30 Popular Asian Desserts That Are Easy To Make

30 Easy Popular Asian Desserts
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Discovering the sweet side of Asia has never been easier with these 30 simple and popular dessert recipes that cater to every palate.

Pairing traditional Asian flavors with dessert can be a unique culinary adventure, but it can also pose a challenge given the diverse range of ingredients and techniques involved. From the sweet red bean paste of Japan to the tropical fruits of Southeast Asia, finding the right balance of flavors and textures is key to mastering these delightful treats.

Whether you are a fan of chewy mochi, fragrant coconut milk-based desserts, or light and airy egg tarts, this list has got you covered. Explore recipes like the ever-popular Mango Sticky Rice from Thailand, the classic Chinese Egg Tart, or the Japanese Matcha Roll Cake, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth while introducing you to the fascinating world of Asian desserts.

Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your dessert repertoire and impress your friends and family with these exotic, yet surprisingly easy-to-make Asian sweets.

In A Rush? Key Takeaways

  • 30 diverse Asian dessert recipes that are simple to make at home.
  • A variety of flavors and textures to cater to different preferences.
  • Recipes include popular choices like Mango Sticky Rice, Egg Tarts, and Matcha Roll Cake.
  • A great opportunity to explore Asian culinary traditions through sweets.

Simple Matcha Green Tea Mochi

These simple matcha green tea mochi offer a fun, unique way to enjoy the flavors of matcha. Mochi is a classic Japanese rice cake made from sweet rice flour molded around a filling.

This recipe keeps it easy by mixing matcha green tea powder right into the chewy mochi dough. The result is a subtly sweet mochi with the earthy, aromatic flavors of matcha in each bite. A dusting of additional matcha powder adds a pretty green color.

Black Sesame Cookies

Toasted black sesame seeds lend their distinctive nutty, aromatic taste to the buttery shortbread dough. As you bite into each cookie, the black sesame seeds provide a wonderful textural contrast with their delicate crunch.

The cookies have an attractive speckled appearance from the dense coating of black and white sesame seeds adorning the tops and sides. Their appearance is as striking as their flavor. Every bite of these cookies saturates your senses with toasty sesame essence.

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert combining sweet ripe mango with chewy coconut rice. The rice is simmered in coconut milk for tons of rich flavor, then combined with sugar for sweetness.

The coconut milk also gives the rice a creamy texture while keeping it pleasantly sticky. Fresh mango is served alongside the rice, providing the perfect balance of tropical sweet tartness. Each bite of the rice is drenched in creamy coconut to the juicy mango slices.

Taiwanese Castella Cake

The cake rises with an airy, pillowy texture that cuts almost like a cloud. Each bite melts in your mouth with a taste reminiscent of pound cake, yet even lighter. Subtle hints of honey and vanilla perfume on every bite.

This castella cake is beautifully golden thanks to the egg yolks and has a dense, fine crumb. Traditional versions use wood-fired ovens to achieve maximum fluffiness, but home ovens yield impressive results too! The soft, springy texture of Taiwanese castella makes it satisfying to eat.

Hato Sabure (Japanese Butter Cookies)

A simple dough of flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolks is pressed into dove molds, and then gently baked. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a light, delicate texture. Each cookie perfectly balances the rich taste of butter with subtle vanilla sweetness.

Their crumbly, sandy texture practically dissolves on your tongue. The dove shape makes them look beautifully ornate on a dessert tray. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they become an edible work of art.

Sweet Korean Rice Cakes 

Each rice cake is like a petite, cuddly pillow! Traditional tteok is often filled with sweet red bean paste, honey, or nuts for extra flavor. They can also be coated in crushed nuts or seeds for crunch. However you choose to serve them, these rice cakes make for a warm, cozy treat.

Their sticky, chewy texture resembles mochi but with an extra crispy exterior. Sweet tteok are commonly served around the Korean holiday Chuseok, in place of cake. Keep a batch in your freezer to enjoy as a unique snack or dessert anytime.

Easy Kulfi Recipe with Condensed Milk

This easy kulfi recipe makes enjoying India’s beloved frozen treat a breeze with just a few ingredients. Sweetened condensed milk forms the base, lending a rich, creamy texture without needing hours of cooking.

Cold heavy cream is whipped and folded into the condensed milk for even more decadence. Flavorings like cardamom, rosewater, saffron, or pistachios are then swirled in to infuse each bite with the aromas of classic kulfi.

Modak Recipe

These bite-sized treats are filled with luscious coconut-jaggery stuffing that provides a sweet pop in each bite. The modak dough is made from rice flour and steaming hot water, lending a soft, pillowy texture.

