Craving traditional Chinese desserts? From fluffy steamed buns to sweet sugarcoated haws, I’ve got you covered with these delicious treats. Trust me, you’ll want to make every single one!

1.Chinese Jujube Date Sticky Rice Cake

If you’re a fan of sticky toffee pudding, you’re in for a treat with this date cake!

Jujube, small and chewy fruits with a flavor that’s a mix of dates and apples, are the star here.

While they can be tricky to find in the U.S., dried jujube are available online or at Asian markets–trust us, the hunt is worth it!

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2.Chinese Red Bean Paste Buns

Red bean paste, or Hong Dou Sha, is a beloved filling in Chinese cuisine, made with adzuki beans, sugar, and a touch of fat. You can enjoy it chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.

This authentic Chinese steamed bun recipe is a delightful dessert that’s also perfect for breakfast. It’s a traditional treat that’s easy to love, whether you’re starting your day or satisfying your sweet tooth.

3.Glutinous Rice Balls (Rice Dumplings – Tang Yuan) | 自製糯米漿湯圓

Tang Yuan, also known as Tangyuan or Yuanxiao, are sweet, chewy rice balls that resemble mochi. Traditionally, these treats were filled with black sesame, lard, and white sugar, offering a rich, nutty flavor.

This version keeps it simple with just the basic rice balls, which are best enjoyed hot in a sweet broth. Think of them as adorable little rice dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Perfect for a cozy treat any time of day!

4.Liu Sha Bao (Salted Duck Eggs Custard Buns 流沙包)

Looking for something sweet and unique? Liu Sha Bao, a Cantonese dim sum, is a must-try! These steamed buns feature a light, airy dough wrapped around a one-of-a-kind salted duck egg custard filling.

When you take a bite, the sweet and salty flavors come together perfectly, with a sandy texture that’s so satisfying.

The name ‘Liu Sha Bao’ actually means ‘quicksand bun’–and once you tear it open, you’ll see why. The creamy filling oozes out, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Give it a try and experience a whole new level of flavor!

5.Sachima

Meet sachima, the sweet and crunchy snack you never knew you needed. Imagine crispy fried egg noodles smothered in a sticky syrup–it’s a surprisingly perfect combo!

The noodles get their crunch from a quick deep fry, while the syrup adds a sweet and tangy touch. You can even flavor the syrup with vanilla, almond, or other extracts for extra zing.

Once you make it, you’ll be hooked. Trust us, you’ll be craving more of this sweet, golden treat!

6.Chocolate Chinese Five-Spice Cake

Clove, fennel, cinnamon, star anise, and pepper–these five spices you’d typically spot in savory dishes–take center stage in this five-spiced chocolate cake.

If you’re a fan of the deep, warm flavors of chocolate and chili, this cake is sure to hit the spot.

Plus, it’s a fantastic option for anyone who finds traditional chocolate cake a bit too heavy. The combination of these aromatic spices with rich chocolate creates a unique and delicious treat that’s not too overpowering.

7.Almond Jelly

Almond jelly is a beloved Chinese dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious. Made with just a few ingredients–milk, ground almonds, water, and gelatin or agar-agar–it’s a breeze to whip up.

This light treat features almond-flavored gelatin paired with a colorful fruit salad, all swirled in a sweet syrup. It’s the perfect way to end a meal with something refreshing and easy on the palate.

8.Fortune Cookies

Let’s talk about fortune cookies–arguably the most iconic treat in Chinese-American cuisine! While they’re often linked to Chinese culture, here’s a fun fact: fortune cookies actually have Japanese roots.

The story goes that a darker, crunchier version of these cookies made its way to the U.S. in the late 1800s, and over time, they became a staple in Chinese-American restaurants.

Today, cracking open a fortune cookie is a tradition that’s as much about the experience as it is about the sweet, buttery taste. Fun, right?

9.Steamed Asian Pears with Rock Sugar (冰糖雪梨)

This simple yet delightful dessert is a traditional Chinese remedy for coughs, but it’s so tasty you’ll want it even when you’re feeling fine!

It features Chinese white pears, which are super juicy and crunchy, almost like apples, along with Goji berries and Chinese dates.

Just steam or boil everything until the juices meld together, creating a flavorful and comforting treat that’s both healthy and delicious.

10.Dragon’s Beard Candy

Dragon’s Beard Candy is a sweet, hand-pulled treat that’s like Chinese cotton candy. It’s typically made with fine white sugar, peanuts, desiccated coconut, white sesame seeds, maltose syrup, and glutinous rice flour.

But you can also make it simple–just as a fun, sweet treat without any fillings.

11.Soy Milk Pudding

Looking for a light and refreshing dessert? Soy milk pudding is the perfect treat! Made with soy milk and soybean flour, this dessert is incredibly soft and silky.

Add a touch of gelatin or agar-agar to give it a wonderfully velvety texture. Chilled to perfection, it’s a cool and refreshing treat that’s especially great for hot summer days.

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12.Chinese Pumpkin Cakes (南瓜饼 Nan Gua Bing)

Meet your new favorite snack–sticky rice pumpkin cakes! These tasty treats are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delightful contrast of textures.

They’re not too sweet, so you can enjoy them as is or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of extra sweetness.

Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack that’s both fun and delicious!

13.Jian Dui (Sesame Seed Balls)

Looking for a delicious twist on a classic dim sum dessert? These sesame seed balls are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet goodness.

