22 Irresistible Vietnamese Desserts You Must Try
Vietnamese desserts are a sweet reflection of the country’s culinary tradition, offering unique combinations of textures and flavors.
From chewy rice cakes to silky coconut puddings, these treats are a delightful way to end a meal.
Infused with fragrant ingredients like pandan, coconut, and tropical fruits, Vietnamese desserts are as refreshing as they are indulgent.
Let these recipes bring the authentic sweetness of Vietnam to your kitchen.
Vietnamese Sponge Cake
Vietnamese sponge cake, known as Banh Bong Lan, stands out for its light and fluffy texture.
Not overly sweet, this treat allows everyone to enjoy multiple servings without feeling overwhelmed.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives it a classic finish.
For those seeking an extra indulgence, adding whipped cream and fresh berries enhances the experience beautifully.
Always a favorite at gatherings, this delightful dessert never fails to impress guests!
Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail
A refreshing dessert awaits with a Vietnamese fruit cocktail, perfect for those craving fruity flavors.
Tropical fruits combine with chilled coconut milk, chewy jellies, and crunchy coconut meat to create a delightful mix.
Canned fruits serve as an easy option that simplifies preparation while adding sweetness.
Saving the syrup from canned fruit enhances the overall taste for those who enjoy desserts on the sweeter side.
Vietnamese Three Color Desserts
Rainbow dessert, known for its colorful layers, shines during the summer months.
Each layer combines refreshing tastes and diverse textures, featuring red beans, mashed mung beans, and pandan jelly.
Crafting this treat at home allows for complete control over sweetness levels since some restaurant versions can be overly sugary.
Enjoying it in your kitchen means you decide how sweet or mild it will be!
Pandan Waffles
Bright green and full of flavor, pandan waffles offer a delightful treat that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food.
These snacks feature a chewy, fluffy texture with just the right amount of crispiness.
Coconut milk and pandan leaves combine to create an irresistible taste that keeps people coming back for more.
Often cooked in waffle irons over hot coals, they are freshly made and warm when served.
A drizzle of condensed milk adds sweetness, making them even more enjoyable!
Vietnamese Coffee
Enjoying Vietnamese coffee brings a rich and sweet experience that many love.
A phin, a small metal cup, slowly brews the strong coffee.
Sweetened condensed milk adds the perfect touch of sweetness to this delightful drink.
Iced versions offer a refreshing twist; simply pour brewed coffee over ice for an invigorating treat.
Vietnamese Pig Ear Biscuits
Vietnamese pig ear biscuits have a fun shape resembling pig's ears, but they contain no actual meat.
The delightful cookies feature a unique swirl pattern created by two different doughs, giving them an eye-catching look.
Slightly sweet in flavor, these treats provide an enjoyable baking experience with their playful design.
Pairing well with afternoon tea or coffee enhances the enjoyment of these tasty snacks.
Once you take a bite, stopping becomes quite challenging!
Pandan Jelly
Bright green and slightly chewy, pandan jelly makes a fun dessert for everyone.
This sweet treat shines during hot summer days, especially when served over crushed ice.
A delicious combination of palm sugar syrup and coconut sauce enhances its appeal.
Mung bean starch serves as the main ingredient, providing a unique texture.
Adding tropical fruits allows for exciting flavor variations to enjoy with family and friends.
Vietnamesme Balls
Crispy fried Vietnamese sesame balls feature a delightful filling of mung bean paste.
Vendors often sell these tasty snacks, making them a popular choice for enjoying alongside coffee or tea.
The outer layer shines in warm golden brown, generously coated with white sesame seeds that add texture and flavor.
Variations exist in places like Singapore and China, where fillings may include red bean or lotus paste.
Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake
Vietnamese honeycomb cake deserves a special mention in any dessert discussion.
Its name reflects the unique structure, revealing pockets of air when sliced.
The delightful sponginess comes from pandan, which adds nutty and grassy flavors along with a hint of tropical coconut cream.
Often seen in bright green hues, this cake is known for its wonderful aroma and taste.
Vietnamese Milkshake
Nostalgia often comes with a milkshake, and Vietnamese versions offer a delightful twist.
During hot summer days, this drink provides the ideal refreshment.
Fresh fruits like banana, mango, or strawberry blend beautifully with condensed milk and full-cream milk to create a rich treat.
Combining these ingredients in a high-speed blender results in smooth perfection without any fuss.
