From the north to the south, each region has its own distinct flavors and ingredients, such as Hanoi’s famous beef noodle soup and the southern delight of coconut rice pudding.
Given its rich culinary diversity, it’s no wonder that we’ve compiled a list of 26 delicious Vietnamese dessert recipes for you to try. Whether you’re looking to indulge in these sweet treats at home or take them on-the-go, this collection has something for everyone.
Vietnamese Sponge Cake (Banh Bong Lan)
Keeping in mind its unique texture, it’s not surprising that this cake has gained immense popularity among locals and tourists alike. Its characteristic softness and moisture level are reminiscent of a sponge cake, while its golden brown exterior adds a crispy element similar to a pancake. The variations of bánh bóng lan found throughout Vietnam are numerous, but my recipe is arguably one of the most well-known and beloved versions.
Chè Ba Màu – Vietnamese Three Color Dessert
Pleasing your taste buds with a cool and refreshing dessert is just what we’ve got for you today. This Vietnamese delight, chè ba mau, has stolen our hearts with its vibrant colors and mouth-watering flavors, and we’re sure it will do the same for you. We enjoy creating this treat during the sweltering summer months when a sweet escape from the heat is exactly what’s needed. Preparation time may be a bit longer than usual, but trust us, it’s more than worth the wait.
To ensure your chè ba mau turns out perfectly, begin preparing the ingredients about 24 hours ahead of serving time.
Vietnamese Glutinous Rice Balls (Chè Trôi Nước)
Just as the name suggests, making sticky rice balls involves some preparation, but the end result is well worth the effort once you’ve taken a bite. These mouthwatering treats are filled with a delectable mixture of mung beans and glutinous rice flour, encased in a crispy exterior, and finished off with a sweet and spicy ginger syrup that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Not only are they perfect for dessert, but they’d also make a great breakfast option, thanks to their unique texture and taste combination. The key to achieving the soft, sticky texture is to steam the glutinous rice rather than boiling it. Alternatively, you could use regular white rice if that’s what you have on hand, although be aware that the result might be slightly different.
Pandan Waffles – Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa
Making delicious pandan waffles is easier than you think, as this Vietnamese dessert only requires a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. The combination of banana flour and pandan leaves creates a unique texture that’s both chewy and crispy, while the flavor is sweet and nutty with a hint of vanilla. To make pandan waffles at home, start by washing and drying the pandan leaves thoroughly to remove any impurities or bitterness.
Once prepared, place the leaves into boiling water for about 30 seconds to release their fragrance and aroma. After draining the leaves, they’re ready to use in your recipe. With a waffle maker, you can easily create these tasty treats in no time.
Vietnamese Banana, Coconut & Tapioca Dessert (Chè Chuối)
Taking center stage among our favorite fruits, bananas prove to be a versatile ingredient that can be easily incorporated into various dishes. They can be enjoyed plain, blended into smoothies, baked into cakes, used in desserts, and even transformed into creamy ice cream. Their culinary uses are numerous and varied. We adore baking banana bread, banana muffins, banana pancakes, banana fritters, banana waffles, banana cake, and banana pie.
The possibilities seem endless when it comes to enjoying bananas. One of my favorite Vietnamese desserts is chè chuối or rice pudding, typically reserved for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, holidays, and anniversaries. This popular dessert has a long history in Vietnam and can be commonly found on restaurant menus.
Che Bap (Vietnamese Sweet Corn Pudding)
Not only is this delectable dessert one of our standout favorites, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare due to its minimal ingredient list of just four components.
Sesame Balls Recipe (Vietnamese Bánh Cam)
Savor the delightful combination of soft and chewy sesame balls filled with sweetened mung bean jelly, carefully wrapped into small round shapes and then generously coated in a delicate layer of crunchy sesame seeds. If you’re interested in creating these tasty treats yourself, follow along to learn the simple steps involved in making them at home.
Vietnamese Coffee
Honoring the traditional methods of making Vietnamese coffee, it’s essential to note that sweetened condensed milk is preferred over full-fat milk. This preference ensures a lighter texture without compromising on the rich flavors extracted from high-quality coffee beans. For an authentic experience, consider purchasing ground Vietnamese coffees from your local Asian market.
These specialty coffees are usually sold in small bags of 20 grams each and can be used as whole beans or freshly ground for optimal flavor.
Vietnamese Ice Cream
Making delicious homemade ice cream in Vietnam can be done in various ways, but some individuals prefer using a traditional method. They freeze milk overnight, then mix it with sugar and vanilla essence before blending it into a smooth consistency using a wooden spoon. Alternatively, others choose to purchase pre-made ice creams from local supermarkets for convenience. However, for those who desire something unique, this recipe was created.
Banana Tapioca
Honouring its popularity among Vietnamese people, banana tapioca is a delightful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The best part? It requires minimal effort and doesn’t even need cooking, which makes it a perfect treat for hot summer days. All you need to do is boil some water and pour it over the ingredients. Once you take your first bite, you’ll be amazed at how delicious this dessert tastes!
If you’re eager to try it out, head on over to the recipe section to learn how to make banana tapioca a reality in your own kitchen.
Vietnamese Milkshake
Generally speaking, Vietnamese milkshakes are a beloved dessert option due to their simplicity and minimal ingredient list. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and only require three main components: sweetened condensed cream, whole milk, and your preferred fruit selection. This particular recipe utilizes sweetened condensed milk, but it’s also effective when made with regular milk as an alternative.
Taro Pudding
Pleasing to the palate, taro pudding is a simple stove-top dessert made with the earthy flavor of taro roots, glutinous rice, a rich coconut sauce, and fragrant pandan leaves. This straightforward dish requires no prior cooking skills; simply heat up the ingredients together over low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and blend harmoniously. You can serve it warm or chilled, and we find that serving it cold brings out its best qualities.
When making taro pudding at home, you can opt for regular glutinous rice if needed; however, we highly recommend using long grain glutinous rice as it imparts a more desirable texture to the dessert. The shorter and starchier nature of regular glutinous rice is noticeable compared to its longer counterpart.
Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake
Wrapped in layers of flaky pastry, honeycomb cakes are a beloved dessert in Vietnam, known for their diverse variations – ranging from sweet to savory flavors. However, the most sought-after ones are those infused with the natural sweetness of fruits such as mangoes, strawberries, and lycée nuts, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to these delicate treats. Typically, honeycomb cakes make appearances at festive gatherings or special occasions.
Vietnamese Donuts
Everyone’s favorite desserts can be made into delectable treats with a twist – Crispy Sesame Donuts. These mouth-watering pastries come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. They’re not only easy to make but also freeze well, allowing you to prepare ahead of time without any stress.
Vietnamese Jello Mooncakes
Taking center stage at your next Halloween or Christmas party are these delightful jello moon cakes. They mimic the traditional moon cakes in appearance, but with one key difference: they don’t require baking. Instead, you can use a mold to shape them into a variety of forms. Whether you’re looking for something festive and fun or want to add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table, these moon cakes are sure to impress.
You’ll find an array of molds online, including silicone options that come in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to get creative with your designs.
Pandan Jelly Dessert
Locally renowned in Vietnam, Pandan jelly has become an iconic dessert that can be found everywhere from high-end restaurants to humble street stalls across the country. Its popularity stems from a combination of ingredients, including pandan leaves, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and sometimes condensed milk. Although numerous recipes exist, the traditional method involves using these core components.
However, it’s intriguing to explore how Pandan jelly became such an enduring treat in Vietnamese culture. Let us delve into its rich history. The origins of Pandan jelly date back centuries, with a significant influence from Chinese culture. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong, the Chinese introduced Pandan jelly to Southeast Asia. At that time, pandan leaves were widely used in cooking throughout China and Southeast Asia, often added to dishes like rice oatmeal, soups, and sweets.
As time passed, Pandan jelly gained popularity among locals, who have continued to cherish it as a beloved dessert for generations. To this day, its unique flavor profile remains widely enjoyed by people of all ages.
Bubble Tea (Boba Tea)
Elevating its status as one of Vietnam’s most beloved beverages, boba tea has a rich history that dates back centuries. Initially served as a medicinal drink, its popularity has endured through the ages, making it a refreshing treat and even a nutritious meal replacement for many. The traditional recipe typically consists of sweetened tea infused with dried tapioca pearls, but modern variations have introduced creative twists, such as pairing it with milk, coffee, or even chocolate.
Whether you prefer to enjoy boba tea on its own, akin to a milkshake, or mixed with ice cream or yogurt, the possibilities are endless. For those seeking a healthier option, combining it with fruits and vegetables creates a delicious and nutritious snack.
Vietnamese Avocado Shake
Looking for a delicious and healthy dessert option that’s perfect for warm weather? This creamy avocado shake is just what you need! In addition to the ripe avocados, you’ll also require regular milk and sweetened condensed milk. Don’t forget to add a blender to your shopping list, as it’s essential for mixing all the ingredients together. To give it an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce, which kids are sure to love.
Cassava And Coconut Milk
Made from its starchy root, cassava is a versatile ingredient found in various parts of Africa and Asia, commonly referred to as manioc or tapioca in some regions. In other areas, it’s known by the name yuca, but we’ve adopted the term cassava for ease of pronunciation. This unique root vegetable serves as the foundation for our Instant Pot recipe.
Vietnamese Yogurt
Welcoming the heat of summer, Vietnamese yogurt is a popular treat at many Banh Mi shops across America. Its unique combination of tangy, sweet, and fresh flavors has made this drink one of our favorites to enjoy during warm weather months. While we love it plain, adding fruits like mangoes, strawberries, or grapes elevates the taste experience even further.
Mango Cake
Renowned for their irresistible taste and aroma, these sweet mango cakes pack a punch of flavors. Infused with the warmth of nutmegs, they provide a rich and decadent experience on the palate. Baked in a cake mold to perfection, they are best enjoyed warm, paired with ice cream and whipped cream for a match made in heaven.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
