9+ Quick and Delicious Chinese Dessert Holiday Recipes to Sweeten Your Celebrations!

Are you ready to bring a touch of sweetness to your holiday gatherings? Chinese desserts are not just delightful; they’re also a wonderful way to celebrate with family and friends. Let’s explore five quick recipes that will make your celebrations even more special!

Mango Sticky Rice

This tropical delight combines the creamy goodness of coconut milk, sweet sticky rice, and juicy mango slices. The sticky rice is cooked until tender and then soaked in sweet coconut milk, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. What makes this dish truly special is the way the creaminess of the coconut pairs beautifully with the fresh, bright taste of the mango.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sticky rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the sticky rice in water for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Steam the soaked rice in a steamer for about 20-25 minutes until it’s fully cooked.
3. In a saucepan, heat coconut milk with sugar and salt over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and stir in half of the sweet coconut mixture.
5. Serve the sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices and drizzle with the remaining coconut milk.

Red Bean Paste Pancakes

These golden-brown pancakes are crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside, filled with sweet red bean paste. The combination of the nutty flavor from the beans and the crispy texture is simply irresistible. This dessert is popular for its simplicity and the comforting taste that reminds many of home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup red bean paste
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and water until you have a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
3. Pour a ladle of batter into the skillet and cook until bubbles appear on the surface.
4. Add a spoonful of red bean paste in the center and cover it with more batter.
5. Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown, then serve warm.

Egg Tarts

These little pastry cups are filled with a rich, creamy custard that melts in your mouth. Egg tarts are a classic treat found in many Chinese bakeries, and they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Their flaky crust combined with the silky custard filling makes them a favorite among dessert lovers!

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into circles to fit into your muffin tin.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture into each pastry cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.

Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

These chewy, golden-brown balls are crispy on the outside and filled with sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste. Coated in sesame seeds, they have a delightful crunch that gives way to their soft, warm filling. A popular treat during festivals, they are often enjoyed for their symbolism of prosperity and good fortune!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Red bean paste (or lotus seed paste)
• Sesame seeds
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water to form a dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten each one.
3. Place a small spoonful of red bean paste in the center and wrap it up, rolling it into a ball again.
4. Dunk the balls in sesame seeds to coat them evenly.
5. Fry in hot oil until they are golden brown, then drain and serve warm.

Coconut Jelly (Buko Pandan)

This refreshing dessert is made with coconut milk and agar-agar, resulting in a light and delightful treat. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a unique texture that’s both chewy and creamy. The vibrant green color from pandan leaves makes it visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your dessert table!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp agar-agar powder
• Pandan leaves (for flavor)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine water and agar-agar powder, and bring to a boil.
2. Add in coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves, stirring continuously.
3. Once it’s well mixed, pour the mixture into a mold and let it set in the refrigerator for a few hours.
4. Cut the jelly into cubes and serve chilled, possibly with some extra coconut or fruit on top.