Once shaped into crescent dumplings, they are filled with the coconut-sesame filling, and then lightly steamed. The steaming process gives them an irresistibly soft, spongy texture that melts in your mouth. While steaming does take some time, the active work of this recipe is easy.

Dasik – Korean Tea Cookies

The cookies are impressively easy to shape by hand into floral blossoms or leaves before baking. As they bake, the honey lends a delightful hint of sweetness to balance the nuttiness. Each dasik cookie has a wonderfully crumbly, sandy texture that just melts in your mouth.

Their pretty shapes and designs make them a stunning addition to dessert trays. The sesame and honey flavors pair perfectly with green, black, or herbal teas. Keep a tin of these Dasik cookies on hand for whenever you need a unique cookie that looks as good as it tastes.

Mango Pudding (Hong Kong Style)

The pudding base combines milk, sugar, and eggs to create a rich, creamy texture when chilled. Fresh mango puree is layered in between the vanilla pudding for brilliant pops of color and tropical fruit flavor.

Each layer can be molded in decorative tins or glasses for visual appeal when served. Taking a spoonful provides an incredible taste sensation – the smooth vanilla pudding and the sweet, tangy mango complement each other perfectly.

Pan-fried Rice Cake Dumplings with Sweet Red Bean filling

Shaping the dumplings is part of the fun – simple pleated or folded edges create adorable shapes. The dumplings are then lightly pan-fried until the outside becomes satisfyingly crispy and the filling warmed through.

Every bite surrounds your mouth in tender rice cake contrasted by the crisp fried exterior. The sweet red bean filling is the star, with its creamy texture and natural sweetness. Drizzled with honey, condensed milk, or chocolate sauce, these dumplings become dessert perfection!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

This coffee is specifically brewed with dark roasted, coarsely ground beans and then combined with sweetened condensed milk to create a contrasting sweet and bitter taste.

The traditional way of preparation is by using a Vietnamese coffee filter that slows down the coffee-brewing process to maximize the flavor. The reason I chose to feature Vietnamese Iced Coffee in my blog is because of how simple yet satisfying this recipe is.

Pan Fried Banana

Pan-fried Banana, also known as “Goreng Pisang” is a popular snack that is loved by many across Asia.

This dish is made by coating ripe bananas in a light batter made with flour, sugar, and water and then frying them until they are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s the perfect snack or dessert that is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are readily available in any kitchen.

Chinese Almond Float Dessert

This dessert is made with sweet almond milk and agar-agar, a type of jelly-like substance that is derived from seaweed. The mixture is then chilled in a mold until it sets into a smooth and delicate pudding-like texture.

The sweet syrup toppings add a touch of color and sweetness that complements the delicate flavor of the dessert. Additionally, Chinese Almond Float Dessert is easy to make with only a few ingredients, making it a fuss-free dessert option that is sure to impress your friends.

Chinese Milk Candy

Chinese Milk Candy is a delicious dessert that is both creamy and sweet, with a slightly nutty flavor that comes from the butter.

It has a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among both children and adults. The candy is perfect as an after-dinner treat or can be enjoyed as a snack anytime throughout the day.

Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)

Purin, also known as Japanese Custard Pudding, is a delightful dessert that is loved by many all over Japan. This creamy dessert is made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, which are blended together and then slowly cooked over low heat.

The mixture is then poured into ramekins or cups and baked in a water bath until the custard is set. Once cooled, the Purin is then topped off with a sweet caramel sauce that gives it an added layer of flavor and texture.

Chinese Almond Cookies

The Chinese Almond Cookies are a perfect combination of delicate sweetness with a nutty flavor. It is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion or even as a snack.

The texture of these cookies is slightly crumbly and soft, and the whole almond in the center adds a nice crunch. I was particularly drawn to this recipe because it is easy to make with minimal fuss, and the outcome is delicious.

Matcha Cookies (Green Tea Shortbread)

These green tea shortbread cookies are a delightful Asian fusion dessert that sounds delicious! The addition of green tea powder to traditional shortbread cookies gives a subtle and unique twist to the classic cookie.

What’s more, the easy-to-follow recipe makes it a perfect dessert to try for anyone new to baking or international recipes. I particularly love that the recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly while still remaining a delicious and healthy option.

Pressure Cooker Chinese Five-spice Boiled Peanuts

With just a handful of ingredients and a pressure cooker, you can prepare a delicious and authentic Asian snack that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The recipe calls for raw peanuts to be boiled in water infused with Chinese Five-spice powder, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.

