Chinese cuisine is celebrated for its rich and diverse range of dishes, from savory stir-fries to fragrant soups and delicate dumplings. However, one aspect of Chinese food that often gets overlooked is its desserts. Chinese desserts are as varied as the regions from which they originate, and they offer an exciting combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients that are not typically found in Western sweets. From sweet bean pastes to steamed cakes, Chinese desserts bring a delightful conclusion to any meal.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Chinese desserts. We’ll explore some of the most beloved sweets in Chinese culinary tradition, uncover their history, and show you how they can be prepared in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for something simple or more complex, Chinese desserts offer a wide array of choices to satisfy any sweet tooth.

1. Tangyuan (Sweet Rice Dumplings)

One of the most famous Chinese desserts is Tangyuan (汤圆), small round dumplings made of glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, sesame paste, or peanut butter. The dumplings are traditionally served in a bowl of sweet ginger soup or hot water.

Tangyuan is particularly popular during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. Its round shape symbolizes unity and completeness, making it a symbol of family reunion. The chewy texture of the rice dough, combined with the sweetness of the filling, makes Tangyuan an unforgettable treat.

How to Make Tangyuan:

• Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, water, sesame paste, sugar, and ginger.
• Method: To make the dough, combine glutinous rice flour and water until a smooth dough forms. Then, roll the dough into small balls and stuff them with a sweet sesame paste filling. Boil the dumplings in water until they float, then serve them in a ginger-sugar syrup.

2. Mooncakes (Yue Bing)

Mooncakes (月饼) are one of the most iconic Chinese desserts, particularly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries are filled with various fillings, including sweet lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. The crust of the mooncake is golden and slightly crispy, and the rich filling inside can range from sweet and savory to creamy and crunchy.

Mooncakes have a long history and are closely tied to Chinese culture, symbolizing the full moon and family unity. They are typically exchanged as gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival as a gesture of goodwill and blessing.

How to Make Mooncakes:

• Ingredients: Lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, mooncake dough, golden syrup, and lye water.
• Method: First, make the filling by combining lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. Prepare the dough and roll it out. Wrap the filling inside the dough, then mold the mooncakes into a round shape using a mooncake mold. Bake the mooncakes until golden and allow them to rest before serving.

3. Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)

Egg tarts (蛋挞) are a popular dessert in Cantonese cuisine, often served in dim sum restaurants and bakeries. These delicious tarts have a flaky, buttery crust and a smooth, custard-like filling made from eggs, milk, and sugar. The balance of sweetness and creaminess makes egg tarts a favorite among dessert lovers.

Egg tarts were introduced to China by the British during the colonial era in Hong Kong, where they quickly became popular. Today, they are enjoyed in various parts of China and have become a symbol of Cantonese cuisine.

How to Make Egg Tarts:

• Ingredients: Puff pastry, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Method: First, prepare the pastry by rolling out the puff pastry and cutting it into rounds to fit tart pans. Next, prepare the custard by mixing eggs, sugar, and milk. Pour the custard into the pastry shells and bake until golden brown and set.

4. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Jian Dui (煎堆) are deep-fried sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste. These golden, crunchy balls are coated with sesame seeds on the outside, giving them a satisfying crunch. Inside, they are filled with a sweet paste that is smooth and slightly sticky.

Jian Dui is commonly eaten during the Chinese New Year and other celebrations. The sesame seeds symbolize wealth and prosperity, making this treat not only delicious but also auspicious.

How to Make Jian Dui:

• Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, sesame seeds, and vegetable oil.
• Method: To make the dough, combine glutinous rice flour and water. Roll the dough into small balls and stuff them with red bean paste. Coat the balls in sesame seeds, then deep fry them until golden and crispy.

5. Almond Jelly (Xing Ren Tong Shui)

Almond Jelly (杏仁豆腐) is a refreshing and light dessert that is especially popular in summer. It is made from sweet almond-flavored gelatin that is served chilled. The almond jelly is typically cut into cubes or served in bowls and topped with fruit or sweet syrup.

This dessert is believed to have originated in ancient China and was originally made with apricot kernels, which have a mild almond flavor. Today, it is often made with almond extract for a more pronounced flavor.

How to Make Almond Jelly:

• Ingredients: Almond extract, agar-agar, sugar, and water.
• Method: Dissolve agar-agar in water, then add almond extract and sugar. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set. Once firm, cut into cubes and serve with fruit or syrup.

6. Sweet Red Bean Soup (Hong Dou Tang)

Sweet Red Bean Soup (红豆汤) is a beloved dessert soup in Chinese cuisine, made from red beans (azuki beans), sugar, and sometimes coconut milk. This warm, comforting soup is often enjoyed during colder months and is known for its natural sweetness and creamy texture.

The red beans used in this dessert are rich in nutrients and are believed to have health benefits, such as improving digestion and providing energy. The sweet red bean soup is commonly served during the Chinese New Year or as an everyday dessert.

How to Make Sweet Red Bean Soup:

• Ingredients: Red beans, sugar, coconut milk (optional), and water.
• Method: Boil the red beans in water until soft. Add sugar and cook for a few more minutes until the beans are tender and the soup thickens. Optionally, you can add coconut milk for a creamier texture.

7. Lotus Seed Soup (Lian Zi Tang)

Lotus Seed Soup (莲子汤) is a traditional Chinese dessert that combines lotus seeds, white fungus, and rock sugar to create a sweet, light soup. The lotus seeds are prized for their health benefits, such as improving sleep quality and promoting heart health. This dessert is often enjoyed as a cooling remedy during hot summer months.

How to Make Lotus Seed Soup:

• Ingredients: Lotus seeds, white fungus, rock sugar, and water.
• Method: Soak the lotus seeds and white fungus overnight. Boil the ingredients in water for several hours until the soup becomes thick and fragrant. Add rock sugar to taste and serve chilled or warm.

8. Taro Balls (Sha Yuan)

Taro Balls (芋圆) are a popular dessert in Taiwan and southern China. These chewy balls are made from taro, a root vegetable with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The taro is mashed, combined with tapioca starch, and formed into small balls that are boiled and served in a sweet syrup or coconut milk.

Taro balls are often found in Taiwanese boba tea shops or served as a snack or dessert in restaurants. Their chewy texture makes them a fun and satisfying treat.

How to Make Taro Balls:

• Ingredients: Taro, tapioca starch, sugar, and water.
• Method: Steam or boil the taro until soft, then mash it and mix with tapioca starch to form a dough. Roll the dough into small balls and boil until they float. Serve with syrup or coconut milk.

9. Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup

A common dessert in southern China, Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup (芋头椰子汤) combines sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and rock sugar for a creamy, comforting treat. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, while the coconut milk provides a rich, velvety texture.

This dessert is often enjoyed in the colder months or after a large meal, as it is light but filling.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup:

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, coconut milk, rock sugar, and water.
• Method: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil them in water until soft, then add coconut milk and rock sugar. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, and serve warm.

Conclusion

Chinese desserts offer an incredible array of flavors, textures, and traditions. From the chewy sweetness of Tangyuan to the rich, golden layers of Mooncakes, these desserts reflect the cultural diversity and culinary heritage of China. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these desserts are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your table.

With their natural sweetness, use of unique ingredients, and variety of textures, Chinese desserts provide a wonderful

way to explore a different side of Chinese culinary traditions. Why not try making some of these sweets at home? Whether you choose to prepare a traditional Sesame Ball or a refreshing Almond Jelly, you’ll be able to enjoy a delightful and authentic Chinese dessert that’s sure to impress!