Using time-honored techniques and fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can recreate the sweet, delicate flavors that make Chinese desserts so beloved. These recipes celebrate traditional textures and tastes—from chewy mochi and silky puddings to crisp pastries and crunchy candied fruits—so you can enjoy authentic Chinese sweets at home.
Explore 19 classic and contemporary Chinese dessert recipes, each presented with a concise description and a link to the full recipe so you can easily follow step-by-step instructions and share these treats with family and friends.
1. Banana Rolls
Crispy, golden banana rolls make a kid-friendly snack or dessert. This nut-free version is quick to prepare and delivers a satisfying crunch with sweet banana filling.
Recipe: Banana Rolls
2. Tanghulu Chinese Candied Fruit
Tanghulu features fresh fruit skewered and coated in a glossy, hard sugar shell. This traditional snack is simple to make and offers a satisfying contrast between juicy fruit and crisp candy.
Recipe: Tanghulu
3. Coconut Peanut Mochi
This chewy, vegan-friendly mochi blends coconut and peanut flavors for a rich, satisfying bite. It’s a great option for those seeking plant-based Asian desserts with nutty depth.
Recipe: Coconut Peanut Mochi
4. Chinese Haw Leather
Haw leather is a tangy-sweet fruit roll made from hawthorn berries. Its concentrated fruit flavor and chewy texture make it a nostalgic snack in many regions of China.
Recipe: Chinese Haw Leather
5. Red Bean Mochi Bars
These mochi bars combine tender glutinous rice layers with sweet red bean paste for a chewy, comforting dessert. They’re portable and satisfying for red bean lovers.
Recipe: Red Bean Mochi Bars
6. Chinese Almond Cookies
Lightly crisp and full of almond aroma, these traditional cookies are perfect for festivals or everyday tea time. The crumbly texture pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Recipe: Chinese Almond Cookies
7. Hong Kong Bubble Waffles
Bubble waffles are golden and slightly crisp on the outside with a soft, pillowy interior. Serve them plain, with ice cream, or topped with your favorite fillings for a street-food style treat.
Recipe: Hong Kong Bubble Waffles
8. Chewy Sesame Balls
Chewy sesame balls are filled with sweet red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds. Proper frying technique yields a hollow, airy interior and a perfectly golden exterior.
Recipe: Chewy Sesame Balls
9. Peanut Sesame Ginger Brittle
A fragrant mix of roasted peanuts, sesame, and ginger creates a crunchy brittle with warm, spicy notes. This treat is great for gifting or enjoying as a sweet, textured snack.
Recipe: Peanut Sesame Ginger Brittle
10. Peanut Cookies
Buttery and crumbly, Chinese peanut cookies highlight pure peanut flavor in a simple dough. They bake quickly and make a delightful addition to any cookie platter.
Recipe: Peanut Cookies
11. Asian Sea Coconut Dessert
This refreshing dessert blends sea coconut with longan in a light sweet soup, ideal for warm weather. Its subtle sweetness and gentle texture make it a cooling, elegant finish to a meal.
Recipe: Asian Sea Coconut Dessert
12. Baked Cassava Cake
This baked cassava cake is gluten-free and AIP-friendly, offering a naturally sweet, slightly chewy texture. It’s a great option for those following paleo or specialized diets who still want a comforting dessert.
Recipe: Baked Cassava Cake
13. Mandarin Orange Upside Down Cake
This mandarin orange upside-down cake pairs moist cake with bright citrus topping for a fresh, celebratory dessert. It’s ideal for family gatherings or any time you want a fragrant, fruity cake.
Recipe: Mandarin Orange Upside Down Cake
14. Fortune Cookies
Make crisp, homemade fortune cookies and personalize the messages inside. These fun, delicate cookies are perfect for parties and occasions where a playful sweet is welcome.
Recipe: Fortune Cookies
15. Sesame Peanut Candy Bars
These crunchy sesame peanut candy bars combine toasted sesame seeds and peanuts bound in a sweet, brittle matrix. They’re easy to slice into bars for snacking or gifting.
Recipe: Sesame Peanut Candy Bars
16. Hong Kong Egg Tarts
With a flaky crust and smooth, lightly sweet custard filling, Hong Kong egg tarts are a beloved pastry. Follow the detailed recipe for authentic texture and taste.
Recipe: Hong Kong Egg Tarts
17. Chinese Tofu Pudding
Silky tofu pudding served with a sweet syrup offers a light, comforting dessert. This simple preparation highlights delicate texture and subtle sweetness.
Recipe: Chinese Tofu Pudding
18. Chinese Banana Fritters
These banana fritters are crisp on the outside and tender inside, a quick dessert or snack that showcases ripe bananas and a light frying batter.
Recipe: Chinese Banana Fritters
19. Fried Dough Sticks
Youtiao, or Chinese fried dough sticks, are light, airy, and slightly savory—traditionally enjoyed at breakfast. This recipe guides you to achieve the classic pull-apart texture and golden finish.
Recipe: Fried Dough Sticks