Korean desserts offer a symphony of flavors and colors, providing an exciting culinary adventure right in your own kitchen!
From refreshing shaved ice to delicate pastries and delectable donuts, there’s a world of sweet treats to explore.
Prepare to indulge in a delightful assortment of sugary goodness, as I unveil 21 must-try Korean dessert recipes that will brighten any day.
1. Korean Honey Pastry
Yakgwa, also known as Korean honey pastry, makes a star appearance on festive occasions in Korea. Indulge in a honey-soaked, deep-fried cookie that delivers a uniquely sweet and moist experience.
Honey syrup also features ginger, which adds an extra flavorful layer. Add some texture to this treat with a topping of chopped nuts.
2. Red Bean Mochi
If it’s wintertime in Korea, then it’s definitely red bean mochi time! As you probably already guessed, sweet red beans are crucial for this dessert.
The simple cooking process definitely makes it a worthwhile dish to try. Speed up the process with store-bought red bean paste and microwaving the mochi.
3. Korean Poached Pears
Korean poached pears, known as baesuk, serve as both a dessert and natural remedy. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful, healthy poached pear with a hint of peppercorn, ginger, and honey!
You can also try steaming the pears if you want to mix things up.
4. Fish-Shaped Pastry
This red-bean-filled fish-shaped pastry delivers a powerful punch of sweetness! You can thank the crunchy outside and soft inside for its exciting textures.
If you want to make these adorable pastries, then a fish-shaped taiyaki pan is a must. Pair this treat with a glass of milk or enjoy it all by itself.
5. Korean Red Bean and Mochi Cake
Do you need more red bean in your life? This tasty mochi cake is the answer!
The walnuts and roasted chestnuts topping the cake also gives it extra flavor and texture. You can quickly whip up this cake by tossing everything in a bowl, whisking it all together, and baking it for about 45 minutes.
6. Sweet Rice Cake
For a dessert that is both healthy and delicious, you have to try yaksik! The key ingredients for this sweet rice cake are glutinous rice, dried fruits, nuts, and honey.
Honey offers many health perks, so anything with it is definitely good. You’ll know that you nailed this recipe when the rice grains stay intact and the rice cake comes out chewy and sticky.
7. Korean Watermelon Punch
With its starring ingredient of watermelon, this summery beverage is a Korean classic. This punch is the perfect choice for a summer get-together. The base is traditionally made from sugar or honey that’s dissolved in water.
Make things lighter by using soft drinks instead. Adding milk might make things too heavy. For a punchier flavor, throw in fruits like blueberries, pineapples, and melon.
8. Dasik
Think of dasik as cookies fit for a king! These Korean tea cookies have roots that go all the way back to the Silla and Goryeo Dynasty, when they graced tables during traditional tea times.
Take a shot at making these graceful cookies yourself with this easy recipe. Achieving the perfect dough needs lots of practice and patience. If you’re hoping to capture the authentic look of these sweet treats, then dasik molds are a necessity.
9. Pepero Cake
Pepero, manufactured by Lotte Confectionery, reigns as a beloved South Korean snack. Inside each Pepero box awaits chocolate-covered cookie sticks.
These sticks have a holiday in their honor called Pepero Day. Celebrated annually on November 11, people give Pepero to express their affection.
Turn this snack into a cake to demonstrate even more love! Your favorite chocolate fanatics will surely enjoy this Pepero cake, complete with a chocolate-covered Swiss roll filling. Add a topping of chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor.
10. Korean Half-Moon Rice Cakes
When Chuseok rolls around, these rice cakes always steal the show. Boasting subtle hints of pine tree with just a bit of sweetness, these chewy cakes always satisfy.
Fillings typically range from sesame seeds to mung beans. Don’t hesitate to add a personal touch with the coloring. Give your rice cakes natural color using kabocha, mugwort, or dried fruit powders.
11. Korean Shaved Ice
If you’re looking for a way to cool off on a hot day, then look no further than bingsu! This incredible Korean shaved ice dessert comes in plenty of forms.
Patbingsu, or ice shavings with red beans, stands as its most popular version. Patbingsu might feature flavorful toppings like condensed milk, fruit syrup, and chopped fruits, in addition to red bean paste. Give it a dash of fun and simplicity by topping it off with breakfast cereals or ice cream.
12. Korean Sponge Candy
The sweet, iconic delight sold by street vendors throughout Korea is Korean sponge candy. You’ll only need sugar and baking soda to make this toffee-like treat.
Creating this candy is actually surprisingly simple. Just heat, mix, and press everything. Your kids will love helping out with this activity!
13. Korean Coffee
Korean coffee, or dalgona coffee, offers a tasty, chilled beverage with a smooth, velvety foam. It’s also the easiest recipe on this list, requiring just a few minutes and only three ingredients.
If you choose to whip the coffee by hand, making it might take a while. No matter the process, enjoying this coffee is totally worthwhile!
14. Korean Sweet Pancakes
The warm flavors of these sweet Korean pancakes are matched only by their chewy and sweet texture! Take a bite of the crispy outside to uncover a delicious filling made with chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Be sure to eat these pancakes while they’re still warm. The memorable, syrupy taste will definitely make you want more for dessert or breakfast the next day.
15. Korean Sweet Rice Drink
If you thought that rice was only for savory dishes, then prepare to have your mind blown! This Korean beverage only calls for rice, barley powder, sugar, and water.
In just seconds, you can gulp down this lightly sweetened, barley-flavored drink. After just five minutes of prep, leave the rest up to your rice cooker!
16. Walnuts Wrapped in Persimmon
Consider pairing halved walnuts with dried persimmons for a snack that goes great with green or cinnamon tea. Although drying the persimmons can take as long as three days under direct sunlight, the rest of the steps come together quickly.
To make things even quicker, try store-bought dried persimmons or a food dehydrator.
17. Korean Donuts
Who doesn’t love donuts? The inviting scent of these twisted treats creates a comfortable aroma in your kitchen.
Expect the perfect level of sweetness with each bite! Top these amazing fried donuts with a little bit of cinnamon and powdered sugar. This incredible treat and a glass of milk is the ultimate combo!
18. Sweet Red Bean Porridge
Once again, the wonderful red bean makes a show! Use them this time to make some sweet porridge! Give this recipe a shot for a warm and sugary dish on a chilly day.
This porridge comes together with glutinous rice flour, salt, and sugar. Add more honey or sugar to adjust the level of sweetness. This porridge boasts a velvety texture that is hard to resist!
19. Red Bean Popsicles
It’s time for the great red bean to shine yet again! You’ll need to blend the beans to make a paste before mixing it with condensed milk.
The mixture then goes right into the popsicle molds, so that you get creamy, delicious red bean popsicles! Incorporate some texture to the treat by throwing in some whole beans.
20. Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cakes
These small bundt cakes boast a texture that’s similar to cornbread, with the inside being chewy and the outside being crunchy. The recipe calls for typical ingredients such as vanilla extract, egg, milk, and butter.
This cake contains brown and sweet rice, adding a great texture. Combining them also yields a healthy dessert loaded with nutrients and fiber.
21. Korean Cinnamon Punch
Typically enjoyed during Chuseok and New Year’s Day, cinnamon punch has earned its place as a Korean staple. This beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold.
It offers warming cinnamon and ginger flavors, even when chilled!