Chinese desserts are a delightful exploration of unique flavors, textures, and cultural traditions. From sticky and chewy rice-based treats to light and fragrant herbal soups, Common Chinese Desserts reflect the diversity and ingenuity of Chinese culinary art. Unlike Western desserts, which often emphasize sweetness, Chinese sweets focus on balance and subtlety, making them both satisfying and distinct.
Explore the richness of Asian dessert recipes by checking out easy Asian desserts recipes for inspiration and tips.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients in Chinese Desserts
The uniqueness of Chinese desserts lies in their use of traditional ingredients:
- Glutinous Rice: The base of many chewy, sticky desserts like Tangyuan.
- Red Bean Paste: A versatile filling for buns, pastries, and cakes.
- Taro and Sweet Potatoes: Often used in puddings or candied forms.
- Sesame Seeds: Found in iconic dishes like sesame balls (Jian Dui).
- Osmanthus Flowers: Imparting a fragrant aroma to desserts and teas.
For more ideas on combining these ingredients, see popular Asian desserts and how they are used creatively in different dishes.
Types of Chinese Desserts
Chinese desserts are incredibly diverse, with distinct preparation methods, textures, and flavors. They range from steamed and fried delicacies to chilled and herbal treats. If you’re new to cooking or exploring Chinese sweets, this section will guide you step-by-step into understanding their different types and how they are made.
1. Steamed Desserts
Steaming is one of the most common cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. It preserves the natural flavor and creates soft, fluffy textures.
- Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls):
- Made from glutinous rice flour, these chewy balls are filled with sweet sesame paste or red bean paste.
- Served in a warm ginger syrup, perfect for festivals like the Lantern Festival.
- Beginner Tip: Mix glutinous rice flour with warm water to form a dough.
- Steamed Honeycomb Cake:
- A dim sum favorite, this dessert has a spongy texture with a mild caramel flavor.
- Beginner Tip: Use rice flour, sugar, and yeast. Let the batter rest before steaming to create the honeycomb structure.
2. Fried Desserts
Fried desserts are golden and crispy on the outside, often with a chewy or soft filling.
- Sesame Balls (Jian Dui):
- These deep-fried delights are coated in sesame seeds .
- Beginner Tip: Make small balls of glutinous rice dough, coat in sesame seeds, and fry over medium heat. Adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Fried Dough Twists (Mahua):
- A Northern Chinese snack made by twisting strips of dough and frying them until crisp.
- Beginner Tip: Combine flour, sugar, and water to form a dough. Twist into rope-like shapes and fry until golden brown.
3. Chilled Desserts
Chilled desserts are refreshing and often enjoyed during summer.
- Almond Jelly:
- A simple and cooling dessert made with almond essence, sugar, and agar.
- Beginner Tip: Dissolve agar in hot water, add sugar and almond extract, then let it set in the refrigerator.
- Grass Jelly:
- A herbal dessert served with syrup or in drinks like bubble tea.
- Beginner Tip: Use canned grass jelly, slice it into cubes, and serve with sweetened condensed milk or syrup.
4. Herbal Dessert Soups
Chinese dessert soups, or tang shui, are light, warm, and often infused with medicinal benefits.
- Snow Fungus and Red Date Soup:
- Known for its health benefits, this soup is slightly sweet and gelatinous.
- Beginner Tip: Soak snow fungus until it softens, then simmer with red dates, rock sugar, and goji berries for a nourishing treat.
- Sweet Potato Ginger Soup:
- A warming dessert perfect for cold weather.
- Beginner Tip: Peel and slice sweet potatoes. Boil them with ginger slices and brown sugar until soft.
5. Baked Desserts
Although less common, baked desserts are often found in Chinese bakeries.
- Egg Tarts:
- Originating from Cantonese dim sum, these tarts have a flaky crust and silky custard filling.
- Beginner Tip: Use pre-made pastry dough for the crust. Whisk eggs, milk, and sugar for the filling, then bake until set.