Cassava And Coconut Milk
A delightful snack combines cassava and coconut milk, offering a satisfying taste without excessive sweetness.
Cooked cassava chunks soak in rich coconut milk, creating a creamy base for toppings.
Roasted peanuts and shredded coconut add a crunchy contrast to the starchy texture of the cassava.
Enjoying this treat can quickly become a favorite as its flavors invite repeated preparation.
Vietnamese Jello Mooncakes
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes hold great significance and are cherished by many.
Vietnamese jello mooncakes offer a refreshing twist on traditional varieties.
Coconut cream forms a smooth outer layer, while taro and green tea fill the inside with delightful flavors.
For those who prefer something less rich in coconut taste, condensed milk serves as an excellent alternative for the outer layer.
Banana Tapioca
Banana tapioca is a delightful Vietnamese dessert known as “chè,” which translates to sweet soups or puddings.
Making this treat requires ripe bananas, creamy coconut milk, and tapioca pearls.
Preparation takes about thirty minutes, making it a quick option for dessert lovers.
This naturally dairy-free dish suits any time of year; enjoy it cold in the summer or warm during chilly winter evenings.
Vietnamese Yogurt
Condensed milk sets Vietnamese yogurt apart from the American version, adding a sweet flavor that makes it enjoyable on its own or with fresh fruit.
This ingredient enhances various dishes, making it a flexible choice in cooking.
The use of agar agar in some recipes offers a vegan alternative to gelatin, catering to diverse dietary needs.
Boba Tea
In recent years, boba tea has gained a strong following in Western countries after being popular in Asia for quite some time.
This delightful Vietnamese drink combines sweetened tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.
A wide range of flavors is available, making it an excellent choice for refreshing summer drinks.
For those who enjoy stronger tastes, black or jasmine tea can enhance the experience significantly.
Taro And Sweet Potato Balls Dessert
Sweet potato and taro balls create a delightful dessert, especially when served with shaved ice during any season.
Warmth plays a crucial role; rolling the balls in sugar while they are still hot forms a tasty glaze that enhances their flavor.
Tapioca starch contributes an enjoyable chewiness to each piece, while ginger adds an exciting kick that elevates the taste experience.
Vietnamese Rice Ball Dessert
Celebrating Vietnamese New Year often includes a delightful rice ball dessert.
These chewy treats, filled with mung beans, soak in a sweet ginger syrup that adds warmth and flavor.
Topped with rich coconut cream, they create an indulgent experience for anyone who tries them.
Slow cooking enhances the fragrance and taste of this special dish.
Taro Pudding
Taro pudding serves as a comforting Vietnamese dessert featuring taro root and rice, enhanced by a luscious coconut sauce.
The preparation takes place on the stovetop, allowing for an uncomplicated cooking experience.
After cooking, a rich coconut sauce made from coconut milk, water, sugar, tapioca starch, and salt is generously poured over the pudding.
Enjoyment of this dish can happen hot or cold throughout the seasons.
Vietnamese Ice Cream
No ice cream machine is needed for this delightful Vietnamese treat.
A simple electric mixer creates a silky smooth coffee dessert that everyone will love.
Combining espresso powder infused with vanilla, condensed milk, molasses, and heavy whipping cream results in a rich and creamy delight.
This frozen dessert takes inspiration from a popular iced coffee drink in Vietnam.
Once you mention ice cream, excitement builds for this deliciously unique flavor!
Vietnamese Sticky Rice
Vietnamese sticky rice stands out as a timeless dessert.
The creamy texture and rich flavor create an unforgettable experience for anyone who tries it.
Warm, satisfying rice pairs perfectly with a sweet coconut cream sauce, making each bite irresistible.
A bowl filled with this delightful combination promises comfort in every season.
Vietnamese Avocado Shake
A Vietnamese avocado shake stands out as a deliciously sweet treat that remains healthy.
This creamy drink surprises many, as avocados are often linked to savory dishes.
The shake combines ripe avocados with regular milk and sweet condensed milk for a rich flavor.
A blender is essential for mixing these ingredients into a smooth delight.
Vietnamese Donuts
Filled with delicious options, Vietnamese donuts offer a delightful experience.
A crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the hollow interior, inviting various fillings.
Chocolate or caramel sauce often enhances their flavor, creating a warm treat that balances softness and crunchiness.
These donuts are versatile enough to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings.