Savoring a taste of Korea without leaving your doorstep? Look no further than its delectable desserts! While Korean sweets have evolved over time, many timeless treats remain popular to this day. Whether you’re celebrating a cultural holiday, indulging in a sweet snack between meals, or concluding an unforgettable Korean dinner, these mouthwatering desserts are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
With rice being a staple ingredient in Korea, many desserts cleverly incorporate it into their recipes, while others delight with fresh fruit and sweet beverages. You may have already stumbled upon some of these iconic treats on social media – remember the Dalgona Candy’s global popularity thanks to ‘Squid Game’ or the adorable Bungeoppang treat that captured TikTok’s hearts? Dasik Tea Cookies are another Instagram-worthy sensation!
While I have a personal favorite among this list of 25 Korean desserts (#23, if you must know!), rest assured that every recipe is worth trying, even if they’re modern twists on traditional treats.
Yaksik (Sweet Rice Cake With Dried Fruit)
While Yaksik’s sweetness makes it an excellent choice for desserts, its versatility also allows it to serve as a satisfying breakfast or snack option. Whether you’re looking to start your day off right or need a pick-me-up between meals, this treat is sure to hit the spot. Moreover, Yaksik holds a special place in traditional celebrations and cultural events, particularly during the Lunar New Year’s festivities when it’s often served as a sweet treat to mark the occasion.
Chapssal Donuts (Rice Ball Donuts)
Chapssal Donuts, a contemporary reimagining of traditional Korean rice cakes, boasts a distinctive combination of textures. The exterior presents a satisfying crunch, reminiscent of mochi, while the interior offers a soft and chewy consistency. But what truly sets Chapssal Donuts apart is the sweet red bean paste that awaits discovery within. For optimal enjoyment, it’s recommended to indulge within an hour of cooking, when the flavors are at their peak.
Sikhye (Sweet Rice Punch Drink)
Indulge in this delectable treat, and you’ll be surprised by how effortless it is to create. With just five simple ingredients and the help of a rice cooker, you can whip up one of Korea’s most beloved desserts. While it’s easy to rely on canned versions, preparing this sweet delight at home will not only impress your loved ones but also yield a more authentic taste experience.
Songpyeon (Half-Moon Shaped Rice Cake)
In Korea, the Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated with a sweet and savory delicacy called Songpyeon. This traditional treat is essentially a half-moon shaped rice cake filled to the brim with an assortment of sweet ingredients such as red beans, honey, or chestnuts – although this recipe takes a creative turn by incorporating sesame seeds into the mix.
One of the most unique aspects of preparing Songpyeon is the use of pine needles as a steaming surface, giving the treats a subtle aroma and flavor. Whether you’re Korean or not, cooking up a batch of Songpyeon with family can be a wonderful bonding experience.
Chapssaltteok (Korean Mochi)
Traditional mochi recipes rely on pounded short-grain sticky rice, while modern variations often employ glutinous rice flour for convenience. This recipe takes a unique approach by incorporating a black sesame filling, although adventurous dessert enthusiasts can substitute it with ice cream or sweet red bean paste for a distinctly Korean twist.
Interestingly, chapssaltteok is remarkably easy to prepare and requires minimal time investment, yielding a delightful and irresistible treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes)
In the Western world, pancakes are a staple breakfast food often paired with sweet syrups. In contrast, in Korea, Hotteok is a beloved street food typically savored during the colder months. This delectable treat boasts a satisfying texture combination – crispy on the outside and gooey within. While traditional fillings may include chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, modern variations often feature sweet surprises such as Nutella, red bean paste, peanut butter, jam, or even savory options.
Korean Fresh Cream Cake
In Korean bakeries, it’s common to spot these cakes displayed behind glass cases, their delicate appearance enticing passersby. Unlike many sweet treats, these Korean delights strike a balance between subtle sweetness and a light, airy texture that’s hard to resist. The incorporation of lemon juice and zest adds a bright, citrusy note that harmonizes beautifully with the fresh fruit perched atop, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Hodugwaja (Walnut Cookies)
Hodugwaja cookies stand out not only due to their unique filling featuring chopped walnuts, but also because of their distinctive shape – each cookie is carefully crafted to resemble a large walnut. This traditional Korean dessert has long been a favorite among travelers exploring the Cheonan region, typically found at train stops and local bakeries. However, its popularity has transcended borders, and now it’s possible to indulge in these sweet treats anywhere in the world.
As a result, Hodugwaja cookies are no longer exclusive to Korea; with a little effort, you can bring this delightful dessert into your own home and relive the flavors of the Far East without leaving your doorstep.
Dasik (Korean Tea Cookies)
As Seollal, the Korean new year, approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share in the tradition of gifting beautiful Korean pastries that promote good health and fortune. Known as (), these sweet treats can be enjoyed without being baked at all. The absence of baking only adds to their charm, making them a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
While Dasik molds do create stunning patterns and shapes, you can also achieve impressive results by rolling the dough into balls or flattening it out and using cookie cutters. The possibilities are endless! Popular flavors include white sesame, green tea, black sesame, and brown sesame, each offering a unique taste experience.
Injeolmi Bingsu (Korean Milk Ice Sorbet)
While traditional water ice sorbet is firm and requires some chewing effort, the milk sorbet version offers a silky smooth experience that simply melts away. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only two main ingredients. However, it’s the toppings where creativity shines! Feel free to get imaginative with options like red bean paste, Injeolmi (Korean glutinous rice cakes), mini mochi rice cakes, Korean multigrain powder, and almond flakes.
By incorporating these flavorful additions, you can elevate this humble ice sorbet into a unique and delightful Korean dessert.
Goguma Mattang (Caramelized Sweet Potatoes)
While traditionally served as a side dish or snack, this Korean dessert has surprisingly won over hearts with its sweet flavors. The star of the show, sweet potatoes, are masterfully deep-fried to achieve a delightful balance between crispy and fluffy textures. But what truly elevates the Goguma is the application of a special honey and brown sugar coating that crystallizes upon contact, adding another layer of complexity and intrigue to each bite.
Bungeoppang (Fish Bread)
While Bungeoppang may not sound like an appealing dessert at first glance, its unique name belies a delicious treat that will quickly win over even the most skeptical palates. The ‘fish’ part of the name refers to the pastry’s shape, which is reminiscent of a crucian carp. When filled with sweet red bean paste – or alternatives like custard, Nutella, or other fillings – this pastry transforms into a mouthwatering treat that’s best savored hot and fresh.
Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly, though: its irresistible flavor makes it a snack that’s hard to resist!
Injeolmi (Korean Soybean Rice Cakes)
Savoring a delightful treat has never been easier, especially when you have a rice cake machine at your disposal! The unique flavor combination of soybean powder and the sweet, gooey rice cake is sure to tantalize your taste buds. However, don’t forget to plan ahead as the sweet rice requires 24 hours of soaking time, allowing its flavors to meld together perfectly.
Dalgona Candy (Honeycomb Toffee)
If you’re a fan of the popular show ‘Squid Game’, you might be familiar with the thrilling cookie challenge that takes center stage. While we can’t replicate the high-stakes nature of the show, we can definitely indulge in this delightful treat! The best part? It’s astonishingly easy to whip up, requiring only two main ingredients – the real challenge lies in carefully balancing the caramel mixture to avoid burning it.
So, don’t be afraid to get creative and try shaping your cookie into a unique form within a mold. The thrill of cutting out the shape adds an extra layer of fun to this simple yet satisfying treat!
Korean Red Bean Mochi Cake
While red bean and mochi cakes may be unfamiliar to those outside of Korean cuisine, this simple recipe will quickly win over even the most skeptical of bakers. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease: simply combine your ingredients and bake until golden brown. As you become more comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with added flavors or toppings – the possibilities are endless!
Yakgwa (Korean Honey Cookies)
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors with Yakgwa, a traditional Korean fried cookie that’s perfect for holiday treats or satisfying your snack cravings. With its biscuit-like texture and subtle undertones of ginger, honey, and toasted sesame, this unique confection is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The addition of ginger in the syrup recipe adds an extra layer of depth, balancing out the natural sweetness.
Banchan (Braised Lotus Root)
In Korean cuisine, banchan is often relegated to a supporting role as a side dish, but this sweet and savory delight can also serve as a satisfying dessert or social snack for sharing with friends. The key to its appeal lies in the contrasting textures it offers: the crunch from braised lotus root adds a delightful depth to each bite.
