33 Amazing Asian Desserts
Asian desserts are as exciting and varied as the nations from which they were born. The sprawling continent is home to many distinct cuisines, each with their own signature ingredients and techniques. While some Asian desserts appear in multiple countries, each region contributes its own unique style and flavors. From the aromatic spices of Iran and India to the delicate sweets of Japan and the colorful, fruit-forward confections of the Philippines, Asian desserts reflect the rich history, geography and traditions of this vast continent.
Do I need special ingredients to make Asian desserts at home? Many Asian desserts can be made with common pantry ingredients, and specialty ingredients can often be found in Asian grocery stores or markets. However, if specialty ingredients are inaccessible, most Asian dessert recipes will offer alternatives or list them as optional. As Asian desserts become more popular around the world, some traditional ingredients can even be found in standard grocery stores. Explore the vibrant diversity of sweet treats enjoyed across the continent with 33 of the best Asian desserts.
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Easy Asian Desserts
1. Strawberry Mochi
Mochi is a favorite ingredient for many Asian desserts, especially in Japan. This Strawberry Mochi features ripe fruit wrapped in a layer of sweet red bean paste inside a casing of pillowy mochi.
2. Candied Strawberries
Also known as Tanghulu, Candied Strawberries are a popular sweet and sour treat often sold by street vendors in northern China. These easy Asian desserts are simple to make with fresh, juicy berries dipped in a crunchy candy coating.
Try our Candied Strawberries recipe
3. Carrot Halwa
Carrot Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert rich with fragrant spices and an interesting contrast of textures. Although Asian desserts like this sweet pudding are often reserved for holidays and celebrations, they can make any occasion feel extra special.
4. Oolong Milk Tea
Creamy and sweet Oolong Milk Tea is a refreshing treat hailing from Taiwan that is gaining popularity around the world. This simple beverage is known for its earthy aromas and smooth, buttery taste.
Try our Oolong Milk Tea recipe
5. Mini Egg Tarts
Flaky, buttery crust is filled with a silky custard to create these indulgent Mini Egg Tarts by Ahead of Thyme. Often enjoyed after Chinese dim sum, these Asian desserts are a uniquely decadent treat that are surprisingly easy to make.
6. Strawberry Lassi
This smooth and refreshing Strawberry Lassi by Little Spice Jar is a bright twist on the traditional mango flavored drink. This fruity beverage from India is a cool and creamy treat perfect for a hot day.
7. Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding
With its striking colors and deep, nutty flavor, this Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding by RecipeTin Eats is an elegant treat. Look for pandan leaves or powder at Asian grocery stores to give this creamy pudding its unique aroma and for use in other traditional Asian desserts.
8. Dutch-Indonesian Spekkoek
The influence of history can still be seen in many Asian desserts such as this Dutch-Indonesian Spekkoek by Baking Sense. Sometimes referred to as Thousand Layer Cake, this fragrant spice cake may be time intensive, but the steps are simple and result in an elegant and impressive dessert.
9. Kulfi
Requiring just a few ingredients and a popsicle mold, the smooth, nutty Kulfi from The Big Man’s World is a nearly effortless summer treat. This classic Indian dessert is made with creamy dairy, pistachios and fragrant cardamom, but can be easily customized with your favorite fruits and toppings.
10. Sohan
Sohan, or Persian pistachio brittle, by Ahead of Thyme is a toffee-like candy with plenty of crunchy textures and layered, complex flavors. Nutty, floral and sweet, this easy-to-make, traditional candy from Iran also stores well and is great for gifting.
11. Vegan Stuffed Shells
These vibrant Ube Crinkles by Kawaling Pinoy feature a beloved ingredient of Filipino cuisine. Ube, a type of purple yam from the Philippines, gives these soft, chewy cookies their signature violet color and unique flavor.
Asian Inspired Desserts
12. Matcha Cupcakes
Mellow, yet complex, it’s no wonder there are so many Asian dessert recipes inspired by the iconic matcha. These Matcha Cupcakes topped with almond buttercream blend the traditional Japanese flavor with a classic American dessert.
Try our Matcha Cupcakes recipe
13. Matcha Cookies
Beautiful and buttery Matcha Cookies are an elegant way to finish any meal. With its delicate, earthy flavor and soft green color, the luxurious Japanese tea elevates a seemingly simple cookie.
14. Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Creamy Vegan Chocolate Pudding is inspired by a beloved Filipino dessert called tibok-tibok. This adaptation blends rich chocolate with fragrant coconut to create a smooth, satisfying treat.
Try our Vegan Chocolate Pudding recipe
15. Vietnamese Iced Coffee Ice Cream
An ice cream maker opens up a world of possibilities for creating Asian inspired desserts like this Vietnamese Iced Coffee Ice Cream by Love & Olive Oil. Traditionally, strong, bitter coffee is mellowed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice for a cool and refreshing brew.
16. Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze
Soft and airy Milk Bread Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze by Healthy Nibbles and Bits infuse the Chinese tangzhong technique into a classic American sweet. The pillowy rolls are filled with a classic mixture of cinnamon and sugar then topped with a tangy lemon glaze.
