Sure, Asian food is a hit worldwide, but Malaysian cuisine often flies under the radar. And that’s a shame because it’s really something special. When it comes to sweet treats, Malaysian recipes have so much to offer–from cakes and cookies to shaved ice and sweet soups.

There’s something here you’ll love!

1.Peanut Puffs

These peanut puffs are like bite-sized golden nuggets of joy, shaped like tiny apple pies but with a deliciously nutty twist. Crispy on the outside and fluffy within, they bring together the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

Traditionally served during Chinese New Year, these puffs are a beloved treat that captures the spirit of celebration. If peanuts are your passion, you’re in for a real delight–these puffs are a must-try dessert.

I’m a huge peanut enthusiast, and I can confidently say these are my absolute favorite peanut dessert. Give them a try and experience the magic of this sweet, crispy tradition!

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2.Pulut Inti (Glutinous Rice and Coconut Dessert)

This dessert is as stunning as it is delicious, making it a perfect treat for special occasions. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s a standout choice for any celebration.

Intensely sweet and rich, this dessert is crafted with blue pea flowers, glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, pandan, and more, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you in awe.

3.Kuih Bingka Ubi Kayu (Baked Tapioca and Coconut Milk Cake)

These soft and fluffy cakes are crafted with tapioca and coconut milk, making them gluten-free and wonderfully moist. While they share a richness similar to pound cake, they boast a spongier texture and a touch more sweetness.

Traditionally enjoyed with tea, they’re equally delightful when paired with fresh sliced strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Plus, the pandan adds an irresistible aroma that elevates the experience.

4.Pineapple Jam Tarts/Cookies

These pineapple jam tarts are a Chinese New Year favorite that’s worth every bit of the hour they take to make. Flaky, buttery pastry crusts cradle sweet pineapple jam balls, bursting with tropical flavor.

Trust us, you’ll want to make a double batch–these tarts disappear fast!

5.Sweet Potato Balls

Meet these perfectly golden, almost perfectly round sweet potato balls! Made with glutinous and white rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and of course, sweet potatoes, these treats are a delightful combination of crispy and fluffy.

First, steam and mash the sweet potatoes, then mix in the other ingredients until you have a smooth dough. Shape the dough into small balls and fry them in vegetable oil for about 3 minutes until golden.

The result? A crispy exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy interior. A perfect snack or side dish that’s sure to please!

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6.Malaysian Shaved Ice Dessert/Ice Kacang/ABC

Get ready to beat the heat with a refreshing twist on shaved ice that’s all the rage in Malaysia! While Americans love their shaved ice, the Malaysian version takes it to the next level with some amazing toppings.

Think sweet corn, creamy red beans, crunchy nuts, and even more surprises to make it extra special. This street food favorite is a breeze to make at home–just 20 minutes and a handful of ingredients, and you’re all set to enjoy a cool, flavor-packed treat that feels like a taste of Malaysia in every bite!

7.Banana Cake

Meet your new favorite dessert: a banana cake that’s light, fluffy, and moist, with a burst of banana flavor in every bite. It takes a little over an hour to make, but don’t worry–most of that time is just letting it bake.

Once it’s ready, you can top it with chocolate frosting, sprinkles, fresh berries, more banana slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Want to mix things up? Add some nuts for a tasty twist.

This cake is sure to become a crowd-pleaser!

8.Gula Melaka (Sago Pudding with Coconut Milk)

Looking for an easy dessert? This sago-based pudding is a breeze to make! Start by tossing the sago into boiling water and cook until it turns translucent.

Once it’s done, pour it into a mold and chill it in the fridge overnight. The next day, mix palm sugar (or molasses) with water, bring it to a boil, and create a rich syrup.

Pour this sweet, sticky syrup over your chilled pudding for a simple yet satisfying treat. Perfect for warm days and easy to prepare–just serve it straight from the fridge!

9.Pulut Tai Tai (Blue Glutinous Rice Cake with Coconut Milk)

This cake is a real showstopper! Just look at that vibrant blue color–it’s naturally occurring and absolutely stunning. But don’t let its good looks fool you; this cake is just as delicious as it is beautiful.

It’s firm yet chewy, sweet but not overpowering, and stays moist with every bite. The best part? That gorgeous blue hue comes from a naturally occurring ingredient.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to wow your friends, this cake is sure to impress. And let’s be honest, even if it weren’t this tasty, that color alone would earn it a spot on the list.

Lucky for us, it’s both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

10.Kue Koci Gula Kelapa (Glutinous Rice Cake with Coconut Filling)

These treats might look a little unusual, but trust us–they’re irresistibly delicious! Imagine glutinous rice cakes filled with a rich coconut cream that’s both gooey and delightful.

Wrapped in banana leaves for a touch of tradition and a beautiful presentation, they’re almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Serve them with a side of coconut sauce for an extra burst of sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.

Don’t let their unique appearance fool you–these bite-sized goodies are a must-try! 😊

11.Almond London Cookies

Whip up these irresistible chocolate and almond cookies in under an hour! This recipe makes about 70 bite-sized treats that feel like mini, individually wrapped chocolate bars.

Each cookie is packed with rich, chocolatey flavor and a satisfying nutty crunch. Once you take a bite, it’s hard to stop–they’re that addictive! Perfect for snacking on the go or sharing with friends.

