In Korean cuisine, numerous desserts are well-loved, but none quite epitomize the country’s confectionery culture as its national dessert: bingsu.
This refreshing treat is a staple of summertime indulgence, comprising flavorful shaved ice as the foundation, topped with an array of sweet and colorful elements.
The beauty of bingsu lies in its versatility – from succulent fresh fruits to overflowing piles of candy, the possibilities are endless. This unique dessert’s appeal stems from its ability to be tailored to individual tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.
Strawberry Milk
The allure of Korean strawberry milk lies in its effortlessly sweet and creamy texture, making it an ideal way to savor the sweetness of summer’s star fruit. Moreover, this traditional beverage is a delightful dairy-free dessert option that yields impressive results.
Matcha Hotteok
Korean sweet pancakes, known as hotteok, are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with a burst of flavor. A unique twist on this traditional dessert recipe is the addition of matcha green tea powder to the batter, which lends an earthy undertone to the final product. The sweet and savory filling, comprising cinnamon sugar and peanuts, provides a lovely contrast to the smooth and subtly bitter matcha exterior.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato enthusiasts, rejoice! For those who thought desserts were exclusive to fruits and dairy products, goguma mattang – candied Korean sweet potatoes – are here to prove otherwise. By transforming a humble root vegetable into a sugary treat, these sweet treats defy convention, offering a delightful contrast of textures: the tender interior softness against the satisfying crunch of their hard candy coating.
Matcha Mochi Bread
Mochi bread has a unique character that sets it apart from other types of bread. Its exceptionally soft and springy texture is complemented by a satisfyingly crispy exterior, making each bite utterly irresistible. When you add the distinctive flavors of matcha and sesame to the mix, the result is an earthy delight that will leave you craving more.
Instant Pot Dalgona Candy
Indulge in a sweet treat with just two ingredients and your Instant Pot, as you create homemade dalgona candies that are sure to delight. To make it an enjoyable experience for the whole family, invite the kids to join in on the fun by attempting to break out shapes from the candies using cookie cutters of varying complexity – simplicity or intricacy being entirely dependent on the shapes you have at home.
Matcha Bingsu
Harmonize the bold flavors of Japan and Korea by crafting a one-of-a-kind matcha bingsu. The grassy undertones of the matcha create an intriguing contrast with the refreshing ice, making for a truly unique dessert experience. Feel free to get creative with your toppings – whether you prefer sweet white chocolate spheres, nutty red beans, or something entirely new, this dessert is yours to customize and enjoy.
Mango Bingsu
Perched atop a bed of shaved ice, the tropical fruit adds a burst of sweetness to each refreshing bite. The spicy kick from the hot chili splash cleverly balances out the sweetness, ensuring every mouthful feels exciting and new. If you’re a fan of fresh mango, the similar flavors in this mango chia pudding will likely hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied.
Crystallized Ginger Scones with Sake Poached Asian Pears
Indulge in these heavenly ginger scones paired with sake-poached pears, a match made in heaven that’s sure to impress on your next date night. And the best part? This decadent dessert can be prepared in under an hour, making it the perfect solution for those short on time. The combination of refined flavors and comforting elements will leave you wanting more.
Sweet Pancakes
In its most authentic form, hotteok sans matcha flavor boasts a delectable filling composed of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts. The natural yeast present in the surrounding dough masterfully balances out the sweetness, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Matcha Cake
Tea time just got a whole lot more delightful with this airy matcha sponge cake. The harmonious contrast between the earthy, woodsy flavor of matcha and the delicate sponge is nothing short of magic. What’s more, this cake is a breeze to prepare – it’ll take you a mere forty minutes from start to finish. And trust us, it’s best devoured while still warm from the oven, when the aroma and texture are at their most sublime.
Cinnamon Ginger Punch
A refreshing beverage known as sujeonggwa, enjoyed at any hour, deserves more attention than just being a cold drink. This traditional concoction boasts an impressive amount of ginger, generous helpings of cinnamon, and dried persimmons adding natural sweetness. Ginger’s numerous health benefits include reducing inflammation, promoting gut health, and offering numerous other advantages that make it an excellent addition to this recipe.
Banana Milk
In Korea, there’s a beloved beverage known as banana uyu, which is essentially a creamier version of a smoothie. The beauty of banana uyu lies in its simplicity – it only requires fresh bananas, water, sugar, and milk to be prepared. The result is a deliciously creamy treat that can be whipped up in no time. If you find yourself with an abundance of ripe bananas, why not try your hand at some other mouthwatering banana dessert recipes?
