21 Traditional Korean Desserts

Korean desserts are as vibrant as they are delicious! From shaved ice to pastries and donuts, you can whip them up right in your own kitchen. Ready for a change of pace from those bold, spicy Korean dishes? Let’s switch things up with something sweet and fun!

1.Korean Coffee

Meet dalgona coffee, a must-try dessert drink that’s as unique as it is delicious. This chilled coffee is topped with a velvety-smooth, sweet foam that takes it to the next level.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with just three ingredients and five minutes of prep time. While the actual coffee brewing might take a bit longer, the real magic happens when you whip it up by hand.

Trust us, the extra effort is worth it for that perfectly frothy, sweet, and refreshing coffee concoction. Give it a try and see why it’s a game-changer for coffee lovers!

2.Korean Donuts

Who can resist a classic donut? These golden, twisted treats are sure to fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that’ll have everyone craving a bite.

Soft and fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the outside, these donuts are a perfectly sweet snack. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a simple touch, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Pair them with a cold glass of milk, and you’ve got the ultimate duo. Ready to make some sweet memories?

3.Red Bean Mochi

Winter in Korea means it’s time to cozy up with red bean mochi! This sweet treat is a delicious way to warm up during the colder months. Made with sweet red bean paste, it’s a tasty twist on traditional desserts.

The best part? You can make it easily in the microwave for a quick and cozy snack. Plus, using store-bought red bean paste is a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

Perfect for a chilly evening, this mochi is sure to hit the spot!

4.Korean Poached Pears

Meet baesuk, a poached pear that doubles as a dessert and a soothing remedy for coughs and sore throats. This flavorful treat is infused with the warmth of peppercorn, the spice of ginger, and the sweetness of honey, making it one of the tastiest and healthiest desserts you’ll ever try.

While poaching is the star of the show here, you can also experiment with steaming for a different twist. Either way, this recipe is a breeze to make and packed with goodness.

Give it a try–you’ll love how delicious and nurturing it is!

5.Dasik

Fit for royalty, dasik is a traditional Korean tea cookie with centuries of history. These elegant treats were once served during the Silla and Goryeo Dynasties, and now you can bring a piece of that history home.

While the recipe is simple, perfecting the dough takes a little patience and practice–so don’t rush the process! To get that authentic dasik look, you’ll need proper molds.

Once you’ve got everything ready, you’ll be rewarded with delicate, sweet cookies that are perfect for sipping tea with. A little effort goes a long way in making these timeless treasures.

6.Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cakes

These mini Bundt cakes have a texture that’s reminiscent of cornbread–crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, like butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a mix of sweet and brown rice for added texture.

This blend not only makes the cakes delicious but also packs them with fiber and nutrients, making for a healthier dessert option that’s both tasty and smart.

7.Korean Honey Pastry

Meet yakgwa, a classic Korean honey pastry that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions. This sweet treat starts as a deep-fried cookie, then gets soaked in a rich honey syrup, creating a delightfully moist texture.

The honey syrup is infused with a hint of ginger for an extra layer of flavor. For some added crunch, try sprinkling chopped nuts on top of the cookies before serving.

It’s a traditional Korean dessert that’s both sweet and satisfying!

8.Pepero Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Pepero Cake! Pepero, a beloved Korean snack, is more than just a tasty treat–it’s a symbol of love. Every November 11th, Koreans celebrate Pepero Day by sharing these chocolate-dipped cookie sticks with the people they care about.

Now, you can take this tradition to the next level by turning Pepero into a show-stopping dessert. Imagine a moist, chocolate-covered Swiss roll at the heart of this cake, making it a dream come true for chocolate lovers.

Top it off with some chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch and a burst of fresh flavor. Whether you’re celebrating Pepero Day or just want to surprise someone special, this cake is sure to steal hearts!

9.Walnuts Wrapped in Persimmon

Looking for a tasty, portable snack that’s perfect for on-the-go? Try dried persimmons with halved walnuts! This sweet and crunchy duo pairs beautifully with a warm cup of green tea or cinnamon tea.

While drying the persimmons in direct sunlight can take a few days, the rest of the process is quick and easy. To save time, you can also use a food dehydrator or even store-bought dried persimmons.

Either way, you’ll have a delicious, healthy snack ready in no time!

10.Korean Red Bean and Mochi Cake

Craving something sweet and chewy? This mochi cake is exactly what you need! Loaded with sweet red bean paste, roasted chestnuts, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a delicious treat that’s easy to make.

Just mix all ingredients in a bowl, whisk, and bake for 45 minutes. The result is a soft, chewy cake packed with flavor–perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

You’ll be in dessert heaven!

11.Korean Watermelon Punch

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing Korean watermelon drink, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Made with juicy watermelon, it’s the ultimate thirst quencher.

For a classic touch, mix honey or sugar into water for the base. Or, go lighter by using a soft drink instead. Adding milk gives it a richer feel, but feel free to keep it light.

Boost the flavor by blending in other fruits like melon, pineapple, or blueberries for a delicious twist. This drink is all about keeping things cool and tasty!

12.Korean Cinnamon Punch

Cinnamon punch, a cherished Korean tradition, is a staple during New Year’s Day and Chuseok. While many prefer it hot, I find it irresistible when ice-cold!

