The Best Vietnamese Desserts Made with Bean Paste

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique ingredients, and desserts are no exception. Among the various sweet treats, those made with bean paste are particularly delightful, offering a combination of sweetness and texture that captivates many. Here’s a look at some of the best Vietnamese desserts that feature bean paste as a star ingredient.

1. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Cake)
Mung bean cake is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made from peeled and cooked mung beans. The beans are mashed into a smooth paste and then sweetened with sugar. Often shaped into miniature cakes and molded with intricate designs, Bánh Đậu Xanh is not only visually appealing but also deliciously comforting. It is commonly enjoyed during Tet (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and served with tea.

2. Che Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup)
Che Dau Xanh is a popular dessert soup that features sweetened mung bean paste. The mung beans are simmered until soft and combined with coconut milk and sugar to create a creamy, luscious treat. Sometimes, it is served with glutinous rice or tapioca pearls for added texture. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any season.

3. Bánh Cam (Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste)
Bánh Cam is a delicious pastry consisting of glutinous rice flour dough filled with sweetened red bean paste. These balls are often rolled in sesame seeds before being deep-fried to a crispy golden-brown. The outside is crunchy, while the inside remains soft and sweet. Bánh Cam is typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert, offering a delightful contrast in textures.

4. Bánh Pía (Mung Bean and Durian Pastry)
Bánh Pía is a savory pastry that contains a layer of mung bean paste and sometimes durian. This delectable treat is wrapped in a flaky pastry crust and baked until golden. The combination of the creamy mung bean and the unique aroma of durian creates a flavorful experience that is cherished by many in Vietnam. It is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

5. Che Ba Mau (Three Color Dessert)
Che Ba Mau, or Three Color Dessert, features a beautiful layer of colors representing different ingredients. Typically, it includes green mung bean paste, red bean paste, and yellow coconut milk. The dessert is often topped with crushed ice and drizzled with syrup, resulting in a refreshing and sweet final dish. This colorful dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

6. Bánh Trôi Nước (Glutinous Rice Balls in Syrup)
Bánh Trôi Nước are delightful glutinous rice balls filled with sweetened mung bean paste and served in a warm ginger syrup. These chewy balls are traditionally enjoyed during the Tet holiday and symbolize family reunion and togetherness. The combination of the sweet filling and the spicy syrup creates a comforting and heartwarming dessert experience.

7. Bánh Xu Xê (Rice Cake with Mung Bean Filling)
This traditional Vietnamese cake is made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a sweetened mung bean paste. The dough is often colored in various hues, adding to the cake’s visual appeal. Bánh Xu Xê can be steamed or baked and is usually enjoyed during festivals or family gatherings, offering a delightful bite that is both chewy and sweet.

Vietnamese desserts made with bean paste showcase the versatile use of beans in sweet treats, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed at home or in a Vietnamese restaurant, these desserts are sure to please any sweet tooth. With their delicate flavors and textures, they truly represent the best of Vietnamese confectionery delights.