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8 Kinds of Traditional Chinese Desserts

by Emma Miller

Chinese desserts are as diverse and rich in flavor as the country’s history, offering a delightful array of sweet treats that cater to every palate. This article explores 8 traditional Chinese desserts, each with its unique ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance. From delicate mooncakes to hearty tangyuan, these desserts not only satisfy the taste buds but also tell stories of tradition and heritage.

1. Red Bean Paste Pastry

Red Bean Paste Pastry: A beloved treat across China, red bean paste pastries are known for their flaky crust and sweet filling. To make this dessert, you will need:

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Water as needed
  • 1 can red bean paste (about 15 ounces)

Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a flat circle. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center of each circle and fold the edges to seal. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Red bean paste pastries symbolize warmth and comfort, often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions.

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2. Tangyuan

Tangyuan: These glutinous rice balls filled with sweet sesame, peanut, or red bean paste are especially popular during the Lantern Festival. Ingredients required are:

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  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour
  • Warm water as needed
  • Filling (sesame, peanut, or red bean paste)
  • Rock sugar
  • Water for boiling

Mix the glutinous rice flour with warm water in a bowl until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into small pieces and flatten each piece into a disc. Place a small amount of filling in the center and wrap it up, sealing the edges to form a ball. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add rock sugar. Gently place the tangyuan into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface. Tangyuan represents unity and completeness, reflecting the importance of family bonds and harmony.

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3. Egg Tart

Egg Tart: A fusion of Chinese and Portuguese influences, egg tarts are cherished for their crispy pastry shell and creamy custard filling. Gather these ingredients:

  • 1 package puff pastry sheets
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut into circles. Press each circle into a muffin tin to form the tart shells. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart shells. Bake for about 20 minutes until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown. Egg tarts highlight the blending of cultures and innovation in Chinese cuisine, embodying the spirit of adaptability and creativity.

4. Mooncake

Mooncake: An essential part of Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, mooncakes are known for their dense, rich fillings encased in a tender crust. Prepare this dessert with:

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Lotus seed paste or red bean paste for filling
  • Salted egg yolk (optional)

Mix the flour, honey, vegetable oil, and water in a bowl until a dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and divide it into small portions. Flatten each portion into a disc and place a spoonful of lotus seed paste or red bean paste in the center. If using salted egg yolk, place one in the center of the filling. Wrap the filling with the dough and shape into a round or square. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Mooncakes symbolize reunion and harmony, serving as a reminder of the importance of family and community.

5. Almond Cookie

Almond Cookie: Crisp and nutty, almond cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You will need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour and almond meal, kneading until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Almond cookies represent simplicity and elegance, emphasizing the beauty of natural flavors and minimal processing.

6. Rice Cake (Nian Gao)

Rice Cake (Nian Gao): A sticky and chewy cake made from glutinous rice flour, nian gao is traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year. Ingredients include:

  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Red dates (optional)

Mix the glutinous rice flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a batter forms. Pour the batter into a steamer basket lined with banana leaves or parchment paper. Steam over high heat for about 40 minutes until the cake is firm. Optionally, add red dates to the top before steaming. Nian gao signifies prosperity and promotion, symbolizing the hope for a better future in the coming year.

7. Lotus Root Paste Cake

Lotus Root Paste Cake: A delicately sweet cake made from lotus root, this dessert is both nutritious and flavorful. Prepare it with:

  • 1 cup lotus root powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Lotus seeds (optional)

Mix the lotus root powder and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a batter forms. Pour the batter into a mold and steam over high heat for about 30 minutes until set. Optionally, garnish with cooked lotus seeds before serving. Lotus root paste cake reflects the purity and elegance of Chinese culture, emphasizing the importance of balance and refinement.

8. Green Bean Soup

Green Bean Soup: A refreshing and soothing dessert soup, green bean soup is enjoyed year-round for its cooling properties. Ingredients required are:

  • 1 cup mung beans
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rock sugar
  • Lotus seeds (optional)

Rinse the mung beans under cold water and soak them in water for at least 2 hours. Drain and transfer the beans to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour until the beans are soft. Stir in the rock sugar and optional lotus seeds until dissolved. Serve warm or chilled. Green bean soup embodies the principles of health and wellness, promoting vitality and rejuvenation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these eight traditional Chinese desserts offer a window into the richness and diversity of Chinese culinary traditions. From the flaky red bean paste pastries to the soothing green bean soup, each dessert tells a story of culture and heritage. By preparing and enjoying these treats, we honor the values of family, community, and craftsmanship that have shaped Chinese cuisine for centuries. Whether enjoyed as part of a festive celebration or a casual snack, these desserts remain timeless favorites that bring people together, fostering connections and preserving cultural identity. Through the preparation and appreciation of these desserts, we celebrate the beauty and diversity of global flavors, ensuring that this delightful culinary tradition continues to thrive in our lives.

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