Vietnamese Desserts

Vietnamese Desserts: Best Recipes, Ingredients, and Sweet Treats

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Vietnamese desserts are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining traditional ingredients like coconut milk, pandan leaves, and tapioca pearls with innovative preparation methods. From rich, creamy puddings to light and refreshing jellies, each treat reflects Vietnam’s unique culinary heritage.

For a more global perspective on dessert trends, visit this exotic cookie flavors guide to discover how different cultures embrace unique desserts like Vietnam’s.

We’ll explore traditional and modern Vietnamese desserts, essential ingredients, and recipes you can recreate at home. If you’re curious about easy desserts to pair with these recipes, check out this easy puff pastry dessert guide.

Traditional Vietnamese Desserts

1. Chè (Sweet Soups and Puddings)

Chè represents the heart of Vietnamese dessert culture, offering options that can be served hot or cold.

  • Banana Tapioca Pudding (Chè Chuối)
    • A comforting blend of ripe bananas, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk.
    • Perfect for any season—chilled for summer or warm for winter.
  • Sweet Corn Pudding (Chè Bắp)
    • A naturally vegan dessert combining fresh corn kernels and coconut milk.
  • Taro Pudding (Chè Khoai Môn)
    • Creamy taro paired with a rich coconut topping.

Discover more warm dessert ideas like chè in this funnel cake fries recipe for a crispy twist.

2. Sticky Rice-Based Treats

Sticky rice desserts play a significant role in Vietnamese celebrations.

  • Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream
    • Glutinous rice served with a drizzle of coconut cream for a satisfying texture.
  • Vietnamese Rice Ball Dessert (Bánh Trôi Nước)
    • Chewy mung bean-filled rice balls in a sweet ginger syrup.

Sticky rice treats offer a comforting warmth similar to baked pastries, like the ones featured in this apple puff pastry recipe.

3. Street Food Desserts

Vietnamese streets come alive with vendors selling fried and handheld sweets.

  • Sesame Balls (Bánh Cam)
    • Crispy fried balls filled with mung bean paste and coated with sesame seeds.
  • Vietnamese Donuts
    • Light and airy, these donuts are hollow and perfect for sweet fillings like chocolate or caramel.

For more creative fried recipes, take a look at these chocolate cake pops to pair with your Vietnamese street food delights.

Modern Vietnamese Desserts and Beverages

1. Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa)

A rich and creamy coffee that doubles as a dessert-like indulgence.

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee (or any dark roast coffee)
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Ice cubes (optional for iced coffee)
Equipment:
  • Vietnamese coffee filter (phin) or a French press
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Coffee: Add 2 tablespoons of Vietnamese ground coffee to the phin filter.
  2. Add Hot Water: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of hot water into the filter to bloom the coffee for about 30 seconds. Then pour the remaining hot water into the filter.
  3. Let It Brew: Cover the phin filter with its lid and let the coffee drip slowly (around 5-7 minutes).
  4. Sweeten It: Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of a glass or mug.
  5. Mix and Serve: Once the coffee has fully dripped, stir it well with the condensed milk.
    • For Iced Coffee: Pour the mixture over a glass filled with ice cubes.
Tips:
  • Use a robust, dark roast coffee for authentic flavors.

2. Vietnamese Avocado Shake (Sinh Tố Bơ)

A creamy and refreshing dessert beverage made with ripe avocados.

Ingredients:
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 1 cup whole milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed, and scoop out the flesh into a blender.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add the milk, condensed milk, and ice cubes to the blender.
  3. Blend: Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
  4. Serve: Pour into a tall glass and enjoy with a straw or spoon.
Tips:
  • For a vegan version, use coconut milk or almond milk and a sweetener like maple syrup.
  • Garnish with a drizzle of condensed milk or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra texture.

3. Bubble Tea (Boba Tea)

This customizable beverage is a favorite worldwide and features chewy tapioca pearls.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (available at Asian grocery stores)
  • 1 cup brewed tea (black, jasmine, or green tea)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey
  • Ice cubes
Instructions:
  1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Boil water in a large pot. Add the tapioca pearls and cook according to package instructions (usually 5-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Sweeten the Pearls: Drain the pearls and soak them in simple syrup or honey for 10 minutes to absorb sweetness.
  3. Prepare the Tea: Brew your preferred tea and let it cool. Mix in milk and additional sweetener if desired.
  4. Assemble: Add the tapioca pearls to a tall glass, fill with ice, and pour the tea-milk mixture over it.
  5. Serve: Use a wide straw for sipping the pearls along with the tea.
Tips:
  • Experiment with flavors by adding fruit purees or flavored syrups (e.g., taro, mango, or matcha).
  • For extra texture, include jellies or popping boba.

4. No-Churn Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream

A frozen twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons Vietnamese coffee powder (or instant espresso powder)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
  1. Brew the Coffee: Mix the coffee powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water to create a strong coffee concentrate. Let it cool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the condensed milk, coffee concentrate, and vanilla extract into the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
  3. Serve: Scoop into bowls and serve as a refreshing dessert.
Tips:
  • Garnish with a drizzle of condensed milk or crushed coffee beans for extra flair.
  • Add chocolate chips or swirls of caramel for more texture.

5. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Vietnamese Desserts Best Recipes, Ingredients, and Sweet Treats

A decadent blend of whipped egg yolk and coffee, Vietnamese egg coffee is creamy, velvety, and rich in flavor.

