🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍨 Desserts > 🇻🇳 Vietnam Desserts > 🍨 Chè Ba Màu (Vietnamese Three-Color Dessert) , Bánh Chuối Chiên (Vietnamese Fried Banana Fritters) , Bánh Da Lợn (Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake)
🍨 Classic Vietnam Desserts Recipes Passed Down for Generations
Published by Supakorn | Updated: February 2026
Introduction
When it comes to desserts, Vietnam has a unique way of blending tropical fruits, coconut milk, and rice-based ingredients to create treats that are both light and satisfying. Vietnamese sweets aren’t overly sugary — they strike that perfect balance between creamy, chewy, and refreshing.
Around the world, these desserts have gained fans for their natural flavors and comforting textures. Whether it’s a warm bowl of Chè Ba Màu (three-color sweet soup), the fragrant Bánh Chuối Chiên (banana fritters), or the delicate Bánh Da Lợn (layered pandan and mung bean cake), each recipe reflects generations of culinary craftsmanship.
In this article, we’ll explore three beloved Vietnamese dessert recipes that you can easily make at home. Each one offers a unique texture, flavor, and story that captures the heart of Vietnamese sweetness.
🔹 Recipe 1: Chè Ba Màu (Vietnamese Three-Color Dessert)
About this Recipe
Chè Ba Màu, or “three-color dessert,” is one of Vietnam’s most visually appealing sweets. It’s made from layers of sweet beans, jelly, and coconut milk, typically served in a tall glass with crushed ice. Each spoonful delivers a cooling mix of textures — creamy, chewy, and smooth.
This dessert is perfect for hot days and can be easily customized by adding your favorite beans or jellies.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup red kidney beans (cooked and sweetened)
- 1 cup mung beans (cooked and sweetened)
- 1 cup pandan jelly (cut into strips)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
- Crushed ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prepare each layer separately — cook and sweeten the beans, and make the pandan jelly.
2.Chill everything in the fridge for at least an hour.
3.In a tall glass, layer the red beans at the bottom, mung beans in the middle, and pandan jelly on top.
4.Pour in coconut milk and top with crushed ice.
5.Mix lightly before serving and enjoy!
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Make sure the beans are soft but not mushy.
- Chill before serving for the best texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned beans?
A: Yes, just rinse and lightly sweeten them before use.
Q: Is this dessert vegan-friendly?
A: Absolutely — all ingredients are plant-based.
Q: How long can I store it?
A: Keep components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Summary
A colorful, refreshing, and classic dessert — Chè Ba Màu is a must-try for anyone looking to experience true Vietnamese sweetness.
🔹 Recipe 2: Bánh Chuối Chiên (Vietnamese Fried Banana Fritters)
About this Recipe
If you love crispy and caramelized snacks, Bánh Chuối Chiên is your dream dessert. It’s a simple combination of ripe bananas dipped in batter and fried until golden brown. The contrast of the crunchy crust and soft banana inside is pure heaven.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 4 ripe bananas (preferably Thai or plantains)
- 1 cup rice flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Mix rice flour, sugar, salt, and coconut milk into a smooth batter.
2.Slice the bananas lengthwise and gently flatten them.
3.Heat oil over medium-high heat.
4.Dip bananas into the batter and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5.Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Use ripe but firm bananas — overripe ones get mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it drops the oil temperature.
- Add sesame seeds or shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I air-fry instead of deep-frying?
A: Yes, but lightly spray the bananas with oil for crispiness.
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour?
A: You can, but rice flour gives a lighter, crunchier texture.
Q: What’s best to serve it with?
A: Try with honey drizzle or coconut ice cream!
Summary
Golden, crispy, and naturally sweet — Bánh Chuối Chiên proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable desserts.
🔹 Recipe 3: Bánh Da Lợn (Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake)
About this Recipe
Despite its quirky name (literally “pig skin cake”), Bánh Da Lợn contains no pork! It’s a steamed dessert made from tapioca flour, coconut milk, mung beans, and pandan leaves. The cake is soft, chewy, and delightfully fragrant, showcasing Vietnamese skill in balancing texture and flavor.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup mung beans (soaked and steamed)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup tapioca flour
- ¼ cup rice flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp pandan extract (or fresh pandan juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Blend mung beans with coconut milk until smooth to make the yellow layer.
2.Mix tapioca flour, rice flour, sugar, and pandan extract for the green layer.
3.Grease a steaming tray with oil.
4.Pour a thin layer of green mixture and steam for 5–7 minutes.
5.Add a yellow layer on top and steam again.
6.Repeat alternating layers until both mixtures are used up.
7.Steam the whole cake for 20 minutes, cool completely, and slice into diamonds.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Steam on low heat to prevent bubbles in the layers.
- Let each layer set before adding the next one.
- Slice only after the cake cools completely for clean cuts.
FAQ
Q: Can I make it without pandan?
A: Yes, replace it with vanilla or food coloring for contrast.
Q: How long does it stay fresh?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use coconut cream instead of milk?
A: Yes, but dilute it with a bit of water to avoid heaviness.
Summary
Bánh Da Lợn is a stunning dessert with a silky texture and delicate aroma. It’s both comforting and impressive — a perfect representation of Vietnamese dessert artistry.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese desserts show how simplicity and creativity can coexist beautifully. From the colorful Chè Ba Màu to the crispy Bánh Chuối Chiên and the soft, layered Bánh Da Lợn, each dish brings you closer to Vietnam’s sweet traditions.
Making them at home is easier than it seems — all you need are a few familiar Asian pantry staples and patience. Try one recipe at a time, share it with your friends, and bring a little piece of Vietnam’s dessert culture into your kitchen.
Because honestly, there’s nothing quite like ending your meal with a homemade Vietnamese sweet treat that’s been loved for generations. 🍮🇻🇳
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