Bountiful and irresistible, Thai desserts have captured the hearts of many with their unique combination of flavors. If you’re struggling to suppress your sweet cravings, fear not – these treats are sure to put a smile on your face. The beauty of Thai desserts lies in their use of coconut milk, fresh fruits, and sweet syrups. Not only do they cater to our sweet tooth, but they’re also remarkably low in fat and calories, with some even boasting gluten-free credentials.
However, it’s worth noting that these desserts tend to be heavier compared to their Western counterparts, so come prepared to indulge! The good news is that you don’t have to wait any longer to try them out – we’ve curated a selection of 29 delectable Thai dessert recipes, perfect for a quick sweet fix whenever the urge strikes.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Visiting Thailand without trying the famous mango sticky rice would be a culinary sin. This beloved street food has gained popularity worldwide, with its presence felt in Thai restaurants globally. The simplicity of this dessert is what makes it so heavenly – it requires only three essential ingredients. At the heart of this dish lies sweet and creamy coconut milk that perfectly complements the ripe mango cubes.
To elevate the flavors even further, a drizzle of sweet coconut sauce on top is all you need to do.
Thai Mango Coconut Pudding
Not only do coconut milk and mangoes take center stage in this luscious dessert, but they also deliver a distinctly different texture from the previous recipe. The resulting pudding is remarkably soft, silky, and jiggly, making it an absolute delight to behold. Its vibrant yellow hue is an unmissable nod to the tropical flavor of the mangoes, while the coconut milk brings a richness, creaminess, and subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Red Rubies Dessert
Creating a sweet escape from the heat requires a cool and refreshing dessert that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. That’s where red rubies, also known as tub tim krob, come in – a classic Thai treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Coconut Mango Tapioca Pudding
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this delightful Coconut mango tapioca pudding, which just so happens to be both vegan and naturally gluten-free. With non-dairy milk at its core, you can indulge in this sweet treat without any of the guilt associated with traditional desserts. The sweetness of the ripe mangoes adds a refreshingly fruity flavor, perfectly balanced by the richness of coconut milk and a drizzle of maple syrup.
These two ingredients work together beautifully to create a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. And let’s not forget those adorable tapioca pearls – they add an extra layer of fun to this dessert, making for a delightfully chewy bite.
Thai Fried Bananas
Taking centre stage in many cuisines, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Bananas are indeed a universal favourite, loved by people of all ages. The combination of crunchy sesame seeds and delicate coconut flakes elevates these fried bananas to a whole new level of crispy delight. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of creamy coconut ice cream for the kids (or let’s be honest, adults too!
), these treats are sure to become an instant favourite in your household.
Thai Banana in Coconut Milk
With just a few ingredients on hand, such as bananas and coconut milk, you’ll be able to whip up something truly special. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to cook the banana slices carefully, avoiding overcooking which can turn them into mush. If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, consider topping this dish with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
The good news is that everything comes together in just 15 minutes, making it easy to serve as either a dessert or a sweet treat between meals.
Banana Spring Rolls
Yielding to the allure of sweet and crispy treats, banana spring rolls are a delightful concoction made from saba bananas, sugar, and pliable spring roll wrappers. Often referred to as turon in Filipino cuisine, this delectable dessert is also enjoyed in various parts of Southeast Asia. To achieve that perfect golden brown color and added flavor, cooks typically pan-fry these banana spring rolls with a combination of half oil and half butter.
Enjoy them on their own or serve alongside a steaming cup of tea for an even more indulgent experience.
Thai Steamed Banana Cake
Naturally, Thai steamed banana cakes have gained popularity for their unique texture and taste. Moreover, this dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. One of the key advantages of these cakes is that they can be made with just a few simple steps, which makes them perfect for those who are short on time.
To make them, you’ll need to combine mashed bananas with coconut cream, rice flour, potato flour, sugar, and shredded coconut in a bowl, then steam them on high heat until they reach a slightly jelly-like consistency. This entire process can be completed within 30 minutes, making it an ideal dessert option for any occasion.
Thai Grilled Pineapple
Highlighting the simplicity of Thai desserts, this grilled pineapple stands out as one of the most straightforward options. Unlike other regional specialties that require specific ingredients, this recipe relies on common pantry staples. The combination of butter, palm sugar, and lemon juice creates a delightful flavor profile when the pineapple slices are grilled to perfection.
Thai Coconut Pudding
Sophisticated yet effortlessly simple, this coconut pudding recipe is sure to become a favorite. While its appearance may not be the most visually appealing, trust us when we say that it’s a culinary masterpiece waiting to happen. Taking mere minutes to prepare and requiring only basic pantry staples, you’ll be indulging in a rich, creamy delight reminiscent of both macaroons and custard, all wrapped up in a luxurious coconut flavor within under an hour.
Thai Sweet Rice Cakes
Beneath its simple recipe name, these sweet rice cakes boast a perfectly crispy texture. Made by deep-frying Thai sticky rice in vegetable oil until the kernels are puffed up and everything is transformed into a golden-brown delight, they offer an irresistible snacking experience. A helpful tip: be liberal with your sugar drizzle as it will serve as the primary source of sweetness for this treat.
Thai Tea Cake
Revel in the delight of this extraordinary cake, which goes beyond the ordinary with its unique flavor combination. This recipe for milk tea-flavored cheesecake boasts a crunchy biscuit base that shatters in your mouth with each bite, adding an exciting texture to the experience. The best part? It’s ready to devour in just 45 minutes.
Serve it chilled and on its own, or elevate it to new heights by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream – either way, it’s sure to become one of your favorite treats!
Thai Fruit Salad
Creating the perfect dessert recipe round-up requires including a show-stopping fruit salad. This Thai version stands out with its stunning appearance and delectable flavors. Carefully selecting all your favorite tropical fruits is key, including pineapples, mangoes, and bananas. For added visual appeal, peeled and sliced starfruits are incorporated into the mix. The combination of fruits is then blended in a sweet dressing made from coconut milk, lime juice, and sugar.
If you’re planning to serve this at a party, consider adding an extra touch by learning how to create a pineapple boat for a fun presentation.
Thai Coconut Cake
Not only is this Thai coconut cake visually stunning with its layers of beautiful texture, but it also tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. The combination of a slightly crunchy top and a soft and moist center creates a delightful contrast that will leave you in awe. What’s more, this cake avoids the trap of being overly sweet, allowing the wonderful coconut flavor from freshly-squeezed coconut milk to shine through.
To take it to the next level, consider adding a dollop of whipped frosting and sprinkling toasted coconut flakes on top for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Thai Mango Cake
Whether you’re hosting a garden party or a casual gathering with friends, this tropical-inspired Thai mango cake is sure to be the centerpiece of the dessert table. With fresh mangoes taking center stage, the rich and creamy frosting adds an indulgent touch that will leave everyone wanting more. When executed perfectly, this dessert becomes a stunning showstopper that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
Mung Bean Pudding
Little known for its use in sweet dishes, mung beans are surprisingly versatile and can be used to create a variety of desserts. One of the most popular dessert recipes using mung beans is a pudding made with coconut milk and sugar, which becomes an irresistibly delicious treat when combined. This mouth-watering dessert can be prepared in as little as 30 minutes and requires minimal effort, simply requiring some boiling and stirring.
For an added layer of texture and interest, some people like to include tapioca pearls into the mix.
Thai Mung Bean Candy
Very often, creative bakers pair mung beans with coconut milk to create a delicious combination. By using these ingredients in this recipe, you’ll be able to craft a mung bean candy that can take on any shape you like. This is a perfect opportunity for kids to get involved and have some fun in the kitchen. To make it even more exciting, consider adding a pop of color with food coloring or giving the candies a glossy finish by coating them in gelatin.
Thai Mango Ice Cream
Let’s talk about taking your mango dessert game to the next level by trying out some delicious homemade mango ice cream recipes. You’ve probably had store-bought mango ice cream before, but trust us, nothing compares to the taste and love that goes into making it from scratch. The key to creating an unforgettable experience is to add fresh and juicy mango tidbits to give it a burst of flavor, and don’t forget to top it off with a drizzle of coconut rum for that extra special touch.
Thai Shaved Ice Dessert
Keeping with the theme of refreshing desserts from around the world, Thai shaved ice dessert, also known as nam kang sai, is a delightful treat that combines your favorite toppings, shaved ice, flavored/colored syrup, and condensed milk in perfect harmony. Interestingly, this dessert bears a striking resemblance to Korea’s patbingsu, with its emphasis on creative topping combinations.
To create this sweet masterpiece, you’ll want to use an alluring red syrup for added flavor and cubes of bread as well as basil seeds as your primary toppings. However, the possibilities don’t stop there – other great additions include sweet corn, taro, red rubies, and pineapples. The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility, allowing you to craft your own unique mix of flavors and textures.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
