Indulge in the sweet delights of Vietnamese cuisine without leaving your kitchen! This Southeast Asian country boasts an impressive array of 27 mouthwatering desserts, each showcasing its unique blend of flavors and ingredients. Like many Asian cuisines, Vietnamese food strikes a perfect balance between yin and yang, with dishes that harmoniously combine sweet and savory, fresh and fermented, and warm and cool notes.
Aromatics and fish sauce are staples in most recipes, while everyday ingredients like rice, beans, and fruits are transformed into creative confections. Unlike many Western desserts, Vietnamese sweets tend to be light and balanced, without overpowering sweetness. If you’re a fan of pastries, try your hand at recreating the popular Vietnamese Donuts and Mooncakes. For an after-meal surprise, taste unique sweet treats like Fried Sesame Balls With Sweet Mung Bean Filling.
And don’t forget to share these delectable creations with family and friends – they’re sure to be a hit!
Che Chuoi (Vietnamese Banana Pudding)
Indulge in a dairy-free and vegan dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Savor it warm or chilled, whichever you prefer – both ways yield equally impressive results. This recipe is particularly well-suited for overripe bananas that would normally find their way into a banana cake. But instead of baking them, combine the fruit with the creaminess of coconut milk and the chewy texture of tapioca pearls to create a truly satisfying treat.
Chè Ba Màu (Vietnamese Three Colour Bean Dessert)
Indulge in the sensory delight of this refreshing dessert. Its harmonious blend of colors, textures, and flavors creates a symphony that will leave you wanting more. The sweetened coconut cream is the perfect accompaniment to each ingredient, expertly balancing the entire composition. When served over crushed ice on a sweltering day, it’s a chilled treat that hits the spot, providing a much-needed respite from the heat.
Bánh Bò (Steamed Rice Cake)
Set up a colorful spread by placing these delightful finger foods on your table. Among them are bite-sized sponge cakes crafted from rice flour that bring a touch of sweetness to your meal. These treats not only pair well with lunch, but they also serve as an excellent excuse to indulge in something sweet during the day.
Chè Thái (Vietnamese Dessert Drink)
Inspired by their Southeast Asian neighbor Thailand, Vietnamese confection enthusiasts created a sweet treat that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This comforting dessert requires no cooking whatsoever, making it perfect for a quick indulgence. Simply gather the necessary ingredients – canned fruit, jelly, and coconut milk – and you’ll have a tasty bowl of goodness in an instant.
Che Banh Lot (Pandan Jelly Dessert)
As you near the end of your meal, anticipate a delightful surprise that’s easy to overlook but packs a nostalgic punch. As the temperature rises and the ice melts, the coconut milk transforms into a refreshing beverage, much like a soothing soup. Meanwhile, the strips of pandan jelly will transport you back to idyllic summers spent as a child, evoking warm memories with each tender bite.
Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa (Pandan Waffle)
The alluring aroma of pandan is a hallmark of many Southeast Asian dishes, seamlessly blending with the flavors of steamed rice, chicken, and sweet treats. This versatile ingredient not only elevates the culinary experience but also imparts a vibrant green hue to various dishes, making them instantly identifiable. As we venture into this cuisine, it’s common to substitute cow’s milk with coconut milk, a move that harmonizes with the region’s distinct cooking style.
Vietnamese Coffee Mousse
Elevate your daily cup of coffee with simple yet indulgent additions. The airy texture and rich flavor of a mocha-flavored mousse are the perfect solution for unexpected cravings. With minimal preparation time, you can whip up this treat on a whim and savor it chilled at a later time.
Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu
Innovative fusion of Italian tiramisu meets Vietnamese coffee flair! This dessert’s unique essence stems from infusing authentic dark coffee into its creamy layers. To recreate this treat, follow the recipe for a rich and velvety Vietnamese-style coffee that can be folded into the cream layer. Achieving the perfect non-soggy consistency requires mastering whipping techniques with eggs and heavy cream, while being meticulous when assembling the base to prevent saturation.
Pig Ear Cookie (Bánh Tai Heo)
The spiral design of these treats is what inspired their name, showcasing the perfect blend of form and function. While they may be small in size, they pack a big punch when it comes to flavor and fun, making them a delightful indulgence for both children and adults alike. With each bite, you’ll find yourself reaching for another, unable to resist the allure of their crispy texture and sweet taste.
Vietnamese Pandan Rice & Mung Bean Cake
Steaming hot, this mouthwatering pandan-flavored rice flour treat boasts a vibrant two-toned appearance. At its core lies a delightful mid-layer comprised of naturally sweet yellow mung beans. When combined with the creamy richness of coconut milk and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds, the result is an unforgettable sensory experience that harmoniously balances flavors and textures, elevating this dessert to new heights.
Banh Bo Nuong (Honeycomb Cake)
Indulge in the soft, fluffy texture of these bite-sized mini cakes, featuring vibrant centers that burst with color. While they’re not overly sweet, the toasted coconut shavings bring a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch to each bite. Contrary to their name, there’s no actual honey used in this dessert – the moniker ‘honeycomb’ is instead inspired by its unique, lattice-like design.
Banh Bong Lan (Sponge Cake)
While American sponge cakes are well-known for their sweetness and richness, Vietnamese versions take a more subtle approach. One key difference is the reduced use of sugar and dairy products in the vanilla-flavored dessert. This results in a lighter, more delicate texture that’s further enhanced by the gentle baking process.
As the cake cools, it takes on a meringue-like quality with a lightly sweetened topping, earning it the nickname ‘Banh Bong Lan’ or ‘orchid cake’, an apt description given its ethereal beauty.
Vietnamese Fried Sesame Balls
A sweet treat that’s deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions is the delectable sesame-coated ball, boasting a chewy filling and crunchy exterior. While various versions of this dessert typically feature red bean or lotus seed paste at their core, this particular delicacy opted for a unique combination of mung bean paste and shredded coconut bits.
Che Khoai Mon (Tapioca Sweet Soup)
Imagine indulging in a luscious dessert pudding with an intriguing mix of textures. As you savor each spoonful of this unique soup, you’ll discover chunks of sweet taro and tiny pearls that burst with flavor. To avoid a mushy consistency, it’s essential to exercise patience while cooking, allowing the ingredients to meld together harmoniously. The richness of coconut cream contributes to its velvety thickness, making every sip a delight.
Moreover, the vibrant purple hue only adds to its irresistible appeal.
Vietnamese Yoghurt
In many Vietnamese households, a refreshing treat after breakfast or lunch is a bowl of chilled homemade yogurt. This sweet and tangy delight is made with condensed milk, which makes it a hit among kids. While the flavor profile is generally milder than that of plain yogurt, you can still detect hints of its original taste.
Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts)
Indulge in the delightful afternoon treat that’s easy to recreate at home. These soft, sesame-seed-covered donuts have a hollow center, perfect for filling with your favorite flavors. Whether you opt for a salty-sweet combination, rich caramel sauce, or decadent chocolate spread, each bite is sure to delight. And if you prefer to keep things simple, the base recipe stands beautifully on its own, offering a tasty treat without any added extras.
Vietnamese Jello Mooncakes
As the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival approaches, a sweet celebration unfolds in East Asia. The joyous occasion is marked by the twinkling light of paper lanterns, the energetic beats of lion dance parades, and of course, the iconic pairing of mooncakes and tea. For those looking to put a unique spin on this beloved tradition, consider crafting layers of jello infused with coconut cream, taro, and green tea filling – a refreshing twist on the classic combination.
Che Bap (Sweet Corn Pudding)
In many households, weekends kick off with a beloved breakfast tradition – a warm, comforting bowl of sweet delight. Grandmothers and mothers alike take pride in preparing this treat for their loved ones. The appeal is universal, with little ones and adults alike eagerly anticipating the first spoonful. The combination of sweet corn, tapioca pearls, and smooth coconut milk infused with the unmistakable aroma of pandan leaves creates a delightful sensory experience that’s hard to resist.
Xôi Lá Dứa (Pandan Sticky Rice)
Pandan leaves are an integral part of Asian cuisine, imparting their distinct aroma and subtle vanilla-like flavor to a variety of dishes. One such dish is the fragrant rice, which owes its pleasing color and unique taste to the harmonious combination of pandan extract and coconut milk. The fresh version of coconut milk is particularly recommended for achieving the optimal flavor profile.
While making this snack is relatively straightforward, it’s essential to follow certain key steps to avoid compromising the final result. Specifically, soaking the rice beforehand and ensuring the right balance of liquid and essence during the steaming process are crucial considerations.
Once cooked, the dish can be elevated by serving with a dollop of creamy coconut milk sauce, a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds, and a crunchy topping of nuts (or substitute coconut chips for a nut-free alternative).
Che Dau Xanh (Vietnamese Dessert Soup)
In contrast to Western cooking traditions, this type of cuisine is characterized by the inclusion of dessert soups as a staple component. The preparation process for these sweet treats requires considerable time investment, as evidenced by the multi-step process involved in creating the perfect consistency with yellow mung beans. This involves soaking, boiling and then processing the beans using a food processor before finally flavoring them with coconut milk and sugar.
To complete the dish, warm it up and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Vietnamese Coffee Brick Toast
Transform your dessert experience with this creative adaptation of an Asian-inspired treat. The toasted bread serves as a vessel that holds a delightful combination of crunchy bread cubes, creamy ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, and rich espresso powder. Feel free to add a pop of tartness with blueberries or maintain the sweetness by topping it off with bananas.
The contrasting bitterness of the coffee beautifully balances out the sugary flavors, resulting in an intriguingly diverse taste profile that will leave you wanting more.
Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream
Transform the morning’s most essential beverage into a creamy frozen indulgence by adding just a few extra ingredients. Simply combine dark roasted coffee with condensed milk, molasses, heavy whipping cream, sea salt, and vanilla extract. This recipe requires minimal churning effort, making it easily accessible to anyone – no specialized ice cream maker or equipment needed! A trusty electric whisk is all you need to whip up this delightful dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Kem Chuoi (Frozen Banana Dessert)
This refreshing frozen treat is a game-changer when combined with just three key components. The natural sweetness of bananas and coconut milk strike the perfect balance, but what really takes this dessert to the next level are the roasted peanuts. Their satisfying crunch adds a delightful textural element that complements the creamy base perfectly.
Thach Dua (Coconut Agar Jelly)
While this dessert comes in various hues, we’ll focus on the clear-colored version for this recipe. Mastering the basic recipe is crucial before experimenting with different colors. To achieve the perfect sweet treat, you’ll need coconut juice as the main attraction and agar-agar to ensure your jelly’s texture turns out just right.
Chè Trôi Nước (Glutinous Rice Balls In Ginger Syrup)
Savoring the warmth and nostalgia of a classic Sunday gathering, this comforting dish is reminiscent of Grandma’s loving hospitality. The aroma of slow-cooked goodness wafts from the kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. At its core are tender rice balls bursting with sweet mung bean filling, gently suspended in a rich ginger syrup. For added depth and texture, indulge in the creamy coconut sauce and crunchy toasted sesame seeds.
Banh Chuoi Nuong (Vietnamese Banana Cake)
Indulge in this unique banana cake recipe, perfectly suited for savoring with your favorite beverage – whether that’s a rich cup of coffee or a glass of fine wine. This delectable treat diverges from the norm, boasting a delightfully crispy and nutty flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Khoai Mi Nuoc Cot Dua (Cassava & Coconut Milk)
As the mild flavor of white cassava is elevated by its immersion in rich coconut milk, the addition of a crunchy sesame peanut topping and toasted coconut flakes creates a harmonious blend of textures that tantalize the taste buds.
The bottom line
Many of the delightful Vietnamese desserts share common characteristics. A key element is the combination of starches and beans, which provides a satisfying base for the sweet treats. Coconut milk or condensed milk are typically used as the liquid component, while pandan or coffee add depth and a distinctive flavor profile. For the grand finale of your Vietnamese dining experience at home, consider whipping up some of these mouthwatering sweets.
