Chinese desserts offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures that differ from Western sweet treats. From sticky rice balls to creamy puddings, these desserts blend traditional ingredients like red bean paste, lotus seeds, and glutinous rice flour into memorable treats.
When you explore Chinese desserts, you’ll discover that many are less sweet than their Western counterparts. They often highlight subtle flavors like black sesame, almond, and coconut.
Popular options include egg tarts, mango pudding, and sesame balls that you might find at restaurants. Others serve as everyday snacks or appear during special celebrations.
Try making some at home to experience the unique balance of flavors that make Chinese desserts special.
1. Egg Tart
Egg tarts are a beloved Chinese dessert with a silky, smooth custard filling in a flaky or cookie-like crust. These treats have influences from English custard tarts and Portuguese pastel de nata.
You can find egg tarts in many dim sum restaurants. The filling tastes similar to flan but a bit lighter.
The outer shell can be either flaky and buttery or more like a cookie or pie crust. If you make these at home, bake them at 325°F for 25-35 minutes until the custard sets.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Mooncake
Mooncakes are traditional Chinese pastries eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They have a tender pastry skin with various fillings inside.
Popular flavors include red bean paste, lotus seed paste, and five kernel (a mix of nuts and seeds). Some mooncakes also contain salted egg yolks to represent the full moon.
You can find creative variations like caramel almond mooncakes with gooey fillings. Some versions even include roast pork for a savory twist.
Many people purchase mooncakes from bakeries, but you can make them at home. They’re perfect for sharing with family during celebrations and make wonderful gifts.
3. Tangyuan (Sweet Sticky Rice Balls)
Tangyuan are chewy glutinous rice balls that play an important role in Chinese celebrations, especially during Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. These sticky treats have a texture similar to mochi.
The balls are typically filled with sweet pastes like black sesame, red bean, or peanut that ooze out when you bite into them. The outer skin is made from glutinous rice flour, giving tangyuan its signature chewy texture.
You’ll usually find tangyuan served in a light sweet soup or ginger-infused broth. They symbolize family unity and togetherness in Chinese culture.
4. Almond Tofu
Almond Tofu is a refreshing Chinese dessert that’s perfect for summer. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain tofu—it’s a silky, wobbly jelly-like dessert with a mild almond flavor.
This dessert is often served with fruit cocktail or fresh fruits on top. The contrast between the smooth almond jelly and the juicy fruits creates a delightful eating experience.
You can make Almond Tofu at home in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s less sweet than many Western desserts, making it a light way to end a meal.
The dessert has a milk Jell-O appearance but offers more flavor and typically uses less sugar than similar treats.
5. Black Sesame Soup
Black sesame soup is a unique Chinese dessert that might surprise you with its dark appearance. It’s made from ground black sesame seeds, creating a sweet and nutty flavor profile.
Many consider it a healthy treat due to the benefits of sesame seeds. The soup has a smooth, creamy texture that feels comforting to eat.
It’s typically served warm, making it perfect for cooler days. You can find this dessert at many Chinese restaurants or make it at home.
It’s not overly sweet, which makes it a good option if you prefer more subtle desserts.
6. Ba Bao Fan (Eight-Treasure Rice)
Ba Bao Fan is a festive Chinese rice pudding traditionally served during Lunar New Year celebrations. This sweet dessert features sticky rice filled with red bean paste and topped with an assortment of dried fruits and nuts.
The “eight treasures” refer to the various toppings that decorate the surface, which may include candied fruits, lotus seeds, red dates, and nuts. These ingredients are arranged in decorative patterns before steaming.
When served, Ba Bao Fan is unmolded to reveal its colorful toppings. The contrast between the soft sticky rice, sweet red bean filling, and chewy dried fruits creates a delightful texture combination.
7. Dragon’s Beard Candy
Dragon’s Beard Candy is one of China’s most impressive traditional sweets. It’s also known as Chinese cotton candy, but it’s quite different from the Western version.
Skilled candy makers stretch and pull a maltose mixture thousands of times until it forms incredibly thin, silky strands resembling a white beard. The delicate threads are typically wrapped around a filling of crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or coconut.
When you bite into it, the candy offers a pleasant contrast between the melt-in-your-mouth exterior and crunchy center. Dragon’s Beard Candy is notoriously difficult to make by hand.
It’s also very sensitive to humidity, so you should eat it quickly before it loses its texture.
8. Chinese Walnut Cookies
Chinese Walnut Cookies are a popular treat during Lunar New Year celebrations. These cookies have a buttery, barely sweet flavor with a delightful toasty, nutty taste.
The texture is pleasantly crisp yet tender, making them perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. Their simplicity is part of their charm, offering a nostalgic wholesomeness that appeals to all ages.
These aromatic cookies are packed with nutty goodness from finely chopped walnuts. You can easily make these at home for your own celebrations or whenever you crave a not-too-sweet treat with a satisfying crunch.
9. Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup is a beloved Chinese dessert that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort. This sweet treat is made by simmering red beans until they become tender and slightly broken down.