17. Banana Lumpia with Coconut Caramel Sauce
Also known as turon, these Banana Lumpia with Coconut Caramel Sauce by Pinch of Yum are a decadent homage to an iconic Filipino treat. Tender bananas encased in flaky lumpia wrappers are deep fried in a large skillet until golden and crisp..
18. Taro Root Wontons
The starchy root vegetable, taro, is a staple ingredient in cuisines across the world, including many Asian desserts. Light and crisp Taro Root Wontons by Olives for Dinner draw inspiration from Vietnam with a touch of Chinese five spice for a uniquely tantalizing dessert.
19. Sakura Matcha Mousse Cake
From its elegant appearance to the delicate aromas, this Sakura Matcha Mousse Cake by Love & Olive Oil is like an edible love letter to Japan. Tender matcha sponge cake is topped with a generous layer of cherry blossom swirled mascarpone mousse to create this show-stopping dessert.
20. Calamansi Cheesecake Bars
These Calamansi Cheesecake Bars from Kawaling Pinoy showcase the bright, citrus hybrid native to the Philippines paired with luscious cheesecake. Bright, citrus-sour calamansi is a vibrant ingredient used in beverages, marinades and Asian desserts, especially in Filipino, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines.
21. Vegan Chai Spiced Crème Brûlée
Decadent French custard is infused with aromatic Indian spices in this Vegan Chai Spiced Crème Brûlée from Minimalist Baker. The signature flavors of the creamy, spiced tea blend perfectly with smooth, cashew custard to create a rich, warming treat.
22. Halva Brownies
Enjoyed on its own or as part of other Asian desserts, especially from India or Iran, halva is a soft, sweet and often nutty confection found across Central Asia and the Middle East. The rich, fudgy Halva Brownies from Broma Bakery are topped with a swirl of the sesame-flavored candy.
Popular Asian Desserts
23. Ube Ice Cream
There’s no machine required to prepare this sweet and nutty Ube Ice Cream featuring a favorite Filipino ingredient. All you need is a loaf pan to make this no churn Asian dessert.
24. Donut Twists
Some of the best Asian desserts can often be found along the streets in food stalls and marketplaces, including these soft and chewy Donut Twists made from sweet rice flour. Also known as kkwabaegi, these twists of fried dough from South Korea are coated in cinnamon sugar for a crowd-pleasing treat.
25. Boba Latte
Asian desserts continue to grow in popularity across the globe from mochi donuts to the fun and refreshing Boba Latte. This Taiwanese treat features bouncy tapioca pearls in a creamy concoction of espresso, milk and honey.
26. Creamy Fruit Salad
A popular way to beat the Indian heat, this Creamy Fruit Salad is both indulgent and refreshing. This customizable dessert can be made with any combination of your favorite fruits.
Try our Creamy Fruit Salad recipe
27. Persian Love Cake
According to an Iranian legend, a Persian woman who was madly in love with a Prince bewitched him with a love potion in the form of a magic cake. This Persian Love Cake by Broma Bakery keeps the story alive with a fragrant and alluring Asian dessert featuring pistachios, rose water and cardamom.
28. Patbingsu
Despite distinct differences across cuisines some similarities do emerge in the realm of Asian desserts. Cool and creamy shaved ice treats like this Patbingsu from My Korean Kitchen are often topped with fruit, red bean paste and a variety of other ingredients similar in style to the popular Filipino dessert halo-halo or Thailand’s namkhaeng sai.
29. Mung Bean Cakes
Many Asian desserts are not too sweet, showcasing the delicate nuance of flavors and textures. These Chinese Mung Bean Cakes by Healthy Nibbles & Bits strike a perfect balance in each beautiful miniature pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.
30. Hotteok
These Hotteok by My Korean Kitchen recreate a popular street food snack stuffed with a gooey, brown sugar syrup. The sweet stuffed pancakes are crisp on the outside with a tender, sugary filling and are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet.
31. Sago Pudding
This dairy free Sago Pudding from The Big Man’s World captures the traditional textures and flavors of the classic dessert popular across Indonesia and Malaysia. Sweetened tapioca pearls are soaked in coconut milk to create a thick, creamy pudding that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with your favorite fruit.
32. Bibingka
Traditionally eaten around the holidays, this Bibingka by Kawaling Pinoy is a popular Filipino treat that those unaccustomed to Asian desserts might find a bit unusual. Striking a delicate balance between savory and sweet, the spongy coconut cake is often topped with grated coconut, cheese and salted eggs.
33. Gulab Jamun
One of the most popular Asian desserts found in Indian restaurants around the world are traditional syrup-soaked dough balls like these Gulab Jamun by Sharmi’s Passions. Typically prepared for celebrations such as Diwali, this saffron and rose scented treat makes any occasion feel special.
From Iran to Thailand and India to the Philippines, Asian desserts celebrate the unique history and traditions of each distinct culture. What better way to discover new cuisines than by tasting treats from around the world?
Explore even more food from around the globe at Cozymeal Recipes, including plenty of indulgent confections. From cookie sheets to muffin pans, visit the Cozymeal Shop for tools and cookware to help create your own Asian inspired desserts.
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