Jewel Box Chinese Dessert Recipes

I know I have probably mentioned this before – but I love Chinese desserts! Although many people from around the world enjoy eating Chinese cuisine – traditional Chinese desserts are still often overlooked by the Western world.

This is something I find hard to understand because Chinese desserts are simply delicious and can be a sweet way to round up any large or rich meal. 

That is why I have chosen to share some classic Chinese dessert recipes with you today! And because there are so many amazing ones to choose from, I have decided to pick three of my absolute favorites.

These desserts are not only sweet and refreshing but are also easy to make and packed full of candied goodness. So why not take a look at the recipes down below and find the Chinese dessert that tickles your fancy?

Raspberry Snowflake Cake

This is probably one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. Brimming with raspberries, cream and coconut – this dessert is refreshing, tangy and just luscious enough to satisfy even the smallest of sweet tooths.

Made to be served cold, this dessert is traditionally enjoyed by Chinese people during the hot summer months and is ridiculously easy to make. 

Ingredients:

• Raspberries (55g)
• Superfine Sugar (200g)
• Whole Milk (200ml)
• Double Cream (60ml)
• Potato Starch (125g)
• Desiccated Coconut (3 tbsp)
• Water (550ml)

Method:

1. To a deep pan add the raspberries, superfine sugar and 450ml of water. 
2. Place the pan over medium heat and whisk as the mixture comes to a boil. Make sure that the sugar and raspberries have fully dissolved. 
3. Soften 5 gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water. 
4. Add the milk and double cream into the pan with the raspberry jam and bring it to a boil once again. After you have stirred the mixture and it has boiled, turn off the heat and leave it for 10 minutes. 
5. Add the softened gelatine and whisk until the leaves have dissolved. 
6. Add the potato starch to the jam and then mix in 100ml of water. 
7. Take a deep baking tray and line the inside with baking parchment. Pour in the jam mixture and then leave it in the refrigerator for 2-5 hours until it has set. 
8. Once the cake has set, take it out of the refrigerator and slice it into even squares. Cover each square with desiccated coconut and then the dessert is ready to serve! 

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts

One of my favourite things about Chinese desserts is the range of exotic ingredients they use to make the final product. So if you are looking for a rich and fruity dessert that delivers a touch of tropical tang – then these buttery pineapple tarts are the perfect treat for you!

Traditionally found in the Malaysian city of Malacca – these tarts are now enjoyed across Eastern Asia and are a staple of the Lunar New Year celebrations. 

Ingredients:

Pineapple Filling:

• Pineapple (x2)
• Cinnamon Sticks (x1)
• Cloves (x1)
• Rock Sugar (60g)

Butter Pastry:

• All-Purpose Flour (200g)
• Margarine (100g)
• Eggs (x1)
• Salt (¼ tsp)
• Water (½ tbsp)

Method:

1. Take the 2 pineapples and remove the skin and leaves. Cut the pineapple into chunks and blend them until mushy. You can strain the pineapple juice for a quicker cooking time on the filling. If you do not wish to do this, then cook the jam with the juice for a strong fruity taste. 
2. Transfer the blended pineapple to a saucepan and add the cinnamon stick and clove. Place the mixture on medium heat for 25 minutes, until the pineapple has taken on a dry and mushy consistency. 
3. Add the rock sugar and continue cooking the mixture until it reaches a sticky jam-like consistency. The filling should be a golden brown color when removed from the stove. Take out the cinnamon stick and clove and allow the filling to cool. 
4. In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour until you have created a breadcrumb-like substance. Then add the salt, egg and water. 
5. Combine the ingredients and then roll the mixture into a dough. Make sure not to overwork it and then place it in the refrigerator to set for 30 minutes. 
6. Roll out the set dough and then cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter or mold. 
7. Take the pineapple filling and roll it into balls before placing it on each pastry disc. 
8. Before transferring the tarts to the oven, place small pieces of pastry over the exposed filling to create a lattice pattern. Then brush the tarts with an egg wash. 
9. Bake the tarts in the oven at 180 degrees C (356 F) for 20 minutes. 
10. Remove the finished tarts from the oven and enjoy! 

Sesame Seed Dessert Balls

For my final recipe, I decided to pick one of the more quintessential Chinese desserts – sesame seed dessert balls. These sweet and delicious balls are sold throughout China and can be bought in restaurants or vendors cooking on the street, and they’re delicious every single time.

Known for their crispy exterior and nutty flavor, these balls capture the true essence of what Chinese desserts (one of such is our super delicious chinese rice cake recipe) have to offer. But don’t just listen to me, take a look at the recipe and see for yourself. 

Ingredients: 

• Cooking oil (6 cups)
• White Sesame Seeds (½ cup)
• Brown sugar (¾ cup)
• Glutinous Rice Flour (3 cups)
• Red bean paste (1 cup) ( you might want to taste our red bean cake recipe).
• Boiling Water (1-11 cups)

Method:

1. Get a wok or deep saucepan and begin to heat the cooking oil to reach 120 degrees C (250 F). Make sure you have filled the wok with at least 3-inches of oil. 
2. Spread the sesame seeds over a piece of baking parchment and place a small bowl of cold water by the side. 
3. Add the brown sugar to a cup of boiling water and stir until fully dissolved. 
4. Take the rice flour and add it to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the flour and add the brown sugar/water mixture. Stir this mixture until you have created a light and golden dough. 
5. When finished, take a golf ball-sized piece of the dough and make a small indentation using your thumb. Using your fingers, turn the dough into a small cup. 
6. Place a teaspoon of red bean paste into the dough cup and then close the dough until the paste is no longer visible. Repeat this process until you have run out of dough. 
7. Dip one ball in the bowl of cold water at a time and then roll it through the tray of sesame seeds. Repeat this process until each ball has been evenly coated with seeds. 
8. Place the balls into the hot oil (3-4 at a time) and allow to cook until the sesame seeds have turned a light brown. Then use a spatula to apply pressure to each ball, you should do this until each one is brown and inflated. 
9. Remove the finished balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain. 
10. Serve the sesame seed balls warm and enjoy your Chinese dessert! 

Red bean mooncake recipe is another delicious cake recipe that I highly recommend for you.