Irresistible Chinese Desserts: Simple, Authentic & Crowd-Pleasing

Skip Complicated Recipes! Master 12 Timeless Chinese Sweet Treats: Festive Favorites, No-Fail Methods & Healthier Twists

1. Dragon Boat Festival Sticky Rice Cake

Alternative to zongzi

Soak 1kg glutinous rice 6 hrs. Line 8" springform pan with bamboo leaves. Layer:

① Pitted dates

② Half rice (press firmly)

③ More dates

④ Remaining rice

Cover with leaves. Steam 60 mins high heat + 30 mins low heat. Rest 4 hrs. Serve sliced with sugar.

2. 5-Minute Brown Sugar Rice Cakes

Microwave-friendly

Mix 40g brown sugar + 300ml warm water. Stir in 300g glutinous rice flour. Pour into oiled ramekins (¾ full). Top with dates. Steam 20 mins.

3. Savory Glutinous Rice Dumplings

Umami-packed

Filling: Fry diced Chinese sausage + potatoes + mushrooms. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, scallions.

Dough: 200g glutinous rice flour + 100g rice flour + 210ml boiling water. Knead. Wrap filling. Steam 10 mins. Garnish with sesame seeds.

4. Milky Jellied Rice Cake

Chilled summer treat

Steam 200g millet 20 mins. Cool. Mix with 250ml milk + 200g glutinous rice flour. Pour into oiled pan. Steam 15 mins. Chill 2 hrs. Slice. Drizzle honey.

5. Date & Milk Steamed Cake

One-bowl wonder

Combine:

300g glutinous rice flour

100g chopped dates

50g raisins

250ml milk

Mix to dough. Shape into discs. Top with whole dates. Steam 13 mins.

6. Purple Sweet Potato Mochi

Naturally colorful

Steam 400g purple sweet potato. Mash with:

1 tbsp sugar

60ml milk

50g chopped dates

200g glutinous rice flour

Form balls. Dust with rice flour. Press in mooncake mold. Steam 12 mins.

7. Lazy Zongzi Rice Cake

No-wrapping method

Cook rice in rice cooker (1:1 water ratio). Layer in pan:

Bamboo leaves → Rice → Dates → Repeat. Press firmly. Top with leaves. Steam 40 mins. Weight down while cooling. Serve cold with sugar.

8. Yam & Dragon Fruit Rolls

*5-minute assembly*

Steam yam until soft. Mash. Slice dragon fruit into sticks. Flatten yam into rectangle. Place fruit at center. Roll tightly. Coat with coconut flakes.

9. Crispy Carrot Fritters

Sneaky veggie dessert

Steam 2 carrots 20 mins. Mash with:

1 tbsp honey

2 tsp sugar

400g glutinous rice flour

Form logs. Wet surface → Roll in sesame seeds. Fry at 160°C/320°F until golden.

10. Air Fryer Glutinous Sticks

Oil-free version

Mix:

1 egg

1 tbsp sugar

120ml milk

250g glutinous rice flour

Knead dough. Shape into fingers. Brush with egg wash + sesame seeds. Air fry 160°C/320°F, 12 mins.

11. Fruit Jelly Cups

Kid-friendly

Per cup: Add diced fruit. Heat 500ml water + 30g sugar + 25g agar powder. Cool slightly. Pour into cups. Chill until set.

12. Milky Fruit Terrine

Showstopper dessert

Arrange in pan: Sliced mango, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries. Heat 500ml milk + 30g sugar + 30g agar powder. Pour over fruit. Chill 2 hrs. Slice.

Key Techniques

Steaming Success:

Always preheat steamer

Cover bowls with cloth to prevent condensation

Glutinous Rice Tips:

Soak 4+ hrs for tender texture

Press firmly for clean slices

Healthier Swaps:

Replace sugar with monkfruit sweetener

Use coconut milk instead of dairy

Storage:

Steamed desserts: 3 days refrigerated

Fried items: Re-crisp in air fryer 3 mins

Why These Work

Authentic Flavors: Traditional ingredients (red dates, glutinous rice)

Minimal Tools: No special equipment needed

Festive Ready: #1 and #7 perfect for Dragon Boat Festival

Diet Flexibility: Vegan options noted

Common Questions

Q: Can I use regular rice flour?

A: No - glutinous rice flour creates signature chewiness

Q: Where to find bamboo leaves?

A: Asian grocery stores or Amazon (search "zongzi leaves")

Q: Can I bake instead of steam?

A: For #2, #5, #6: Bake at 180°C/350°F covered 25-30 mins

Pro Tips

For clearer jellies (#11, #12): Strain mixtures before pouring

Prevent sticky surfaces: Dust hands with cornstarch when handling dough

Enhance flavor: Add pandan leaf to steaming water

*All recipes serve 4-6. Traditional methods adapted for modern kitchens