What are common Chinese desserts? When I was a child, my mom and I used to visit a small market in our town that had flavors from around the world. I still remember trying my first sesame ball there—warm, golden, and filled with red bean paste. It was so different from the desserts we made at home, yet it gave me the same comforting feeling.
That moment opened my heart to international sweets. And today, I want to bring that same joy to your kitchen. If you’re curious about What are common Chinese desserts?, this guide will introduce you to the most loved, beginner-friendly treats—each with its own story, flavor, and charm.
Let’s explore the soft, chewy, sweet side of Chinese cuisine—together. 🍵🍡
Table of Contents
🥢 What Are Common Chinese Desserts?
Here are 9 beloved Chinese desserts that are enjoyed across homes, street stalls, and celebrations.
1. Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
Chewy rice balls with sweet fillings like sesame or peanut paste.
- Usually served in warm, lightly sweetened ginger soup
- A symbol of reunion and joy
💡 Great for Lunar New Year or winter comfort food.
2. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)
Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside.
- Filled with red bean or lotus paste
- Deep-fried and coated in sesame seeds
💡 Perfect for tea time or dim sum dessert trays.
3. Mango Pudding
Silky, refreshing, and tropical.
- Made with fresh mango, cream, and gelatin
- Often served chilled with evaporated milk
💡 A no-bake dessert that’s super beginner-friendly!
4. Red Bean Paste Buns (Dou Sha Bao)
Soft steamed buns with sweet red bean filling.
- Served hot or warm
- Found in dim sum and bakeries
💡 Pairs beautifully with jasmine tea.
5. Snow Skin Mooncakes
Chilled mooncakes with mochi-like skin and fruit or custard filling.
- No baking required
- Popular during Mid-Autumn Festival
💡 Fun to make with different colors and molds.
6. Eight Treasure Rice (Ba Bao Fan)
Sticky rice topped with nuts, dried fruits, and sweet red bean paste.
- Served warm, especially on festive occasions
- Rich, beautiful presentation
💡 A classic holiday dessert full of tradition.
7. Almond Jelly with Fruit Cocktail
Delicate almond-flavored gelatin cubes in syrup.
- Served chilled with canned fruit or lychee
- Very light and refreshing
💡 Great for summer days or as a party dessert.
8. Steamed Egg Custard (Dan Dan Gao)
Soft, silky, and lightly sweet.
- Simple ingredients: eggs, milk, sugar
- Gently steamed for perfect smooth texture
💡 Reminds many of childhood comfort food.
9. Sweet Taro Balls (Yu Yuan)
Colorful, chewy balls made from mashed taro, sweet potato, and tapioca.
- Served over shaved ice or syrup
- Popular in Taiwanese-style dessert shops
💡 Perfect for DIY dessert bowls at home.
If you’re exploring desserts around the world, don’t miss our guide to the 9 most common desserts—simple, sweet, and beginner-approved.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Chinese Desserts
Chinese desserts are different from Western ones—they’re often less sweet, lighter, and texture-rich. Many are steamed or chilled, making them great for warm weather or cozy evenings. Most of all, they carry meaning, tradition, and warmth.
These desserts are:
- ✅ Beginner-friendly
- ✅ Minimal in ingredients
- ✅ Full of texture and soul
- ✅ Easy to prepare with simple tools
💬 FAQ
Q: Are Chinese desserts hard to make?
A: Not at all! Many require just a few ingredients and simple methods like steaming or mixing.
Q: Can I make these desserts dairy-free or gluten-free?
A: Yes—most Chinese desserts are naturally dairy-free, and many are gluten-free thanks to rice flour.
Q: Where can I find the ingredients?
A: Asian markets or online stores carry glutinous rice flour, red bean paste, and other staples.
Hi, I’m Sophia Olivia. I created Cuddle Recipes to share the simple joy I found in cooking with my mom—quick, effortless, and joyful. When I first tried Chinese desserts, I felt that same joy, just in a new flavor language.
This blog is for busy moms, beginners, and sweet-seekers who want to try global recipes without the stress. Let’s bring new desserts to your table, one easy recipe at a time.
What Are Common Chinese Desserts?
Ingredients
- Tang Yuan (glutinous rice balls)
- Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)
- Mango Pudding
- Red Bean Paste Buns
- Snow Skin Mooncakes
- Eight Treasure Sticky Rice
- Almond Jelly with Fruit
- Steamed Egg Custard
- Sweet Taro Balls
Instructions
- Choose a dessert from the list to begin with.
- Gather simple ingredients—many can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
- Prepare using beginner-friendly methods like steaming, mixing, or chilling.
- Enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for a light treat after meals.