- Wife Cakes (Lou Po Bing):
- Thin, flaky pastries filled with sweet winter melon paste.
- Beginner Tip: Roll dough into thin sheets, add the filling, and bake until golden.
6. Candied and Preserved Desserts
These are simple yet delightful sweets made by preserving fruits or nuts.
- Candied Hawthorn Berries (Tanghulu):
- A popular street snack featuring fruits skewered on sticks and coated in hardened sugar syrup.
- Beginner Tip: Dip skewered fruits in a boiling sugar syrup and let cool on parchment paper.
- Five-Spice Peanuts:
- Peanuts coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Beginner Tip: Toss roasted peanuts in a mix of sugar, spices, and a bit of water, then bake until crisp.
7. Festival-Specific Desserts
Certain desserts are tied to festivals and traditions.
- Mooncakes:
- These pastries have intricate patterns and are filled with lotus paste, red bean, or salted egg yolks.
- Beginner Tip: Use mooncake molds to shape the pastry. Bake until the golden crust forms.
- Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake):
- A Chinese New Year dessert symbolizing prosperity.
- Beginner Tip: Combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Steam until firm.
Getting Started: Equipment and Ingredients
If you’re new to cooking Common Chinese Desserts, having the right tools and ingredients makes all the difference:
- Tools:
- A steamer basket.
- Non-stick frying pan for even frying.
- Mixing bowls and molds for shaping pastries.
- Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice flour (found in most Asian grocery stores).
- Rock sugar or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Red bean paste, sesame paste, or lotus paste for fillings.
Mastering these dessert types takes practice, but the process is fun and rewarding. Start with simpler recipes like almond jelly or sesame balls and gradually move to more intricate ones like mooncakes or steamed honeycomb cake. Happy cooking!
Dive into 20 best Asian desserts to make at home for more recipes to try.
Modern Takes on Chinese Desserts
In addition to the traditional recipes, modern adaptations of Chinese desserts have taken the world by storm:
- Bubble Tea: Originally from Taiwan, this refreshing drink features chewy tapioca pearls.
- Matcha Desserts: Incorporating green tea into traditional recipes for a fusion twist.
- Egg Tarts: A popular dim sum dessert inspired by Portuguese custard tarts.
Regional Specialties
China’s vast geography leads to diverse regional dessert styles:
- Cantonese Desserts:
- Mango Pudding: A smooth and tropical treat.
- Custard Buns: Steamed buns with creamy custard filling.
- Sichuan Desserts:
- Spicy jelly desserts made with Sichuan peppercorns.
- Northern Chinese Desserts:
- Candied fruits and baked pastries dominate.
Festive Chinese Desserts
Festivals are a significant part of Chinese culture, and desserts play a vital role in celebrations:
- Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake): Symbolizes progress and prosperity, commonly eaten during Chinese New Year.
- Zongzi (Rice Dumplings): A must-have for the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Mooncakes: Representing family unity and shared blessings.
Health Benefits of Chinese Desserts
Chinese desserts often utilize natural ingredients, offering both flavor and health benefits:
- Red Bean and Mung Beans: High in protein and low in sugar.
- Snow Fungus Soup: Believed to improve skin and boost immunity.
FAQs
What is the most popular Chinese dessert?
Mooncakes are widely recognized and enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Can Common Chinese Desserts be vegan?
Many traditional recipes are naturally vegan, such as sesame balls and almond jelly.
Are Common Chinese Desserts less sweet than Western ones?
Yes, Common Chinese Desserts typically use natural sweetness from ingredients like fruits or beans.
Conclusion
Common Chinese Desserts are a testament to the country’s rich culinary traditions. From chewy Tangyuan to fragrant osmanthus jelly, these sweets are both delicious and culturally significant. Ready to explore more? Start by trying recipes from how to make Asian desserts to bring the flavors of China into your home.
Common Chinese Desserts invite you to enjoy a taste of history and innovation, making every bite a journey through one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines.