Chinese Vegetarian Dessert Recipes for Sweet Healthy Treats

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, but did you know that its desserts can be just as delightful and satisfying, especially when made vegetarian? Chinese vegetarian desserts often incorporate natural sweetness from fruits, beans, and nuts, combined with unique textures and subtle flavors that make them a perfect ending to any meal.

Whether you’re looking for something light like red bean soup or something more indulgent such as black sesame soup, these recipes bring the essence of traditional Chinese sweets to your kitchen with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.

In this post, we’ll explore some beloved Chinese vegetarian dessert recipes that are easy to make, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.

From classic steamed buns filled with sweet lotus seed paste to refreshing chilled mango sago, these desserts offer a range of tastes and textures to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone embracing a vegetarian lifestyle or simply looking to try something new and exotic.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore these delightful treats that are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese vegetarian desserts are a wonderful blend of tradition, health, and flavor. They use natural sweeteners like rock sugar, brown sugar, and fresh fruits, avoiding heavy creams and artificial additives.

These desserts often emphasize balance, combining sweet, earthy, and nutty flavors with smooth or chewy textures.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients like mung beans, black sesame, and coconut milk come together to create desserts that are comforting and nourishing. These recipes also cater to various dietary preferences, making them accessible to vegans and anyone with dairy intolerance.

Plus, these desserts are not only tasty but also visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests at any occasion or simply treating yourself after a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• Red beans (adzuki beans) – 1 cup
• Black sesame seeds – ½ cup
• Glutinous rice flour – 1 cup
• Lotus seed paste – ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Rock sugar or brown sugar – ½ cup
• Coconut milk – 1 cup
• Mango – 1 large, ripe
• Sago pearls – ½ cup
• Water – as needed
• Chopped nuts (optional) – 2 tbsp (e.g., peanuts or walnuts)
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp (optional)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Steamer or large pot with steaming rack
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh sieve
• Serving bowls or dessert cups
• Blender or food processor (for black sesame paste)

Instructions

1. Prepare Sweet Red Bean Soup: Rinse the adzuki beans thoroughly. Soak them in water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and place beans in a saucepan with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are soft.
2. Add Sweetener: Add rock sugar or brown sugar to the red bean soup, stirring until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste. Keep warm or set aside to cool for a chilled dessert.
3. Make Black Sesame Soup: Toast black sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly, then grind in a blender or food processor until fine.
4. Mix Black Sesame Paste: In a saucepan, combine ground black sesame, 2 cups water, and ¼ cup sugar. Heat gently while stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. Stir in ½ cup coconut milk for creaminess. Set aside.
5. Prepare Glutinous Rice Dumplings: In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with warm water gradually until a smooth dough forms. Divide into small portions and flatten each into a disc.
6. Fill Dumplings: Place a teaspoon of lotus seed paste in the center of each disc, then fold dough over and roll gently into a ball, sealing the filling inside.
7. Steam Dumplings: Arrange dumplings on parchment paper in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until they become slightly translucent and soft.
8. Cook Sago Pearls: Rinse sago pearls under cold water. Boil 4 cups of water in a pot, add sago pearls, and cook for 10-15 minutes until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water.
9. Prepare Mango Sago Dessert: Peel and dice the mango. In a bowl, mix mango, cooked sago pearls, ½ cup coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons sugar or honey. Chill in refrigerator before serving.
10. Serve: Serve red bean soup or black sesame soup warm or chilled with steamed lotus seed dumplings on the side for a complete dessert experience.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan-friendly recipe, use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of rock sugar.

Try adding a pinch of ginger or cinnamon to the red bean soup for a warm, spicy twist. You can also substitute lotus seed paste with sweet red bean paste or black sesame paste for the dumplings’ filling.

If you prefer a crunchier texture, lightly toast chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts and sprinkle them over the mango sago dessert.

For a healthier alternative, reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners and add fresh fruits like lychee, longan, or kiwi to enhance the flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chinese vegetarian desserts are best enjoyed fresh and can be served warm or chilled depending on the recipe and season. For a traditional presentation, serve the red bean or black sesame soups in small bowls alongside steamed dumplings for dipping.

Mango sago is a refreshing treat on hot days and pairs wonderfully with a cup of jasmine green tea or chrysanthemum tea to cleanse the palate.

For festive occasions, consider plating the dumplings on a decorative dish with a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Exploring Chinese vegetarian desserts opens a world of subtle, natural sweetness and unique textures that are both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re making comforting red bean soup, silky black sesame dessert, or refreshing mango sago, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

They highlight the beauty of plant-based ingredients while honoring traditional Chinese culinary techniques.

These desserts are also a wonderful way to introduce friends and family to vegetarian options that don’t compromise on flavor or enjoyment. For more diverse and delicious recipes, check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or indulge in sweet treats like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

For savory inspiration, the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe offers a hearty complement to your meal plan.

Enjoy creating these delightful Chinese vegetarian desserts that bring a taste of tradition and a touch of sweetness to your table!

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