When you think of Thai cuisine, your mind clicks immediately to the bold and savory flavors of dishes like pad Thai and green curry. But did you know that Thailand is also home to some of the most delightful and unique desserts in the world? Thailand is famous not only for its rich culture and stunning landscapes but also for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Bursting with tropical fruits, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant spices, Thai desserts are renowned worldwide. They are often the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fragrant, using local ingredients and loaded with heavenly flavors. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, these 12 irresistible Thai dessert recipes will take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Thailand, one sweet bite at a time.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Arguably the most famous among the Thai dessert recipes, Mango Sticky Rice is a must-try for anyone exploring Thai cuisine. The dessert is simple yet delectable, featuring sweet glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk, paired with ripe, juicy mango slices, and topped with a drizzle of salted coconut cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Thai Coconut Ice Cream (I-Tim Kati)
Thai Coconut Ice Cream is a refreshing and light dessert, ideal for hot weather. Traditionally served in coconut shells with a variety of toppings like sticky rice, peanuts, sweetened corn, and jackfruit, this dessert captures the essence of tropical Thailand.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Toppings like peanuts, sticky rice, or sweet corn (optional)
Thai Pumpkin Custard (Sankaya)
Thai Pumpkin Custard is a creamy, fragrant dessert made from pumpkin, coconut milk, and eggs. It’s steamed inside a hollowed-out pumpkin, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious. The pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the rich custard.
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup palm sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pandan leaves for flavor (optional)
Fried Bananas (Kluay Tod)
For a quick and delicious Thai dessert, Fried Bananas are a popular street food favorite. These bananas are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden brown, often served with a drizzle of honey or condensed milk for added sweetness.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup water
- Oil for frying
- Honey or condensed milk for drizzling
Thai Sweet Potato Balls (Kanom Kai Nok Krata)
Sweet Potato Balls are another popular Thai street snack, made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with flour and sugar, then fried to a golden crisp. These bite-sized treats are light, chewy, and slightly sweet, making them hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Oil for frying
Thai Jelly (Wun)
Thai Jelly, also known as Wun, is a fun and colorful dessert made from agar-agar, coconut milk, and flavored syrups. It’s often shaped into flowers or animals, making it visually appealing, especially for kids. The jelly is light, wobbly, and subtly sweet, perfect for a hot day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tbsp agar-agar powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Thai Roti (Roti Sai Mai)
While originally from India, Thai Roti has taken on a life of its own in Thailand. Thin, flaky roti bread is often stuffed with a variety of sweet fillings, such as banana slices, condensed milk, sugar, and even chocolate sauce. This dessert is served hot, and its crispy texture is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Sweet fillings like bananas, condensed milk, or Nutella
Thai Steamed Layer Cake (Khanom Chan)
Khanom Chan is a traditional Thai dessert with nine layers, symbolizing prosperity. Made from a mixture of rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, and sugar, this steamed dessert has a chewy texture and mild sweetness. The layers are often tinted with natural colors from pandan leaves, butterfly pea flowers, or other plants.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup sugar
- Natural food colorings like pandan or butterfly pea flowers
Thai Tapioca Pudding (Sakoo)
Sakoo is a delightful Thai dessert made from tapioca pearls cooked in coconut milk. It’s sweet, slightly chewy, and sometimes served with slices of banana or taro for added texture and flavor. The creamy coconut milk complements the chewy tapioca pearls perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca pearls
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Banana slices or taro (optional)
You can also glimpse dessert collections from different regions around the globe, whether you are craving traditional Indian desserts or want to explore the culinary richness of Ireland with Irish dessert recipes.
Black Sticky Rice Pudding (Khao Niew Dam)
For something a bit more unique, Black Sticky Rice Pudding is an earthy and rich Thai dessert. Black glutinous rice is cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar to create a hearty pudding that is both sweet and slightly nutty. It’s often garnished with shredded coconut or sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black glutinous rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup palm sugar
- Shredded coconut or sesame seeds for garnish
Thai Water Chestnut Rubies (Tub Tim Grob)
Tub Tim Grob is a refreshing Thai dessert made from water chestnuts coated in tapioca flour, giving them a chewy texture. These “rubies” are then served in a bowl of chilled coconut milk, offering a refreshing contrast between the chewiness of the chestnuts and the creaminess of the coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced water chestnuts
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 2 cups coconut milk
- Red food coloring (optional)
Thai Banana in Coconut Milk (Kluay Buat Chi)
Thai Banana in Coconut Milk is a simple yet comforting dessert made by simmering ripe bananas in sweetened coconut milk. The creamy texture of the coconut milk pairs beautifully with the soft bananas, creating a warm and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Tips for Perfecting Thai Dessert Recipes at Home
Use Fresh Ingredients
Thai desserts often rely on fresh ingredients like coconut milk, pandan leaves, and ripe tropical fruits. Whenever possible, use fresh rather than canned or dried ingredients for the best flavor.
Balance Sweetness
Many Thai desserts are sweet, but they often incorporate salty or creamy elements to balance the flavor. For example, salty coconut cream is often used to top sweet dishes like mango sticky rice or tapioca pudding.
Experiment with Toppings
Thai desserts are known for their variety of toppings and garnishes, such as sesame seeds, toasted coconut, peanuts, and mung beans. These not only add flavor but also enhance texture, making your desserts even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Thai desserts are an integral part of the country’s vibrant culinary landscape. From the globally adored Mango Sticky Rice to the lesser-known delights like Thai Water Chestnut Rubies and Black Sticky Rice Pudding, each dessert is a testament to Thailand’s diverse ingredients and deep-rooted traditions. By recreating these 12 irresistible Thai dessert recipes at home, you’ll embark on a sweet journey filled with unique flavors, textures, and memorable experiences.