowy Mooncakes: These delicate mooncakes are made with a soft, chewy dough and filled with sweet lotus seed paste. To make the dough, you'll need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and oil. For the filling, you'll need lotus seed paste and salted duck egg yolks.

4. Sesame Balls: Also known as Jian Dui, these deep-fried balls are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. To make the dough, you'll need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and sesame seeds. For the filling, you can use sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste.

5. Mango Pudding: This refreshing dessert is made with fresh mango puree and coconut milk. To make the pudding, you'll need mangoes, sugar, agar agar powder, and coconut milk.

These ingredients may seem unusual, but they come together to create some of the most delicious and unique desserts you'll ever taste. So why not give them a try and discover the sweet world of Chinese desserts?

Instructions

Instructions are the backbone of any recipe, and in the case of Chinese desserts, they are especially important. Chinese desserts are known for their intricate preparation techniques and delicate flavors. To make sure you get the most out of your desserts, follow these instructions carefully.

For the Red Bean Paste Pancakes, start by making the pancake batter and allowing it to rest for 15 minutes. Next, prepare the red bean paste filling by cooking down the beans with sugar until a thick paste is formed. Once the filling has cooled, spoon a dollop of it onto one side of the pancake and fold it over, sealing the edges. Cook the pancake on both sides until golden brown.

For the Egg Tarts, preheat your oven and prepare the tart crust by mixing together the ingredients and pressing the dough into tart molds. Mix together the egg custard filling and pour it into the tart shells. Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

For the Snowy Mooncakes, start by mixing together the dough ingredients and kneading them until smooth. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them out. Spoon a dollop of filling onto each piece of dough and wrap it up, forming a ball. Roll the balls in a mixture of snow powder and cornstarch to give them a powdery, snowy appearance.

For the Sesame Balls, start by soaking the glutinous rice flour in water for a few hours. Mix together the dough ingredients and knead until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them out. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each flattened piece of dough and wrap it up, forming a ball. Roll the balls in sesame seeds and then deep fry until golden brown.

For the Mango Pudding, start by blending together the mango, milk, and sugar until smooth. Mix together the gelatin and hot water, then add it to the mango mixture. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set.

By following these instructions, you can create delicious Chinese desserts that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

2. Egg Tarts

Egg tarts are a popular dessert in Hong Kong and Macau, and are often served at dim sum restaurants. The tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling. They're the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese desserts, there are a plethora of delicious options to choose from. From sweet pastries to fruity puddings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. But before you can dive into making these delectable treats, you'll need to gather your ingredients.

First up on our list is Red Bean Paste Pancakes. To make this dish, you'll need all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, sugar, baking powder, and, of course, red bean paste. The flour, milk, eggs, and sugar make up the pancake batter, while the baking powder helps the pancakes rise. The red bean paste is the star of the show, providing a sweet and creamy filling for the pancakes.

Next on the list is Egg Tarts, a popular dessert in Chinese bakeries. To make these tarts, you'll need butter, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and flour for the pastry crust. For the custard filling, you'll need eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The combination of the buttery crust and creamy custard filling makes for a mouthwatering treat.

Snowy Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese dessert typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. To make these mooncakes, you'll need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, vegetable oil, and filling of your choice. The filling can be anything from sweet bean paste to lotus paste. The mooncakes are then coated in a layer of cooked glutinous rice flour to give them their signature snowy appearance.

Sesame Balls, also known as Jian Dui, are a popular street food in China. To make these crispy treats, you'll need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, sesame seeds, and oil for frying. The dough is formed into balls, coated in sesame seeds, and then fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior with a chewy and sweet interior.

Last but not least, we have Mango Pudding. To make this refreshing dessert, you'll need mangoes, sugar, gelatin, and evaporated milk. The mangoes are pureed and mixed with the sugar and milk, and then the gelatin is added to help it set. The result is a smooth and creamy pudding with a fruity kick.

Now that you know the ingredients needed for these five must-try Chinese desserts, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

Instructions

Instructions are an essential part of any recipe, and Chinese desserts are no exception. Chinese desserts are known for their unique flavors, textures, and presentation. In this article, we will explore the instructions for making five must-try Chinese desserts.

First up is the Red Bean Paste Pancakes. To make these pancakes, you will need to prepare the red bean paste filling and pancake batter separately. Once the filling is ready, spoon it onto the pancake batter and fold the pancake in half. Cook the pancakes on a non-stick pan until golden brown on both sides.

Next on the list is Egg Tarts. These delicious tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling. To make the pastry, combine flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl and knead until a smooth dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Press the dough circles into tart molds, then pour the egg custard filling into each tart. Bake the tarts until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Snowy Mooncakes are a popular dessert during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. These mooncakes have a soft and chewy texture and are filled with sweet lotus seed paste. To make the dough for the mooncakes, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them. Spoon the lotus seed paste filling onto each piece of dough, then fold the dough over the filling and shape it into a ball.

Sesame Balls are a crispy and chewy dessert made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste. To make the dough, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them. Spoon the red bean paste filling onto each piece of dough, then fold the dough over the filling and shape it into a ball. Roll the balls in sesame seeds, then deep-fry until golden brown.