Dalgona Coffee
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of Dalgona coffee, a delightfully drinkable beverage that’s as much fun to consume as it is simple to prepare. The secret to its irresistible charm lies not only in its delectable taste but also in its ease of creation. With just instant coffee, sugar, water, and a bit of effort, you’ll be all set to serve this delightful concoction over hot or cold milk – the perfect way to kick-start your day.
Dalgona Matcha
The versatility of dalgona drinks knows no bounds, as it’s surprisingly easy to infuse other flavors into this beloved beverage. One such variation that shines is the matcha dalgona latte, perfect for satisfying both sweet and morning cravings alike. What’s more, with only a handful of ingredients – just four to be exact, one more than the original recipe – this dessert or morning pick-me-up is remarkably simple to prepare.
Twisted Donuts
With its satisfying crunch giving way to a soft interior, Kkwabaegi treats are indulgently sweet, boasting a unique blend of cinnamon and sugar that will leave you craving more. When enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee, the textures and flavors meld together in perfect harmony.
Tea Cookies
In the world of Asian confections, Dasik – also known as Korean tea cookies – hold a special place in many cultures. These delicate treats are specifically designed to be savored alongside a warm cup of tea, their subtle flavors and textures expertly crafted to complement each other. One of the unique characteristics of Dasik is that they don’t require an oven for preparation. Traditionally, these cookies are shared with loved ones during special occasions, such as the New Year celebrations in Korea.
Fish Shaped Pastry
Inspired by Japanese desserts, but with a unique twist, bungeoppang has become a beloved treat in Korea. This delectable pastry takes on the shape of a fish and is typically filled with a range of sweet flavors, including matcha, sweet red beans, sesame, or other mild sweet fillings.
Healthy Sweet Rice Cake
The quintessential Korean treat, Youngyang chaltteok, is an effortlessly simple-to-make sweet rice cake that requires minimal effort yet yields maximum satisfaction. Its versatility allows for endless creative possibilities, as one can incorporate their preferred sweet fillings. A perfect canvas for experimentation, Youngyang chaltteok pairs beautifully with nuts and dried fruits, inviting you to get creative and indulge in its wholesome goodness.
Red Bean Paste Bun
Danpatbang, a type of Korean red bean pasta bun, takes the form of adorable flower-shaped pastries. While the sweet red bean paste filling is a unique selling point for some, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Fortunately, this versatility allows for experimentation with alternative fillings, such as matcha, sesame, or even white chocolate, offering a range of options to suit individual tastes.
Half-Moon Shaped Rice Cake
Songpyeon, a traditional Korean dessert, holds a special place in the celebrations surrounding Chuseok, often referred to as a delicacy. These bite-sized rice cakes have a distinct texture, slightly chewier than mochi, making them an ideal treat for Lunar New Year festivities. What’s more, this recipe requires only about an hour of preparation time, yielding a generous batch of these adorable little cakes.
Sweet Rice Mini Bundt Cake
Indulge in the wonders of Korean cuisine with this mind-blowing tteokpang recipe. This bite-sized miniature bundt cake boasts an extraordinary combination of a dense, cornbread-like crumb and a delightfully chewy crust. The perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this scrumptious mini bundt cake is sure to impress. And don’t forget to put your cake pan to good use with our collection of other delectable mini bundt cake recipes, waiting to be devoured!
Caramel Apple Hotteok
In essence, caramel apple hotteok is the elevated version of classic apple pie – a quintessential comfort food that seamlessly blends indulgence and simplicity. The velvety texture and sublime flavors work in harmony to create an irresistible treat. What’s more, this sweet delight can be savored at any time, making it equally suitable for breakfast or dessert, leaving the choice entirely up to personal preference.
Fruits Shaved Ice Milk
As we near the end of our culinary journey, we’re excited to introduce a refreshing Korean-inspired treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. Our take on bingsu features a generous helping of fresh fruit piled high atop a bed of shaved milk ice. The twist here is that instead of using traditional ice cream as the base, we opt for frozen milk and sweeten it with condensed milk – a game-changing combination that’s sure to quench your thirst for something new and exciting. And if you’re craving more international flavors, be sure to explore our extensive archives for a world of cuisines, from Filipino delights to global treats.