Even chilled, the warming flavors of cinnamon and ginger shine through, offering a refreshing yet cozy sip. It’s this perfect blend of cold and spice that makes it a comforting choice, like a warm hug in a glass.

13.Korean Shaved Ice

Beat the heat with bingsu, a refreshing Korean shaved ice dessert perfect for hot summer days. The most popular version is patbingsu, which combines smooth red bean paste with icy shavings.

Customize your treat with sweet toppings like fresh fruit, fruit syrup, or a drizzle of condensed milk. Feeling adventurous? Try an Oreo bingsu or add a fun twist with a scoop of ice cream and some crushed cereal on top.

However you mix it up, this cool dessert is sure to hit the spot!

14.Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes

These rice cakes are the highlight of Chuseok, a major Korean holiday. They’re soft, chewy, and lightly sweet with a hint of pine flavor. Typically filled with sweetened sesame seeds or mung beans, they offer a delicious variety.

The fun part? Coloring the dough! You can use food coloring or go natural with ingredients like kabocha or dried fruit powder. It’s a creative and tasty tradition.

15.Sweet Rice Cake

Craving a dessert that’s both healthy and irresistible? Look no further than Yaksik, a traditional Korean sweet rice cake! Made with glutinous rice, nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of honey, this treat is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Honey brings its own set of health benefits, making this dessert a guilt-free pleasure. The result is a rice cake that’s perfectly sticky and chewy–know it’s done right when the rice grains stay intact.

Start your day on a healthy note by enjoying Yaksik with a cup of coffee for breakfast. It’s the perfect way to kick off your morning!

16.Korean Sweet Pancakes

Looking for something sweet and satisfying? Korean sweet pancakes are here to hit the spot! These chewy treats are packed with warm, comforting flavors and topped with a crunchy, sweet surprise.

When you take a bite, the crispy outside gives way to a delicious filling loaded with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts. They’re best enjoyed hot, when all that syrupy goodness is at its peak.

Whether you’re in the mood for dessert or breakfast, these pancakes are sure to leave you craving another bite!

17.Korean Sweet Rice Drink

Who would’ve thought rice could make a delicious drink? This Korean sweet drink is as simple as it gets–just barley powder, rice, sugar, and water. The result? A slightly sweetened, barley-flavored drink that’s so refreshing you’ll gulp it down in seconds.

The best part? This recipe needs just five minutes of prep time. Let your rice cooker handle the rest!

18.Sweet Red Bean Porridge

Looking for a sweet treat that’s warm and comforting? This sweet red bean porridge is just the thing! Made with red beans, glutinous rice flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt, it creates a velvety smooth texture that’s pure bliss.

It’s lightly sweetened, but feel free to tweak it to your taste–add a bit more sugar or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness. Perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and cozy, this porridge is a delightful twist on traditional red bean dishes.

19.Korean Sponge Candy

Looking for a fun and easy treat? This Korean sponge candy is a street food favorite that’s a breeze to make at home. With just two simple ingredients–sugar and baking soda–you can create a tasty toffee-like lollipop.

The process is straightforward: mix, heat, and press. The result? A light, airy candy with a sweet toffee flavor. Plus, it’s a great activity to enjoy with the kids for some quality time.

Give it a try and see how delightful homemade treats can be!

20.Red Bean Popsicles

Red bean takes center stage in this sweet and refreshing dessert. First, blend those vibrant beans into a smooth paste, then mix in some creamy condensed milk for extra richness.

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and you’re on your way to a deliciously creamy red bean popsicle. For a fun twist, add a handful of whole beans to the paste before freezing–they give a nice chewy texture that complements the smoothness perfectly.

This treat is as easy as it is tasty, perfect for hot days or anytime you crave something cool and satisfying.

21.Fish-Shaped Pastry

Meet the Korean fish-shaped pastry that’s as charming as it is delicious! Packed with sweet red bean filling, this treat offers the perfect mix of textures–crunchy on the edges and chewy in the center.

To make these cuties at home, you’ll need a fish-shaped taiyaki pan. Serve them as they are for a cozy rainy-day snack or pair with a glass of cold milk for an extra-special afternoon treat.

21 Traditional Korean Desserts

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Korean desserts are as vibrant as they are delicious! From shaved ice to pastries and donuts, you can whip them up right in your own kitchen. Ready for a change of pace from those bold, spicy Korean dishes? Let’s switch things up with something sweet and fun!

Ingredients

  • Korean Coffee

  • Korean Donuts

  • Red Bean Mochi

  • Korean Poached Pears

  • Dasik

  • Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cakes

  • Korean Honey Pastry

  • Pepero Cake

  • Walnuts Wrapped in Persimmon

  • Korean Red Bean and Mochi Cake

  • Korean Watermelon Punch

  • Korean Cinnamon Punch

  • Korean Shaved Ice

  • Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes

  • Sweet Rice Cake

  • Korean Sweet Pancakes

  • Korean Sweet Rice Drink

  • Sweet Red Bean Porridge

  • Korean Sponge Candy

  • Red Bean Popsicles

  • Fish-Shaped Pastry

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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