Top Vietnamese Desserts You Can Make at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and its desserts are no exception. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with some homemade treats, here are some top Vietnamese desserts that are both delicious and easy to prepare in your own kitchen.

1. Chè Ba Màu (Three Color Dessert)

Chè Ba Màu is a visually stunning layered dessert made with colorful mung beans, red beans, and coconut milk. To make it, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup mung beans
  • 1 cup red beans
  • 1 cup evaporated milk or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Food coloring (if desired)

First, cook the mung beans and red beans until tender. Layer them in a glass with crushed ice, pour in the coconut milk, and add some sugar to taste. Finish it off with a splash of food coloring for a festive touch!

2. Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard)

Bánh Flan is a creamy caramel custard that is easy to whip up. You will need:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Start by melting half a cup of sugar in a pan until it turns into caramel. Pour the caramel into individual ramekins. Next, mix eggs, remaining sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl and pour it into the ramekins. Steam the custards until set, and allow them to cool before serving.

3. Bánh Tẻ (Vietnamese Sticky Rice Cake)

Bánh Tẻ is a unique savory-sweet sticky rice cake often filled with mung beans or pork. Here’s how to prepare it:

  • 2 cups glutinous rice flour
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt
  • Filling of your choice (mung bean, pork)

Mix the glutinous rice flour with water and a pinch of salt to form a dough. Divide the dough and fill each piece with your desired filling. Fold and steam for 20-30 minutes until cooked. The result is a soft and chewy dessert that's irresistible!

4. Xôi Xoài (Mango Sticky Rice)

Xôi Xoài combines sweet sticky rice with ripe mango and is drizzled with coconut milk. For this dish, gather:

  • 1 cup sticky rice
  • 1 ripe mango
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Sugar and salt

Soak the sticky rice overnight, then steam it until fluffy. Cook the coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt, and mix with the warm sticky rice. Serve it alongside slices of fresh mango and top with more coconut milk.

5. Bánh Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Cakes)

Bánh Đậu Xanh are delicious mung bean cakes that are both sweet and mildly savory. You’ll need:

  • 1 cup mung beans
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Banana leaves or plastic wrap

Cook the mung beans until soft, then mash them with sugar and vanilla. Shape the mixture into small cakes and wrap them in banana leaves or plastic wrap. Steam for about 20 minutes, and let them cool before serving.

These Vietnamese desserts capture the essence of the country's culinary traditions. With their delightful flavors and beautiful presentations, making them at home is a wonderful way to explore Vietnamese culture through food. Enjoy crafting these delectable treats and share them with family and friends for a unique taste of Vietnam!