The traditional recipe includes rock sugar for sweetness, but modern variations might add coconut milk or tapioca pearls for extra texture and flavor. Some recipes even include condensed milk for richness.
You can enjoy this dessert hot during cooler months or chilled in summer. The mild, earthy flavor of the beans pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness.
For an extra special touch, you might find red bean soup served with small rice balls or homemade mochi.
10. Nian Gao (Sweet Rice Cake)
Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese dessert often enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. This sticky rice cake symbolizes prosperity and growth in the coming year.
The name “Gao” sounds like the word for “tall” or “high” in Chinese, representing the hope for achievements and progress. This simple yet meaningful dessert requires just a few ingredients including glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water.
You can find both steamed and baked versions of Nian Gao. The texture is delightfully chewy and sticky.
Some versions are dipped in coconut sugar and roasted soybean powder for extra flavor.
11. Mango Pudding
Mango pudding is a beloved Chinese dessert known for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet mango flavor. You’ll often find this refreshing treat served in dim sum restaurants and Chinese dessert shops.
This simple dessert is made with fresh mango puree mixed with evaporated milk or coconut milk, giving it a rich, silky consistency. Some versions use half and half for an even creamier result.
Popular during Chinese New Year celebrations, mango pudding offers a light finish to any meal. You can easily make this at home with just a few ingredients.
The bright yellow-orange color and fresh fruit flavor make it visually appealing and delicious, especially when topped with fresh mango pieces.
12. Fried Glutinous Rice Sesame Balls
These golden, crispy treats are popular throughout China. Made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, these chewy balls feature a sweet filling inside.
You can find different fillings in these sesame balls, including red bean paste, sweet sesame, and peanut. The filling oozes out when you bite into the satisfying chewy texture.
To make them, form the glutinous rice flour mixture into balls, roll them in sesame seeds, and deep-fry until golden. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the outside.
These delicious snacks are especially popular during celebrations like Lunar New Year. You might hear them called by different regional names like Jian Dui or tang yuan.
13. Hakka-Style Mochi Cakes
Hakka-style mochi cakes are a delightful Chinese dessert with a chewy texture. These treats are made from glutinous rice flour that creates their signature soft, elastic consistency.
People typically roll the mochi in a mixture of ground peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut sugar. This coating adds a nutty flavor and pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft interior.
You can find these mochi cakes at Chinese bakeries or make them at home with simple ingredients. Traditional Hakka mochi doesn’t require complex recipes—just the right technique to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
14. Fa Gao (Steamed Rice Cake)
Fa Gao is a Chinese steamed cake often made to celebrate Lunar New Year. Known as a “prosperity cake,” it rises and cracks during steaming, symbolizing growing fortune.
These fluffy cakes are made from rice flour and are not overly sweet compared to Western desserts. The steaming process gives them a slightly squishy exterior and a soft interior.
You can find Fa Gao in various flavors, and they’re typically healthier than fried desserts. The traditional version is often eaten warm and makes a perfect light snack or breakfast item during festive celebrations.
15. Tofu/Soy Pudding (Dou Hua)
Tofu pudding, also known as Dou Hua or 豆腐花, is a silky-soft Chinese dessert made from soy milk. It has a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
You can enjoy this versatile treat either hot or cold. In its sweet form, people often top it with a ginger and brown sugar syrup.
Some regions serve Dou Hua as a savory dish with umami gravy. This version includes ingredients like pork, dried lily flowers, and mushrooms.
You can make a simplified version at home in just 10 minutes with about five ingredients. The authentic version requires practice to perfect.
16. Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin pancakes are a delightful Chinese dessert that combines sweetness with a soft, chewy texture. These golden treats feature a crispy exterior with a mochi-like interior that’s gooey and sticky.
The pancakes are made from steamed pumpkin mashed with glutinous rice flour to create a soft dough. They’re typically filled with sweet red bean paste, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
For the finishing touch, coat these pancakes with panko breadcrumbs or sesame seeds before pan-frying to perfection. The crispy outer layer contrasts with the soft pumpkin and sweet filling inside.
17. Sweet Egg Yolk Buns
Sweet egg yolk buns, also known as Liu Sha Bao or custard buns, are a popular dim sum treat with a creamy, flowing center. These pillowy soft buns contain a sweet and slightly salty custard filling made with egg yolks.
Traditional recipes sometimes include salted duck egg yolks for a savory contrast to the sweetness. The filling has a unique flowing texture when warm, creating a delightful “molten lava” effect.
You can find these buns at dim sum restaurants, but you can also make them at home. A typical recipe yields about 15 buns, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
18. Almond Cookies
Almond cookies are a traditional Chinese treat often enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. These cookies are light, crunchy, and packed with rich almond flavor.
They typically feature a round shape with a cracked top. Sometimes, bakers press an almond into the center.
The texture can range from soft to crunchy, depending on the recipe. Modern versions might include chocolate marbling or other creative twists on the classic recipe.
You can find these cookies in Chinese bakeries year-round. They hold special significance during festivals.
