Sweet Treats Worth Knowing Better
Compared to the rich and decadent sweet treats of America, Chinese desserts have a very different style to them. Though they might feel a bit unfamiliar, that's exactly why it's appealing to venture into unknown territory. Instead of leaning heavily on frosting, chocolate, or huge portions, many of these treats focus on chewy textures, fragrant fillings, and more. Here are just 20 delicious Chinese desserts to start getting on board with.
1. Tangyuan
If you love chewy textures, you'll absolutely fall in love with tangyuan, soft glutinous rice balls often served in a warm, lightly sweet soup. These come filled with black sesame, peanut, or red bean paste, and are the perfect comforting dessert during colder seasons.
2. Jian Dui
Perhaps better known as sesame balls, these crisp and golden, chewy rice balls are filled with red bean or lotus seed paste. They commonly show up at dim sum restaurants, serving as a delicious way to close out the feast. For Americans who love donuts, we're guessing you'd appreciate these.
3. Egg Tarts
Many Americans are familiar with these addictive custard pastries, another popular sweet treat served at dim sum restaurants. They're smooth and lightly sweet, and come wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust that ties all the flavors and textures together. They’re especially popular in Cantonese bakeries, and they’re a great starting point for anyone new to Chinese desserts.
4. Mooncakes
Mooncakes are dense, beautifully designed pastries traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Classic fillings include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, and salted egg yolk, which might sound weird, but actually adds a rich savory note.
5. Mango Pomelo Sago
For a refreshing summer treat, nothing is better than mango pomelo sago, a chilled dessert made with mango, tiny tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and pieces of pomelo. It’s creamy, light, and fruity, and is especially easy to enjoy if you already like mango smoothies or fruit-based puddings.
6. Almond Tofu
We know the name might throw you off, but almond tofu isn't what it sounds like. It’s a soft, jelly-like dessert flavored with almond and often served with fruit cocktail or syrup. The texture is extremely delicate, and the flavor is mild enough that it won't be offputting or overwhelming for first-time eaters.
Fumiaki Yoshimatsu from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
7. Red Bean Soup
Don't worry, red bean isn't meant to be savory. And in this Chinese dessert, it's actually a warm dish made from sweetened adzuki beans. While beans might sound unusual in dessert to some Americans, it's very popular in Asia, and the soft texture and earthy sweetness make it surprisingly comforting.
8. Black Sesame Soup
Similarly, black sesame soup is another warm and comforting Chinese dessert that might sound misleading at first. But this thick and rich dish is made from ground black sesame seeds, sugar, and water, creating a dessert that's bold and nutty, which could be perfect for people who enjoy sesame, peanut butter, or toasted flavors.
9. Nian Gao
Again, if you love chewy foods, Chinese desserts will be right up your alley! Take nian gao for instance; this sticky rice cake is often eaten during Lunar New Year, but its chewy texture and lightly sweet flavor can be enjoyed year round. Deep-frying or pan-frying it gives it a delightful crispy exterior!
10. Eight Treasure Rice
Eight treasure rice is a festive steamed dessert made with glutinous rice, red bean paste, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds. It's got a bit of everything! The name comes from the lucky number eight, making the dessert feel celebratory in a joyful way.
11. Tanghulu
Now, this is one Chinese dessert that became super trendy on American social media! Tanghulu is a candied fruit skewer that's coated in a hardened sugar shell, giving it a crisp snap. Modern versions use strawberries, grapes, or other fruits, which makes it even more approachable for American snack lovers.
12. Wife Cake
The name doesn't give much away, but one bite and you'll fall in love with this delicious Chinese pastry. Wife cake is a flaky baked good with a soft, sweet filling usually made from winter melon paste. The outside is delicate and layered, while the inside is mild and slightly chewy.
13. Pineapple Bun With Butter
A Chinese classic, pineapple buns have won over many Western crowds with its crackly, golden topping, which looks a bit like pineapple skin, served warm with a thick slice of butter inside. It's sweet, soft, and slightly salty, making it easy to see why it's a bakery favorite.
Dennis Wong from Hong Kong, Hong Kong on Wikimedia
14. Taro Buns
Taro buns are soft Chinese bakery buns filled with sweet purple taro paste. The filling is smooth, earthy, and not too sweet, making it different from the usual fruit or chocolate fillings many Americans expect. They’re especially good when fresh from the bakery, with the bread still nicely fluffy and tender.
Cesar Carlevarino Aragon on Unsplash
15. Coconut Pudding
Chinese-style coconut pudding is cool, smooth, and lightly sweet. It’s often cut into cubes or served in small bowls, sometimes with fruit or jelly, and the coconut flavor is pleasant without being too rich, which makes it a nice dessert after a heavier meal.
16. Fa Gao
Often served during celebrations, fa gao is a steamed prosperity cake that might not sound like much, but is incredibly satisfying, especially to those who don't like desserts that are too sweet. It has a slightly chewy, fluffy texture and the flavor is simple and sweet.
Alpha from Melbourne, Australia on Wikimedia
17. Mung Bean Cake
Mung bean cake is a delicate Chinese dessert made from mung bean paste, sugar, and sometimes a little oil. It has a soft, crumbly texture that feels very different from Western cakes, so it might take a little time to get used to. Many versions are small and beautifully molded, so they’re easy to serve with tea or as a light afternoon treat.
Ralff Nestor Nacor on Wikimedia
18. Sachima
Made from fried strands of dough bound together with syrup, sachima is sweet, airy, and pleasantly chewy, with a unique texture you'll fall in love with. It’s often cut into squares, making it easy to snack on without needing a plate or fork.
19. Osmanthus Jelly
Osmanthus jelly is a clear, lightly sweet dessert often set with tiny yellow osmanthus flowers. The floral flavor is gentle, and the jelly texture makes it feel clean and refreshing. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants dessert but doesn’t want something dense or too heavy.
20. Douhua
Before you judge the ingredients, douhua is a silky tofu pudding that can be served sweet or savory, depending on the region. The dessert version often comes with ginger syrup, brown sugar syrup, red beans, or peanuts. It’s incredibly soft and smooth, working as a delicious, light post-meal treat.
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