Finally, we have Mango Pudding, a refreshing and creamy dessert made with fresh mango puree and evaporated milk. To make the pudding, mix mango puree, evaporated milk, sugar, and gelatin in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set. Once the pudding is firm, unmold it and serve with fresh mango slices.

With these instructions, you can now try your hand at making these delicious Chinese desserts. Each dessert has its unique flavor and texture, making them perfect for any occasion.

3. Snowy Mooncakes

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese dessert that are often eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Snowy mooncakes are a modern twist on the classic treat, and are made with a soft and chewy mochi-like crust and a sweet filling. They're perfect for anyone who loves a dessert with a unique texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients are the foundation of any great recipe, and Chinese desserts are no exception. The ingredients used in Chinese desserts are typically different from those used in Western desserts. For example, instead of using butter and cream, Chinese desserts often use ingredients like red bean paste, sesame seeds, and glutinous rice flour.

For the Red Bean Paste Pancakes, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and red bean paste. The combination of the slightly sweet pancakes with the creamy, nutty filling of red bean paste is one that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For the Egg Tarts, you will need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, butter, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract. The filling is a smooth and silky custard, made from a mixture of milk, egg yolks, and sugar. These tarts are a classic Chinese dessert and are perfect for serving at any time of day.

The Snowy Mooncakes require glutinous rice flour, powdered sugar, vegetable oil, water, and a filling made from lotus seed paste or red bean paste. The mooncakes are then coated in a layer of white snow-like powder made from a mixture of cooked glutinous rice flour and powdered sugar. These mooncakes are a traditional dessert served during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

For the Sesame Balls, you will need glutinous rice flour, sugar, sesame seeds, and a filling made from red bean paste. The balls are coated in sesame seeds and then fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a sweet and chewy filling.

Finally, for the Mango Pudding, you will need fresh mangoes, sugar, agar-agar powder, and evaporated milk. This dessert is refreshing and light, with a fruity mango flavor and a creamy texture.

Overall, the ingredients used in Chinese desserts are unique and often reflect the culture and history of China. Trying out these recipes and experimenting with different ingredients can lead to some delicious and exciting desserts.

Instructions

Instructions are the backbone of any recipe, and Chinese desserts are no exception. The following five must-try Chinese dessert recipes come with easy-to-follow instructions that will allow you to recreate these delicious treats in your own kitchen.

1. Red Bean Paste Pancakes: To make these pancakes, you'll need to start by preparing the red bean paste filling. Once that's done, you can mix up the pancake batter and start cooking. The key is to spread the red bean paste evenly over the pancake before folding it into a triangle shape. Cook until golden brown on both sides, and enjoy warm.

2. Egg Tarts: These delicate tarts are made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling. Start by making the pastry dough and chilling it in the fridge. Then, whisk together the custard ingredients and pour into the tart shells. Bake until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown.

3. Snowy Mooncakes: These mooncakes are named for their white, powdery coating, which is made from a mixture of cooked glutinous rice flour and icing sugar. The filling is typically made from sweetened lotus paste or red bean paste, which is wrapped in the dough and molded into a round shape. Once the mooncakes are formed, they are dusted with the powdery coating and left to set.

4. Sesame Balls: These chewy, sweet balls are made from glutinous rice flour, which is formed into a dough and filled with a sweetened sesame paste. The balls are then rolled in sesame seeds and deep-fried until golden brown. The key is to make sure the sesame balls are cooked all the way through, so be sure to fry them for long enough.

5. Mango Pudding: This refreshing dessert is made from fresh mango, milk, and gelatin. Start by blending the mango and milk together until smooth. Then, heat the mixture on the stove and add the gelatin until it has dissolved. Pour the mixture into individual cups or bowls and chill until the pudding has set.

In summary, these Chinese dessert recipes are not only delicious, but also easy to make with clear instructions. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you can enjoy the sweet world of Chinese desserts in the comfort of your own home.

4. Sesame Balls

Sesame balls are a popular street food snack in China, and are often filled with sweet red bean paste. The balls are made with glutinous rice flour, which gives them a chewy texture, and are coated in sesame seeds for a crunchy exterior. They're a fun and unique dessert that's sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese desserts, there is a wide variety of sweet treats to choose from. From traditional desserts like red bean paste pancakes to modern favorites like mango pudding, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most important aspects of any dessert recipe is the ingredients. To make these Chinese desserts, you will need a few key ingredients that can be found at most Asian grocery stores or online. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients for each recipe:

1. Red Bean Paste Pancakes: To make these pancakes, you will need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and red bean paste.

2. Egg Tarts: For this recipe, you will need all-purpose flour, sugar, unsalted butter, egg yolks, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

3. Snowy Mooncakes: To make these mooncakes, you will need glutinous rice flour, sugar, vegetable oil, water, and filling of your choice (such as red bean paste or lotus seed paste).

4. Sesame Balls: For this recipe, you will need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, sesame seeds, and filling of your choice (such as red bean paste or peanut butter).

5. Mango Pudding: To make this pudding, you will need fresh mangoes, sugar, gelatin powder, and evaporated milk.

Make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients before starting any of these recipes to ensure they turn out perfectly. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will provide step-by-step instructions for making each of these delicious desserts!

