10 Must-Try Chinese Desserts for Sweet Lovers

The first time I walked into a bustling Chinese dessert shop, I felt like a kid in a candy store—except this was better. Vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and curious textures surrounded me.

There were delicate egg tarts, translucent rice balls floating in syrup, and golden pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. Each treat seemed to whisper a story, one of tradition, celebration, and love for flavors.

That experience sparked my obsession with Chinese desserts. I began hunting down recipes, experimenting in my kitchen, and discovering the artistry behind these sweets.

Let me take you on a journey through some of my favorite Chinese desserts. Each one has a special memory or story attached, and I’ll share not just how to make them but why they’re worth trying. Trust me, these desserts will sweep you off your feet.

1. Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Tangyuan are chewy, sweet rice balls often served in a warm, fragrant syrup.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Mix glutinous rice flour with water until it forms a smooth, pliable dough.
2. Combine sesame paste and sugar, roll into small balls, and freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Take a small piece of dough, flatten it, and wrap it around a sesame ball.
4. Roll into smooth balls and set aside.
5. Boil water with ginger and rock sugar for the syrup.
6. Cook the Tangyuan in boiling water until they float, then transfer to the syrup.
7. Serve warm, and enjoy the gooey filling and chewy texture.

2. Egg Custard Tarts (Dan Tat)

A flaky crust filled with silky custard—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Steps

1. Combine flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Add the egg yolk and mix into dough.
2. Roll out and press into tart molds.
3. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar until dissolved. Let cool and whisk in eggs.
4. Strain the custard mixture and pour it into tart shells.
5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until golden and set.
6. Let cool before devouring.

3. Mango Sago

This tropical, creamy dessert is a summer favorite. For those who enjoy layered, light desserts, a Charlotte Russe also offers a delightful, airy option with its delicate sponge and creamy filling.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Cook sago pearls in boiling water until translucent, then rinse under cold water.
2. Blend one mango with coconut milk, condensed milk, and sugar.
3. Dice the other mango.
4. Mix the blended mango mixture with sago pearls and mango chunks.
5. Chill before serving.

4. Red Bean Pancakes

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Mix flour and water into a smooth dough, then divide into small balls.
2. Roll each ball into a circle and spread red bean paste in the center.
3. Fold the dough over the filling, sealing it completely.
4. Fry in a pan until golden on both sides.
5. Serve warm.

@bakeyvakey It’s time to make red bean pancakes for this chinese new year #asmr#redbeanpancake ♬ original sound – 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐕𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐲

5. White Rabbit Candy Milk Pudding

Inspired by the iconic Chinese candy, this pudding is creamy nostalgia.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Heat milk and candies until dissolved.
2. Add sugar and stir.
3. Dissolve gelatin in water, then mix into the milk.
4. Pour into molds and chill until set.

6. Mooncakes

A classic dessert for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Mix flour, syrup, and oil into a dough. Rest for 1 hour.
2. Divide dough and filling into equal portions.
3. Wrap dough around the filling, optionally including an egg yolk.
4. Press into mooncake molds and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
5. Cool and let sit for 2 days to develop flavor.

7. Osmanthus Jelly

A light, floral dessert perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Boil water, add sugar, and dissolve.
2. Stir in osmanthus flowers and gelatin.
3. Pour into molds and chill until set.

8. Chinese Almond Cookies

Buttery, crumbly cookies with a hint of almond.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Cream butter and sugar. Add almond extract and egg yolk.
2. Mix in flour until dough forms.
3. Shape into small balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12 minutes.

9. Douhua (Tofu Pudding)

A silky dessert served with sweet syrup.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Heat soy milk and mix with gypsum powder dissolved in water.
2. Pour into a dish and let set.
3. Make syrup by dissolving rock sugar in water.
4. Serve tofu pudding with syrup.

10. Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding

A show-stopping dessert filled with fruits and nuts.

Ingredients

Steps

1. Steam glutinous rice and mix with sugar.
2. Press rice into a bowl, layering with red bean paste.
3. Top with candied fruits and nuts.
4. Steam for another 15 minutes.
5. Brush with honey before serving.

@sidechefcooking 🍨 Rich, velvety, and simply irresistible – our BaBaoFan is definitely a “treasure” worth savoring! Make sure to get it in time for Chinese New Year and treat your taste buds with this delicious homemade dessert. It’s easy to make and all you need are a few ingredients that you can find around the kitchen. #DessertGoals #Yumyum #CNYRecipe #八宝饭 #lunarnewyear #dessert #recipe ♬ Happy New Year – BLVKSHP

Conclusion

As I sit here, finishing the last bite of my homemade Tangyuan, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with Chinese desserts. They’re more than just sweets—they’re a connection to culture, a celebration of heritage, and a symphony of flavors and textures.

From the creamy comfort of Mango Sago to the nostalgic joy of White Rabbit Candy Pudding, each dessert tells its own story. Some transport me back to a festive celebration, others to a quiet moment sipping tea by a window.

And then, there’s the unexpected joy of a perfectly chewy Protein Rice Krispie Treat, adding a modern twist to my love for timeless indulgences.

Leo Mcintyre

I’m Leo McIntyre, and my love for cooking was born in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I discovered the magic of traditional Southern recipes. Inspired by her passion and the flavors of my childhood, I started SouthernParm to share these treasured family dishes and keep the rich culinary traditions of the South alive for everyone to enjoy.