12.Bubur Cha-Cha

Bubur cha-cha is a stunning Malaysian dessert that’s as vibrant as it is tasty. With its mix of yellow, orange, and purple sweet potatoes, yams, and black-eyed peas, this dish is a feast for the eyes.

Made with tapioca and coconut milk, it’s sweet, creamy, and utterly delightful. Each spoonful is a perfect blend of flavors and colors, making it a treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

13.Kuih Dadar (Crepes with Pandan and Coconut

Get ready to be wrapped in the warm, inviting aroma of these Malaysian crepes! They’re not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes, thanks to the vibrant green hue from authentic pandan flavoring.

Inside, you’ll find a delightful mix of grated coconut and the rich sweetness of palm sugar. The best part? These crepes are quick to make, ready in just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

A perfect blend of tradition and convenience!

14.Tau Foo Fah (Soy Bean Pudding)

This soybean pudding is a breeze to make–just six ingredients and 15 minutes of your time! It’s silky smooth with a velvety texture and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.

Plus, you can enjoy it warm for a cozy treat or chill it for a refreshing dessert. It’s quick, easy, and totally delicious!

15.Bubur Cha Cha (Malaysian Coconut Milk Dessert)

Looking for a dessert that’s as healthy as it is delicious? This gluten-free and vegan-friendly treat is so nutritious, you could even enjoy it for breakfast without any guilt!

Made with taro root, white sweet potatoes, pandan, coconut milk, tapioca, and palm sugar, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are good for you.

It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and virtuous.

16.Kuih Bahulu (Malaysian Egg Cake)

If you’ve ever enjoyed Malaysian egg cake at a Chinese restaurant, you’ll love making it at home. Homemade versions often outshine restaurant ones, and this recipe is no exception.

With just a few simple ingredients like eggs, flour, butter, baking soda, sugar, and vanilla extract, you can whip up a batch in just 25 minutes. These cakes are light and spongy, with just the right amount of sweetness.

For an extra treat, dust them with powdered sugar and drizzle with a hint of maple syrup before serving. Perfect for four people, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time.

17.Onde Onde (Pandan and Coconut Dessert)

Meet these adorable coconut balls, colored a vibrant blue and yellow thanks to the magic of blue pea flowers and natural pandan. Not only are they a treat for the eyes, but they’re also irresistibly sweet, with a soft and chewy texture that’s just perfect.

Each bite is a delightful burst of coconut flavor, making these little gems a must-try for anyone who loves all things coconut.

18.Pandan Coconut Ice Cream

Pandan is a game-changer for anyone who loves Malaysian desserts. This vibrant ingredient brings a pop of color and an irresistible aroma to any dish. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!

Use pandan to elevate your homemade ice cream, and get ready for a flavor and scent that will take your desserts to the next level.

19.Coffee Bun

Meet the Mexican coffee bun, a thick, fluffy, and buttery treat that’s a hit in Asia and Malaysia, even though the name suggests otherwise. The magic here is all about the topping–a delicious mix of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, coffee, and coffee liquor.

Whisk these together, and you get a rich, one-of-a-kind flavor that’s unlike any dessert you’ve ever tasted. It’s moist, it’s indulgent, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves coffee.

Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a favorite!

20.Kuih Sagu

Kuih Sagu, a classic Malaysian dessert, is a must-try for something sweet and fun. These bite-sized treats are naturally gluten-free and have a delightful bouncy texture that’s not too sweet.

You can wrap them in banana leaves for that traditional touch, but it’s totally optional. With a fantastic aroma and flavor, these desserts are ready in under an hour, making them a quick and tasty option for anyone craving something new and exciting.

21.Cashew Nut Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for your next gathering, offering a twist on classic shortbread with the rich flavor of roasted cashews. Each bite delivers a nutty, earthy taste that’s sure to impress.

To make them even more special, each cookie is finished with a cashew and a buttery egg wash, adding both flavor and a touch of elegance to their appearance.

22.Kue Lapis (Layered Coconut Milk Dessert)

This vibrant, layered dish is as colorful as it is delicious, with a springy texture that’s just begging to be peeled layer by layer. Plus, it stays light and bouncy even after refrigeration.

The real challenge? Having the self-control not to devour it all in one go!

23.Kuih Seri Muka (Coconut Milk, Rice, and Pandan Dessert)

Let’s wrap things up with a vibrant dessert that’s as colorful as it is delicious. This treat takes about 90 minutes to create and features two distinct layers that work perfectly together.

The bottom layer is a creamy rice layer with a hint of coconut, while the top is a sweet and soft pandan custard that adds a fun green hue. Together, these layers create a dessert that’s sticky, salty, and sweet all at once–making it a perfect choice no matter the season.

24.Sweet Potato Ginger Soup

Imagine a dessert that’s as cozy as a warm hug. This unique sweet soup is made with a medley of black dates, sweet potatoes, ginger roots, dried longan, and rock sugar.

It may not look like your typical dessert, but trust us–it tastes like one. Each spoonful is a comforting blend of sweet and soothing flavors, perfect for ending your meal on a warm, fuzzy note.

25.Kuih Kodok (Malaysian Fried Mashed Banana Fritters)

Ready in just 20 minutes, these deep-fried bananas are a sweet and satisfying treat. With crunchy golden outsides and soft, warm middles, they’re pure banana bliss.

Serve with a side of chocolate sauce for an extra-special treat. Give them a try!