Instructions

The "Instructions" section of a recipe is where the magic happens. It's where you'll find step-by-step guidance on how to create an amazing dessert. In this article, we'll be exploring the "Instructions" section for five delicious Chinese dessert recipes.

For the Red Bean Paste Pancakes, you'll start by making the pancake batter from scratch. Then, you'll cook the pancakes and fill them with sweet red bean paste. The instructions will guide you through the process of folding the pancakes into a neat and tidy package.

Next up are the Egg Tarts. These delicate treats require a bit of finesse to get just right. The instructions will take you through the process of creating the pastry shells, whisking up the custard filling, and baking everything to perfection.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more exotic, the Snowy Mooncakes are sure to impress. These beautiful cakes are made with a glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean or lotus seed paste. The instructions will guide you through the process of shaping the cakes and creating intricate designs on the surface.

For a simpler but no less delicious treat, the Sesame Balls are a must-try. These little balls of fried dough are filled with sweet red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds. The instructions will take you through the process of shaping the dough, filling the balls, and frying them to golden perfection.

Finally, we have the Mango Pudding, a refreshing and tropical dessert that's perfect for hot summer days. The instructions will guide you through the process of blending fresh mango with cream and gelatin, then chilling the mixture until it sets into a luscious pudding.

Overall, the "Instructions" section of each recipe is crucial to making sure your dessert turns out perfectly. Follow the steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a sweet and satisfying treat that's sure to impress.

5. Mango Pudding

Mango pudding is a refreshing and light dessert that's perfect for hot summer days. The pudding is made with fresh mango puree, cream, and gelatin, and is chilled until set. It's a simple and delicious dessert that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese desserts, the ingredients used are unique and often surprising. From red bean paste to sesame seeds, these ingredients are used in creative ways to make delicious and satisfying desserts. In this article, we will explore the must-try Chinese dessert recipes along with the ingredients that make them so special.

First up is the Red Bean Paste Pancakes. This traditional Chinese dessert consists of a sweet filling made from red bean paste sandwiched between two pancakes. The ingredients for this recipe include all-purpose flour, water, sugar, vegetable oil, and red bean paste. The red bean paste is the star of the dish, providing a sweet and nutty flavor that complements the soft and fluffy pancakes perfectly.

Next, we have Egg Tarts, which are a beloved dessert in Hong Kong. The ingredients for this recipe include eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and butter. The filling is made by combining the eggs, evaporated milk, and sugar, while the crust is made with flour, salt, and butter. Once baked, these tarts have a flaky crust and a creamy, custard-like filling.

Snowy Mooncakes are another popular Chinese dessert. These mooncakes are filled with a sweet and nutty lotus seed paste and have a soft, chewy exterior. The ingredients for this recipe include glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and a filling made from lotus seed paste. The glutinous rice flour gives the mooncakes their distinctive texture, while the lotus seed paste provides a sweet and nutty flavor.

Sesame Balls are a fried Chinese dessert that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The ingredients for this recipe include glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, sesame seeds, and a filling made from sweet red bean paste. These balls are rolled in sesame seeds before being fried, giving them a crunchy and nutty exterior.

Finally, we have Mango Pudding, a refreshing and fruity dessert that is perfect for summer. The ingredients for this recipe include mango puree, sugar, gelatin, and evaporated milk. The mango puree provides a sweet and tangy flavor, while the gelatin gives the pudding its smooth and creamy texture.

In conclusion, the ingredients used in Chinese desserts are unique and flavorful, creating delicious desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you try the Red Bean Paste Pancakes, Egg Tarts, Snowy Mooncakes, Sesame Balls, or Mango Pudding, you are sure to be delighted by the amazing flavors of Chinese desserts.

Instructions

Instructions are an essential part of any recipe. Following them correctly ensures that the dish turns out delicious and perfect. Here are the instructions for five must-try Chinese dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

1. Red Bean Paste Pancakes:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup red bean paste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
2. Add egg and milk to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and swirl it around to make a thin pancake.
5. Add a spoonful of red bean paste to the center of the pancake.
6. Fold the pancake in half and press the edges together to seal.
7. Cook the pancake for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Repeat with the remaining batter and red bean paste.

2. Egg Tarts:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and gradually add the flour until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit into a muffin tin.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart shells.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Allow the tarts to cool before serving.

3. Snowy Mooncakes:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sweetened red bean paste
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, powdered sugar, vegetable oil, and water.
2. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
4. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
5. Seal the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball.
6. Roll the ball in toasted sesame seeds to coat.
7. Place the mooncakes on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

4. Sesame Balls:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sweetened red bean paste
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, powdered sugar, and water.
2. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
4. Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
5. Seal the dough around the filling and roll it in toasted sesame seeds to coat.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot.
7. Fry the sesame balls until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

5. Mango Pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the mango until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the mango puree and heavy cream to the saucepan and mix well.
4. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it dissolves.
6. Add the gelatin mixture to the mango mixture and stir well.
7. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

These Chinese desserts are easy to make and will satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow the instructions carefully and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine.

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