The dough gets a vibrant orange hue from the addition of sweet potato, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.

Coated in sesame seeds, these bite-sized treats have a satisfying crunch on the outside and a chewy interior. Inside, you’ll find a sweet surprise–like red bean paste or black sesame filling.

Whether you’re a dim sum lover or just looking to try something new, these sesame seed balls are a must-try treat.

14.Tapioca Thousand Layer Cake

This traditional southern Chinese treat is a delightful mix of sweet, chewy, and moist textures, all wrapped up in its signature layered look.

Made with tapioca flour, this cake is a labor of love, as each layer needs to be steamed for about four minutes before the next one is added.

While it’s a bit time-consuming to make, the end result is well worth the effort–especially for those special occasions when you want to impress your guests.

It’s a dish that’s sure to become a memorable part of any celebration.

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15.Tangyuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Peanut Butter Filling)

Craving something sweet and familiar? Try this twist on the classic tangyuan recipe. Instead of the traditional version, this one is stuffed with creamy, gooey peanut butter!

And it’s not just any peanut butter–it’s a special homemade paste that transforms into a molten, dessert-like lava when heated. It’s the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!

16.Snow Fungus Soup with Pears (Chinese Dessert Soup 冰糖银耳炖雪梨)

Dessert soup is a beloved treat across China and Asia, and it’s easy to see why!

This special version is packed with white wood ear fungus and is often served during celebrations like Chinese New Year.

To make it at home, you’ll want to soak dried snow fungus overnight, then mix in pears, rock sugar, goji berries, and dates for a deliciously sweet flavor.

Feel free to add some glutinous rice dumplings for an extra-special touch. It’s a traditional, flavorful dish that’s perfect for making memories!

17.Chinese Walnut Cookies

Crisp, crumbly, and loaded with walnuts, these cookies are a true delight. They aren’t too sweet, so you can enjoy a few without feeling overwhelmed.

Plus, with fewer calories than your average cookie, you can indulge without the guilt.

18.Bing Tanghulu Candied Hawthorn Stick 冰糖葫蘆

Tanghulu is like the Chinese version of candied apples, but with its own special twist. Traditionally, it’s made by dipping hawthorn berries in hot sugar syrup that hardens into a sweet, sticky coating.

But here’s the fun part – you can use this same technique with other fruits too! If you ask me, strawberries are the absolute best choice.

They strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a total game-changer for this treat.

19.Almond Cookies

While chocolate chip cookies will always hold a special place in our hearts, it’s always exciting to discover new flavors. These almond cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat.

With their perfectly crisp edges and tender crumb, they offer a satisfying texture that’s both crunchy and soft. Each bite is a masterpiece of sweet and buttery flavors, making them absolutely worth a try.

20.Winter Melon Puff (Wife Biscuit or Sweet Heart Cake 老婆饼)

Meet the Wife Cake, a classic Chinese pastry that’s all about layers–flaky, buttery layers. Inside, you’ll find a delicious mix of winter melon and almond filling that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Ever wondered what winter melon is? It’s actually a type of squash, and the best part? It can be used in sweet or savory dishes, making this pastry super versatile.

Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or just curious about new flavors, the Wife Cake is a must-try.

21.Mung Bean Cake

Mung bean cake, or dvougao, is a traditional Chinese dessert perfect for hot summer days. Made with mung beans and a sweet, velvety paste, it’s a treat you’ll love.

While it’s shaped like a moon cake, it’s a bit different–no baking needed! Just mold it and enjoy. The smooth texture and sweet flavor make it a refreshing summer delight without the wait.

22.Fried Milk

Fried milk is a surprisingly delightful treat that’s as creamy as it is addictive.

Imagine a snack that looks a bit like mozzarella sticks but is actually a silky-smooth blend of coconut milk, regular milk, cornstarch, and sugar, all heated to perfection.

While the traditional Chinese version skips the coating, the modern take adds a golden layer of breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

It’s a snack that’s as comforting as it is unique–perfect for any time of day!

23.Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding is a delightful dessert featuring sweet and sticky rice. Think of it as the cousin of mango sticky rice, but without the mango.

This version is extra special, stuffed with sweet red bean paste and topped with a variety of dried fruits and seeds for added texture and flavor.

To take it to the next level, drizzle it with fragrant chrysanthemum syrup–trust us, the aroma alone will have you hooked!

24.Fa Gao – Fortune Cakes

Fa Gao, also known as the ‘Prosperity Cake’ or ‘Lucky Cake,’ is a traditional Chinese New Year treat that’s all about good vibes.

This dense, gummy-like cake is steamed to perfection and served in bite-sized portions.

Here’s the cool part: when it’s cooked, the high heat makes the surface crack into four neat sections, which is believed to bring extra luck.

Whether you’re celebrating the new year or just curious about Chinese traditions, Fa Gao is a must-try for its unique texture and meaningful symbolism.

25.Water Chestnut Cake

Here’s another beloved Cantonese dim sum dish that’s as sweet as it is special. Made with water chestnuts, water chestnut flour, sugar, and water, this treat is a classic for a reason.

It’s often served sliced and lightly fried on special occasions, but during the summer, you’ll find it chilled for a refreshing twist.

The texture is uniquely gelatinous, with delightful pops of crispy goodness in every bite. It’s a sensory delight that’s perfect any time of the year!