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons Vietnamese ground coffee
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
  1. Brew the Coffee: Use a Vietnamese phin filter or French press to brew strong, dark coffee. Set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, beat the egg yolk with condensed milk and sugar until it becomes light, fluffy, and custard-like.
  3. Assemble: Pour the brewed coffee into a cup, then gently spoon the whipped egg mixture on top.
  4. Serve: Enjoy hot, and use a spoon to mix the egg layer with the coffee as you drink.
Tips:
  • For an even richer flavor, add a drop of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
  • Serve in a small glass to showcase the layered appearance.

6. Vietnamese Coconut Coffee (Cà Phê Cốt Dừa)

This tropical coffee twist combines the bold flavor of coffee with the creaminess of coconut.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions:
  1. Brew the Coffee: Prepare a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method.
  2. Blend the Coconut Mixture: In a blender, combine coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and frothy.
  3. Assemble: Pour the coffee into a glass, then top with the blended coconut mixture.
  4. Serve: Stir lightly and enjoy immediately.
Tips:
  • For a sweeter variation, add a tablespoon of coconut cream.
  • Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

7. Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail (Chè Thái)

A refreshing dessert drink featuring tropical fruits, jelly, and coconut milk.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup canned jackfruit, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup lychee or longan (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup grass jelly or agar jelly, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup red rubies (water chestnuts dyed red and coated in tapioca starch)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons condensed milk
  • Crushed ice
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice jackfruit, lychee, and other fruits into bite-sized pieces. Cube the jelly and prepare red rubies as needed.
  2. Mix the Base: In a bowl, mix coconut milk and condensed milk until smooth.
  3. Assemble the Cocktail: Add fruits, jelly, and red rubies to a tall glass or bowl.
  4. Serve: Add crushed ice and mix before serving.
Tips:
  • Substitute canned tropical fruits with fresh ones like mango or dragon fruit for more flavor.
  • Add a few drops of pandan extract to the coconut milk for a fragrant twist.

8. Vietnamese Taro Milk Tea

A creamy and aromatic milk tea made with taro root for a light purple hue.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup taro root, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
  • 1/2 cup brewed black tea
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup tapioca pearls
Instructions:
  1. Cook the Taro: Boil the diced taro root until soft. Mash it into a smooth paste or blend with a little milk for a finer texture.
  2. Prepare the Tapioca Pearls: Boil the pearls according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Mix the Tea Base: Brew black tea and let it cool. Add the mashed taro, milk, and sugar to the tea. Blend if necessary for smoothness.
  4. Assemble: Add cooked tapioca pearls to a glass, pour in the taro tea mixture, and top with ice.
  5. Serve: Mix well and enjoy with a wide straw.
Tips:
  • Use taro powder for a quick version, though fresh taro provides a more authentic flavor.
  • Add purple yam for a brighter color and extra sweetness.

9. Vietnamese Mango Pudding (Pudding Xoài)

A simple yet luscious dessert made with fresh mangoes and coconut milk.

Ingredients:
  • 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegan version)
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Gelatin: Dissolve gelatin in warm water according to package instructions.
  2. Blend the Mango: Blend mango chunks with coconut milk, cream, and sugar until smooth.
  3. Combine: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the mango mixture. Pour into serving cups or molds.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh mango slices or a drizzle of coconut cream.
Tips:
  • For extra texture, add small tapioca pearls or sago to the pudding before chilling.
  • Use frozen mangoes when fresh ones are unavailable.

10. Coconut Jelly (Thạch Dừa)

A light, wobbly dessert perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 packet agar-agar powder
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Agar Mixture: Dissolve agar-agar powder and sugar in coconut water over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  2. Add Coconut Milk: Once dissolved, mix in coconut milk and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Set the Jelly: Pour the mixture into molds or a tray. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm.
  4. Serve: Cut into cubes or slices and enjoy chilled.
Tips:
  • For added flavor, layer the jelly with pandan juice or fruit purees.
  • Use fresh coconut water for the best taste.

These modern Vietnamese desserts and beverages showcase the creative fusion of traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Whether you enjoy them as standalone treats or pair them with other Vietnamese dishes, they’re guaranteed to impress!

Essential Ingredients in Vietnamese Desserts

The charm of Vietnamese desserts lies in their fresh and simple ingredients:

  • Coconut Milk: Adds richness to puddings and soups.
  • Pandan Leaves: Infuses desserts with a grassy, nutty aroma.
  • Tapioca Pearls: A chewy element in soups and beverages.
  • Glutinous Rice: The foundation of many traditional recipes.
  • Mung Beans: Used in fillings for sesame balls and sticky rice desserts.

FAQs About Vietnamese Desserts

Q1: What are the most popular Vietnamese desserts?
Popular options include chè, sticky rice desserts, and Vietnamese coffee.

Q2: Are Vietnamese desserts vegan-friendly?
Many recipes, such as sweet corn pudding and banana tapioca, are naturally vegan.

Q3: What equipment do I need to make Vietnamese desserts?
Most desserts require only basic tools like a saucepan or blender.

Conclusion

Vietnamese desserts offer a world of flavor and creativity, blending tradition with innovation. Whether it’s the creamy richness of chè or the fun textures of bubble tea, these desserts are a must-try. Explore the recipes mentioned above, and don’t forget to pair them with complementary baked treats like banana pudding brownies for a full dessert spread.