These butter-based treats offer the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor. Enjoy them with a cup of tea.
19. Sesame Seed Balls (Jian Dui)
Jian Dui are crispy, sweet treats made from glutinous rice flour. Bakers coat these golden balls with sesame seeds that become crunchy when fried.
The exterior is delightfully crisp, while the inside offers a chewy texture. Biting into one reveals a satisfying contrast between the crunchy outside and soft center.
These desserts typically contain sweet fillings. Popular options include lotus seed paste, red bean paste, black sesame, peanut paste, or mung bean.
Enjoy Jian Dui as a breakfast item or a snack. They’re especially popular during Chinese New Year celebrations but are available year-round at many Chinese bakeries.
20. Black Sesame Paste
Black sesame paste is a beloved Chinese dessert with a rich, nutty flavor. This sweet treat has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Cooks traditionally make black sesame paste by grinding toasted black sesame seeds with rice in a stone mill. However, you can find easier methods to make this at home without special equipment.
Enjoy black sesame paste warm as a comforting soup-like dessert. It’s delicious and nutritious, packed with the health benefits of sesame seeds.
You’ll find variations of this dessert across Asian cuisine, from smooth puddings to fillings in pastries and mochi. Try it as a unique alternative to chocolate or vanilla desserts.
21. Sweet Osmanthus Jelly
Sweet Osmanthus Jelly, or Gui Hua Gao in Chinese, is a refreshing dessert that showcases the delicate floral flavor of osmanthus flowers. This traditional Chinese treat has a beautiful amber color and a soft, jiggly texture.
To make this jelly, steep dried osmanthus flowers in water to create a fragrant infusion. Combine the mixture with gelatin, rock sugar, and sometimes honey for sweetness.
Some recipes also include goji berries for extra color and flavor. Enjoy this light dessert chilled, especially during warm weather.
It’s visually appealing with its translucent appearance and tiny golden flower specks throughout.
Cultural Significance of Chinese Desserts
Chinese desserts carry deep cultural meaning that goes beyond their sweet flavors. These treats connect generations through symbolic ingredients and play essential roles during important celebrations throughout the year.
Symbolism in Traditional Ingredients
Red bean paste symbolizes good luck and happiness in Chinese culture. When you eat desserts containing this ingredient, you participate in a tradition believed to bring fortune.
Sweet rice balls (tangyuan) represent family unity and completeness because of their round shape. Glutinous rice, used in many traditional sweets like nian gao, symbolizes cohesiveness and prosperity.
The sticky texture represents family bonds that can’t be broken easily. Lotus seeds in desserts symbolize fertility and abundant offspring, making them popular at weddings and family gatherings.
Seeds from other fruits like watermelon and pumpkin are often candied as symbols of fertility and abundance.
Role in Festivals and Celebrations
During Chinese New Year, many homes feature nian gao (sticky rice cake). Its name sounds like “higher year” in Chinese, representing growth and progress for the coming year.
Tangyuan is essential during the Lantern Festival, where families gather to eat these sweet rice balls. Moon cakes are the star of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
These dense pastries filled with lotus seed paste or red bean represent family reunion and completeness with their round shape. Wedding banquets traditionally include sweet lotus seed soup to bless the couple with many children.
Red date desserts also appear at celebrations as they symbolize prosperity and fertility.
Common Flavors and Ingredients
Chinese desserts feature distinct flavors and textures that set them apart from Western sweets. These treats rely on natural ingredients and unique preparation methods that create memorable taste experiences.
Popular Sweeteners
Chinese desserts typically use less sugar than Western counterparts. Red bean paste (dousha) is one of the most common sweet fillings, offering a naturally sweet flavor with a smooth texture.
Many traditional recipes incorporate lotus seed paste, which has a subtle sweetness and is often used in mooncakes and buns. Rock sugar adds gentle sweetness to soups and puddings without overwhelming other flavors.
Unlike refined white sugar, rock sugar provides a clean, mild sweetness. Honey appears in many Chinese sweets, especially when paired with nuts or fruits.
In recent years, condensed milk has become popular as a topping or ingredient, particularly in Hong Kong-style desserts. Osmanthus flowers add a distinctive floral sweetness to cakes and jellies.
The fragrant blossoms create a unique flavor profile that’s instantly recognizable in Chinese cuisine.
Texture Preferences in Chinese Sweets
Texture plays a crucial role in Chinese desserts. Chewy textures are highly valued.
This preference explains the popularity of sticky rice desserts like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Mochi-like treats with stretchy consistency also enjoy widespread appreciation.
People enjoy tapioca pearls in bubble tea and puddings. Contrasting textures often appear together in a single dessert.
You’ll find smooth custards topped with crunchy nuts. Silky tofu puddings often come with chewy taro balls.
Many Chinese desserts feature gelatinous components made from ingredients like agar-agar or grass jelly. These ingredients provide a refreshing, clean mouthfeel, especially appealing in hot weather.
Cooks create crispy exteriors with soft interiors in treats like sesame balls and fried milk. This textural interplay showcases Chinese dessert craftsmanship.
