How to Make Vietnam’s Famous Sweet Baked Goods

Vietnam is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, which includes a variety of delicious sweet baked goods. These treats are often enjoyed as snacks or desserts and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous sweet baked goods in Vietnam and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make them at home.

1. Bánh Mì Ngọt (Sweet Bread)

Bánh mì ngọt is a soft and fluffy sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It's often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 150ml warm milk
  • 100g sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 100g unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for around 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into small rolls.
  6. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.

2. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Cakes)

Bánh đậu xanh is a traditional Vietnamese cake made from mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk. These cakes are often shaped into beautiful molds and are a popular gift during festivals.

Ingredients:

  • 200g mung beans (soaked overnight)
  • 100g sugar
  • 50ml coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Steam the soaked mung beans until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, mash the mung beans until smooth and combine them with sugar, coconut milk, and salt.
  3. If desired, divide the mixture and add food coloring to create a marbled effect.
  4. Transfer the mixture into molds and press firmly. Let them cool and set for a few hours.
  5. Carefully remove from molds and serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Bánh Trôi Nước (Floating Sticky Rice Balls)

Bánh trôi nước are sweet rice balls filled with mung bean paste and coated in a sweet syrup. They are often enjoyed during the Tet festival.

Ingredients:

  • 200g glutinous rice flour
  • 100g mung bean paste
  • 50g sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water, as needed
  • Syrup: 200ml coconut milk and 50g sugar, mixed

Instructions:

  1. Mix glutinous rice flour with salt in a bowl. Gradually add water until you form a dough.
  2. Divide the dough into small balls, then flatten them and place a small amount of mung bean paste in the center. Seal and roll them into balls again.
  3. Boil a pot of water and cook the rice balls until they float to the surface, usually around 5–7 minutes.
  4. Remove the balls and let them cool. Drizzle with prepared coconut syrup before serving.

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