Asian Desserts Recipes: Easy Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino Treats

Asian desserts are a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. From the creamy richness of coconut milk desserts to the chewy delight of mochi, Asian sweets are a reflection of the region’s diverse cultures and ingredients. Whether you’re an avid baker or a culinary explorer, this guide is your gateway to creating delicious Asian Desserts Recipes at home.

What Makes Asian Desserts Unique?

Asian desserts stand apart for their use of unique ingredients like pandan leaves, glutinous rice, and tropical fruits. These staples lend themselves to a wide array of flavors and textures, making each dessert a work of art.

• Key highlights of Asian Desserts Recipes:
  • The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.
  • Use of natural ingredients like coconut, mango, and adzuki beans.
  • A focus on steaming, chilling, or frying rather than baking.

For those interested in stepping up their baking game, you might also explore how to bake a cake step by step using traditional techniques from the Baking Joys guide.

Regional Diversity in Asian Desserts

From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the quiet tea houses of Kyoto, Asian desserts recipes mirror the cultural richness of their origins. Explore some standout regional delicacies:

• Southeast Asia:
  • Mango sticky rice – a creamy blend of mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk.
  • Halo-halo – a layered Filipino dessert of shaved ice, milk, and sweet toppings.
• East Asia:
  • Mochi – soft and chewy rice cakes.
  • Egg tarts – flaky pastries filled with creamy custard.
• South Asia:
  • Kulfi – a dense, creamy ice cream.

To expand on celebration-worthy desserts, take inspiration from birthday cake recipes for adults and moms for a fusion twist on classic Asian sweets.

Japanese Desserts Recipes for Beginners

1. Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake

A light and airy dessert, Japanese cheesecake is known for its souffle-like texture and subtle sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 200g cream cheese
• 50g unsalted butter
• 100ml milk
• 4 eggs (separate whites and yolks)
• 80g sugar
• 60g cake flour
• 20g cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Prepare a water bath by placing a larger baking tray filled with water in the oven.
2. Melt cream cheese, butter, milk. Stir until smooth.
3. Whisk in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
4. Sift in cake flour then mix until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, add egg whites until frothy.
6. Fold the meringue gently into the cream cheese mixture in thirds.
7. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined springform pan. Place the pan in the water bath.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes.

2. Mochi (Plain with Sweet Red Bean Filling)

Soft and chewy, mochi is a simple rice cake that pairs well with sweet fillings like red bean paste.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)
• Cornstarch for dusting

Instructions:

1. Combine rice flour, sugar, and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix until smooth.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and now make it in microwave for 1 min. Stir, then microwave for another minute. Repeat until the mixture becomes sticky and translucent.
3. Dust a clean surface with cornstarch. Transfer the mochi dough and let it cool slightly.
4. Divide the dough into small portions. Flatten each piece, place a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center, and seal it into a ball.

3. Dorayaki (Japanese Sweet Pancakes)

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 50g sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and honey until frothy.
2. Sift in flour and baking powder, then mix. Add water to adjust consistency.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat.
4. Cook it , then wait until bubbles appear, after that flip and cook for 40sec.
5. Spread the red bean paste on one pancake and then place it on the other pancake.

4. Matcha Latte Pudding

A no-bake, silky dessert flavored with matcha (green tea powder).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp gelatin powder
• 2 tbsp water (for blooming gelatin)

Instructions:

1. Bloom gelatin in 2 tbsp of water for 5 minutes.
2. Heat milk, cream, sugar, and matcha powder in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth (do not boil).
3. Add the dissolved gelatin and stir until dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into small ramekins. Let it set in the fridge for 3-4 hours before serving.

5. Simple Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream combines the chewy texture of mochi with creamy ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Cornstarch for dusting
• 1 pint green tea ice cream (or your favorite flavor)

Instructions:

1. Scoop ice cream into small balls and freeze until solid.
2. Mix rice flour, sugar, and water for 3 minutes.
3. Dust a clean surface with cornstarch. Spread the mochi dough and cut it into circles.
4. Wrap each ice cream ball with mochi, pinching the edges to seal.
5. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

These simple recipes introduce you to Japanese desserts, even if you’re new to cooking. Each recipe is designed to be approachable, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of Japan right in your kitchen!

Chinese Desserts Recipes for Beginners

1. Tanghulu (Candied Fruit Skewers)

Tanghulu is a classic Chinese street food featuring fruits coated in a crisp sugar shell.

Ingredients:

• 10 strawberries (or any small fruit)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Bamboo skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the fruits thoroughly. Any moisture will prevent the sugar coating from sticking.
2. Skewer the fruits, placing 3-4 per stick.
3. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) or hard crack stage.
4. Dip each skewer into the sugar syrup, coating the fruits completely.
5. Place the skewers on parchment paper and let them cool until the sugar hardens.

2. Egg Custard Tarts

Egg custard tarts are flaky pastries filled with silky custard, a favorite in dim sum.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp cold water
• For the custard:
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust: Mix flour and sugar, then cut in butter until crumbly. Now we need some cold water to form a dough. Chill for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Now press them into a muffin tin to form tart shells.
4. Make the custard: Heat milk and sugar until dissolved (do not boil). Whisk eggs and vanilla, then combine with the milk mixture.
5. Pour the custard into the tart shells and bake for 20-25 minutes until the custard sets.

3. Black Sesame Soup

A warm, nutty, and slightly sweet dessert perfect for cooler weather.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Toast black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until aromatic. Let them cool and grind into a fine powder using a blender.
2. Mix the ground sesame seeds, glutinous rice flour, and sugar.
3. Boil water in a pot. Gradually whisk in the sesame mixture until smooth.
4. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Serve hot.