Meanwhile, the sauce’s harmonious balance of sweet and salty notes is achieved by combining sugar with soy sauce – occasionally, a touch of honey is added to enhance the flavor profile.
Dalgona Coffee Pudding
Dalgona coffee’s whirlwind rise on social media has captivated our attention with its stunning visuals. However, this innovative spin on the classic recipe takes the showstopping quality to new heights – literally! By topping your pudding with this alluring mixture instead of whipping up a Dalgona coffee mix and pouring it over coffee, you’ll be left with a treat that’s not only mouthwatering but also Instagram-worthy.
For an added layer of flavor complexity, blend your Dalgona coffee into some creamy vanilla pudding. This fusion will not only deepen the coffee flavor in every spoonful but also transform the texture, rendering it a silky-smooth upgrade over traditional coffee pudding.
Honey Baked Korean Pears
Incorporating Korean pears into desserts is a common theme in many Korean recipes. This particular treat takes inspiration from this tradition by wrapping the fruit in wonton wrappers with a rich mixture of mascarpone, cinnamon, and honey. The end result is a delightful fusion of Korean and American culinary styles that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with the creamy dip for an added layer of flavor.
Hwajeon (Korean Sweet Flower Pancake)
In Korea, azaleas are a popular ingredient for a traditional springtime snack. This simple recipe allows you to create a sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for a picnic or as a quick dessert. To take it to the next level, consider dipping your creation into a drizzle of honey or syrup for an added layer of sweetness in each bite.
Korean Honey Bread
Envision a sweet treat that swaps traditional ice cream with toasted honey bread, akin to a creative twist on French toast. This innovative dessert fusion brings together American and Korean culinary influences. To take it to the next level, consider adding some delightful toppings such as fresh strawberries, rich chocolate syrup, or fluffy whipped cream. For an added pop of color, try incorporating matcha or taro sauce for a unique visual flair.
Ttkeoppang (Sweet Red Bean Rice Cake)
The marriage of flavors between traditional cake and Korean rice cakes results in a delightful gluten-free dessert. This unique fusion yields a moist and chewy texture that’s reminiscent of rice cakes. The ingredients are widely available at most supermarkets or Korean markets, making it easy to recreate the Tteokpang experience in your own kitchen. For an even more pronounced rice cake consistency, simply reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe.
Danpat-Bbang (Sweet Bread With Red Bean Paste)
The joy of baking bread is undeniable, especially when you get to savor the fruits of your labor in the comfort of your own kitchen. What takes this experience to the next level, though, is incorporating creative twists and flavors that make it truly unique. Adding red bean paste and topping it with a sprinkle of sugar or chopped nuts elevates this humble loaf into a decadent dessert.
And if red bean paste isn’t quite your cup of tea, don’t worry – Nutella, jam, or even sweet cheese are all fair game to add your own personal touch and make the treat truly special.
Bukkumi (Pan-Fried Rice Cakes With Red Bean Filling)
Korean desserts often incorporate sweet red beans, which bring a unique combination of creaminess and earthy flavors to the table. This is particularly evident in rice cake dumplings, where the beans add depth and richness to the dish. What’s more, the ingredients required for this recipe are surprisingly accessible, even if you’re not in Korea, where glutinous rice flour can be harder to find.
A bonus of making Bukkumi is that they freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to make a large batch and enjoy them at your leisure.
Subak Hwachae (Korean Watermelon Punch)
As the summer sun beats down, a refreshing Korean fruit dessert punch is just what you need to quench your thirst after a warm dinner. The simple addition of more fruits like watermelon only enhances the drink’s deliciousness. Honeydew, in particular, brings a sweet and creamy element that pairs perfectly with the other flavors. But what really takes this drink to the next level are the rice cake balls – a fun and easy snack that can be made with just four ingredients!
The bottom line
Discovering the world of Korean desserts has never been easier! With just a trip to your local Asian market, you can whip up these sweet treats in no time. This collection of 25 mouthwatering desserts showcases both timeless traditional favorites and innovative modern creations that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Koreans everywhere.
Whether you’re craving something classic or looking for a unique twist on familiar flavors, this list is sure to hit the spot with its special blend of Korean flair.