The pressure from the cooker helps to infuse the flavors perfectly, turning the peanuts soft and chewy with the perfect amount of saltiness and a hint of spice from the Chinese Five-spice powder. The Pressure Cooker Chinese Five-spice Boiled Peanuts can satisfy your sweetsavory.

Chinese Sponge Cake

This light and fluffy cake is a popular choice in Asia for its spongy texture, which makes it the perfect dessert option for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without feeling heavy or weighed down afterward.

I believe that the Chinese Sponge Cake recipe will be a hit among my readers because of its simplicity and versatility. It can be served on its own with a cup of tea or coffee or topped with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce to create a decadent dessert.

Hong Kong Egg Tart (港式蛋挞)

The egg tart is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed anytime, and it is a popular choice for social events, holidays, and family gatherings.

What makes this recipe special is its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, creating an exquisite taste that is sure to impress your guests. I believe that my readers will find the Hong Kong Egg Tart recipe irresistible due to its flaky crust, and velvety custard filling.

Black Sesame Soup (黑芝麻糊)

Black Sesame Soup, or “黑芝麻糊” in Chinese, is a popular dessert in Asian cuisine that originated in China.

This soup is made using black sesame seeds that are toasted and ground into a fine powder. The sesame powder is then mixed with hot water or milk, sugar, and sometimes glutinous rice balls or other ingredients to create a creamy and rich soup.

Baesuk – Korean Steamed Pear 

This dessert is an excellent alternative to traditional desserts that are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

The pears used in this recipe are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, making it a healthy option for my readers who are health-conscious. Additionally, the sweet and nutty stuffing adds a delightful flavor to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying dessert option.

Bibingka Coconut Rice Cake

Bibingka Coconut Rice Cake is a beloved Filipino dessert that is commonly served during the Christmas season. It is a type of rice cake made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and baking powder.

The batter is then poured into banana leaves-lined molds or baking pans and baked in the oven until it becomes fluffy and golden brown. The aroma of the coconut and the slightly sweet taste of the cake make it a delightful dessert that is often served warm, topped with butter and grated coconut.

Biko Recipe (Filipino Rice Cake)

Biko is a traditional Filipino dessert that is commonly served during special occasions or celebrations. It is a type of rice cake that is made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The rice is first cooked in coconut milk until it becomes soft and sticky, then mixed with sugar to create a sweet and creamy paste.

The mixture is then spread into a baking pan, topped with caramelized coconut milk, and baked in the oven until it turns golden brown.

Ginataang Bilo bilo (glutinous rice balls in coconut milk)

The use of glutinous rice flour to create the rice balls gives a unique texture that is different from other Asian desserts. The addition of the sweet potatoes and taro adds a hint of earthiness to the dessert while the sago pearls add a pleasing chewiness.

The fragrant coconut milk ties all the flavors together to create a rich and satisfying dessert that is perfect for serving guests or for satisfying a sweet craving. Overall, Ginataang Bilo bilo is a must-try dessert that showcases the delicious flavors and textures of Filipino cuisine.

Buko Pandan

This dessert is a vibrant green color reminiscent of the pandan leaves used in the recipe, and it has a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The young coconut meat provides a refreshing crunch, while the pandan leaves infuse a subtle floral aroma and flavor.

The green gelatin adds a sweet and slightly chewy dimension to the dish, bringing everything together in a harmonious blend of taste and texture. Buko Pandan is a beloved dessert in the Philippines, and its popularity has spread throughout Asia and beyond.

Filipino Coconut Macaroons

These Coconut Macaroons are soft, moist, and packed with flavors that complement each other perfectly. The nuttiness of the coconut pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of condensed milk, while the butter adds a subtle creaminess that makes them irresistible.

These macaroons are also incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an after-dinner dessert, enjoy them as a snack, or even pair them with your morning coffee or tea. It is a classic Filipino dessert that is loved by many and is often served on special occasions.

Custard Bun-Milk Yolk Buns

These custard Buns are a perfect example of how sometimes the simplest desserts can create the greatest impact. The combination of soft and flavorful bread wrapped around a gooey and luscious interior can satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

It is a sweet and fluffy steamed bun filled with creamy custard or milk yolk filling. The exterior of the bun is soft and pillowy, while the warm and creamy filling is rich and decadent. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make and always satisfying to eat.

Easy Dango Recipe

Dango is a popular Japanese sweet that consists of soft, chewy rice cakes on a stick. It’s a simple dessert made from mochiko or sweet rice flour, that’s easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking.

There are many variations of Dango, with flavors ranging from classic green tea to fruity strawberry, making it a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The dough for the Dango is made from mochiko, which is simply mixed with water to form a sticky dough.