4. Osmanthus Jelly

Osmanthus jelly is a light, floral dessert made with dried osmanthus flowers.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried osmanthus flowers
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp gelatin powder
• 2 tbsp cold water (for blooming gelatin)

Instructions:

1. Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, boil water and steep osmanthus flowers for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid to remove flowers.
3. Add sugar to the osmanthus tea and stir until dissolved. Then add the dissolved gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set.

5. Coconut Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

A traditional Chinese New Year treat, Nian Gao is chewy and lightly sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat a steamer. Grease a small round pan with oil.
2. Mix rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and oil in a bowl until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the greased pan and steam for 30-40 minutes.
4. Let it cool before slicing. Serve as is or pan-fry slices for extra flavor.

6. Almond Jelly (with Fruits)

A refreshing dessert with a creamy almond flavor, often served with mixed fruits.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp gelatin powder
• Mixed fruits for topping (e.g., lychee, mango)

Instructions:

1. Bloom gelatin in a small amount of water.
2. Heat almond milk, water, and sugar in a saucepan (do not boil). Add the dissolved gelatin and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
4. Cut into cubes and serve with mixed fruits.

These recipes are perfect for introducing you to the world of Chinese desserts. They are simple, yet delicious, and will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen. Enjoy making these delightful treats!

Filipino Desserts Recipes for Beginners

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to Filipino desserts, featuring simple yet delicious recipes that anyone can make.

1. Halo-Halo (Mixed Ice Dessert)

A refreshing dessert with a mix of sweetened fruits, beans, and crushed ice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shaved ice
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup sweetened bananas (saba or plantain)
• 1/4 cup sweetened jackfruit
• 1/4 cup sweetened red beans
• 1/4 cup sweetened macapuno (coconut strings)
• 2 tbsp ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 1 scoop of vanilla or ube ice cream

Instructions:

1. Layer sweetened fruits, beans, and macapuno in a tall glass.
2. Add shaved ice on top and pour evaporated milk over it.
3. Top with a scoop of ube halaya and ice cream. Serve immediately.

2. Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)

A creamy and vibrant dessert made from ube (purple yam).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ube (purple yam), boiled and mashed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut milk in a skillet over medium heat, then add the mashed beans and mix well.
2. Stir in condensed milk, butter, and sugar. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
3. Pour into a greased container, let it cool, and refrigerate before serving.

3. Turon (Fried Banana Rolls)

A crispy and sweet treat made with bananas and caramelized sugar.

Ingredients:

• 6 saba bananas (or plantains), sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 12 spring roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Coat banana slices in brown sugar.
2. Place a banana slice on a spring roll wrapper.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan, then fry the rolls .after that you wait until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

4. Bibingka (Coconut Rice Cake)

A soft, rice-based cake traditionally baked in banana leaves.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• Banana leaves (optional)
• Grated coconut or cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking pan with banana leaves, if available.
2. Mix rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, water, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
4. Top with grated coconut or cheese before serving.

5. Leche Flan (Filipino Caramel Custard)

A rich and creamy custard with a layer of caramel.

Ingredients:

• 10 egg yolks
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 1/2 cup sugar (for caramel)

Instructions:

1. Heat sugar in a pan over low heat until it melts and turns golden brown.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the caramel-lined mold. Cover with foil.
4. Steam for 30-40 minutes or until set. Let it cool, then refrigerate before serving.

6. Maja Blanca (Coconut Milk Pudding)

A creamy and simple dessert made with coconut milk and cornstarch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and corn kernels. Heat over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1/4 cup water. Gradually stir into the pot.
3. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens.
4. Pour into a greased mold and let it set in the fridge. Slice before serving.

7. Buko Pandan Salad

A refreshing dessert featuring young coconut and pandan-flavored gelatin.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack pandan-flavored gelatin mix
• 2 cups young coconut strips
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare pandan gelatin according to package instructions. Cut into cubes once set.
2. Combine gelatin cubes, young coconut strips, condensed milk, and cream in a bowl.
3. Chill before serving.

These recipes showcase the sweet and vibrant flavors of the Philippines, making them perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Try these simple steps to enjoy authentic Filipino desserts at home!

For a modern dessert with artistic flair, read more about the most delicious cake in the world as a dessert centerpiece idea at Baking Joys.

Techniques and Ingredients

Common Ingredients in Asian Desserts Recipes

• Coconut milk: Adds creaminess to many Southeast Asian Desserts Recipes.
• Glutinous rice: The base of treats like mochi and sticky rice desserts.
• Pandan leaves: Used for its distinct aromatic flavor.

Cooking Techniques

• Steaming: For desserts like kuih talam.
• Chilling: For jellies and puddings.
• Frying: Essential for treats like turon and jalebi.

FAQs About Asian Desserts

What are the most popular Asian desserts?

Some of the most iconic include mochi, mango sticky rice, and halo-halo.

How do I make gluten-free Asian desserts?

Most Asian Desserts Recipes are naturally gluten-free, using glutinous rice flour instead of wheat flour.

What are substitutes for coconut milk?

You can replace coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk, but this may alter the flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Asian Desserts Recipes at Home

• Source authentic ingredients like pandan leaves or glutinous rice flour from Asian markets.
• Invest in tools like steamers and molds for authenticity.
• Always taste-test as you go to balance sweetness and flavors.

By mastering these recipes, you’ll bring the vibrant world of Asian Desserts Recipes into your kitchen. Explore related creations and unique approaches by checking out how to make a stunning Barbie doll cake for more artistic dessert inspiration at Baking Joys.