Irresistible Thai Dessert Recipes You Must Try

Welcome to Desserts Hive, your go-to destination for all things sweet! Today, we're diving into a world of exotic flavors and rich culinary traditions with a spotlight on Thai dessert recipes. Known for their balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and sometimes even spicy elements, Thai desserts are not just tasty—they're a cultural experience.

Whether you're craving something cool and coconutty or warm and sticky, Thai dessert recipes offer a wide variety of textures and flavors. From the iconic mango sticky rice to lesser-known regional delicacies, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s explore some of the most beloved Thai dessert recipes and how you can bring these exotic delights into your kitchen.

1. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)

One of the most famous Thai dessert recipes, mango sticky rice is a summertime classic.

Ingredients:

1 cup glutinous rice (sticky rice)

1½ cups coconut milk

½ cup sugar

¼ tsp salt

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced

Sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Soak sticky rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Steam the rice for about 30–40 minutes until tender.

In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves (don’t boil).

Mix ¾ of the coconut sauce with the steamed rice. Let sit for 20 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid.

Serve with sliced mango and drizzle the remaining sauce on top. Garnish with sesame seeds.

This dessert beautifully blends the rich creaminess of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of mangoes—a must-have in any collection of Thai dessert recipes.

2. Thai Coconut Jelly (Wun Gati)

Coconut jelly is a light and refreshing treat made with agar-agar. It's common at Thai street markets and perfect for hot days.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp agar-agar powder

2 cups water

¾ cup coconut milk

½ cup sugar

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Boil agar-agar with water until dissolved.

Add sugar and stir until fully melted.

Pour half the mixture into molds and let set.

Mix the remaining half with coconut milk and salt. Pour over the first layer once set.

Chill until firm.

The layers offer contrasting textures and flavors—light and clear on the bottom, creamy and rich on top. A simple but impressive addition to your Thai dessert recipes collection.

3. Thai Fried Bananas (Kluay Tod)

This deep-fried street snack is crunchy, golden, and totally addictive.

Ingredients:

4 ripe bananas (not overripe)

1 cup rice flour

½ cup shredded coconut

¼ cup sesame seeds

1 tbsp sugar

1 pinch salt

½ cup water

Oil for frying

Instructions:

Slice bananas lengthwise.

In a bowl, mix flour, shredded coconut, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and water into a batter.

Dip banana slices into the batter.

Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, fried bananas are one of the most comforting Thai dessert recipes you can make at home.

4. Thai Pumpkin Custard (Sankaya Fak Thong)

This traditional dish combines custard with steamed pumpkin for a rich and earthy flavor.

Ingredients:

1 small pumpkin (kabocha works well)

4 eggs

½ cup palm sugar

1 cup coconut milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds.

Whisk together eggs, palm sugar, coconut milk, vanilla, and salt.

Pour the mixture into the hollowed pumpkin.

Steam for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until custard is set.

Cool, slice, and serve.

This elegant dish is perfect for festive occasions and an essential addition to any list of Thai dessert recipes.

5. Tub Tim Grob (Red Ruby Dessert)

Tub Tim Grob translates to “crispy rubies” and is a colorful dessert that’s both chewy and crunchy.

Ingredients:

1 cup water chestnuts, diced

Red food coloring

½ cup tapioca flour

Crushed ice

1 cup coconut milk

¼ cup sugar

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Soak diced water chestnuts in red food coloring water for 15 minutes.

Drain and coat with tapioca flour.

Boil in hot water until they float. Transfer to an ice bath.

Combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Chill.

Serve the red rubies in a bowl with crushed ice and pour over coconut milk.

This vibrant, cold dessert is a summer favorite and adds a pop of color to any spread of Thai dessert recipes.

6. Thai Roti with Condensed Milk and Sugar

Though originally Indian, roti has become a Thai street food staple—especially as a dessert.

Ingredients:

Ready-made roti or thin flatbread

Sweetened condensed milk

Sugar

Butter

Instructions:

Heat a pan with a little butter.

Cook roti until golden on both sides.

Drizzle with condensed milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Crunchy, buttery, and sweet, this quick treat proves that not all Thai dessert recipes require complex ingredients or steps.

Why Thai Dessert Recipes Are So Unique

Thai dessert recipes stand out for their:

Use of tropical ingredients like coconut milk, mango, pandan, taro, and sticky rice.

Creative textures, from jelly-like desserts to chewy glutinous treats.

Balanced flavors, mixing sweetness with saltiness, creaminess with crunch.

They often use natural food dyes (like butterfly pea flowers for blue and pandan for green), giving them an aesthetic appeal that's perfect for sharing—both on the table and on Instagram!

Tips for Making Thai Desserts at Home

Use the right rice – Glutinous or sticky rice is not the same as jasmine rice.

Fresh coconut milk adds better flavor than canned (though the canned version is still good).

Don’t skip the salt – It balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.

Use a steamer when necessary – Many Thai desserts are steamed rather than baked.

Explore Asian grocery stores – They’ll have essential ingredients like pandan leaves, palm sugar, or agar-agar.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, Thai dessert recipes offer an exciting new world to explore. Their distinctive flavors and textures provide a delightful departure from Western-style sweets.

At Desserts Hive, we believe dessert should be an adventure, and Thai desserts are the perfect way to take your taste buds on a journey. From the creamy indulgence of mango sticky rice to the colorful crunch of tub tim grob, these recipes bring a bit of Thailand to your kitchen.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab some coconut milk, and start experimenting with Thai dessert recipes today!