Experience the Delight: Quick and Delicious Chinese Tofu Dessert

Silken tofu immersed in a sweet ginger broth 豆腐花 —Chinese Tofu Pudding is a beloved dessert found in Chinese cafes. It’s incredibly simple to recreate in your kitchen, requiring just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. Plus, this delicious tofu pudding recipe is vegan-friendly, making it a delicious sweet tooth treat for everyone to enjoy. This surprisingly healthy dessert is a great vegan dessert recipe. With tender perfect texture silken tofu slices bathed in a simple syrup full of ginger flavor this is a decadent dessert recipe perfect for any dinner party!

I first tried this tofu dessert when I was living in San Francisco and went to a local restaurant in Chinatown. It’s the first time I had ever tried eating tofu in a dessert and I couldn’t believe how delicious it was. It’s kind of similar to pudding in texture and bathed in a delicious sweet sauce. I was lucky to get the recipe and I’ve been making it ever since.

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Chinese tofu dessert, a delightful treat that seamlessly blends simplicity with exquisite flavors. With simple ingredients that you can get at most well stocked grocery stores you can make a delicious sweet dessert in no time. This simple recipe promises not only a quick preparation time but also a burst of sweet, silky goodness in every spoonful. Get ready for the sweet taste and custard-like texture of delicious silken tofu pudding!

Crafted with tender silken tofu bathed in a fragrant ginger-infused syrup, this dessert offers a comforting warmth when served fresh off the stove. Alternatively, chill it for a cool, refreshing experience that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a soothing finale to any meal.

10-minute tofu dessert recipe

In just minutes, you’ll transform basic ingredients into a dessert that captivates with its smooth texture and delicate sweetness. Whether you’re seeking a speedy sweet fix that will make your taste buds sing or introducing friends to the joys of authentic Chinese cuisine, this tofu dessert is sure to impress with its balance of ease and delectable taste.

Prepare to savor the simplicity and decadence of homemade Chinese tofu dessert—a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover why this dessert is cherished for its quick preparation and irresistible flavors.

What is 10-minute Chinese Tofu pudding

Douhua (豆花) is a traditional Chinese dessert known as tofu pudding or soybean curd dessert. It’s easily considered one of the best Chinese dessert recipes and for good reason. It’s also referred to as soybean pudding, sweet tofu pudding, doufuhua, or tofu brains (豆腐脑) in certain regions of China. Although a serving bowl of tofu brain may not sound tasty, this popular street food is a delicious sweet tastes treat. A similar dessert called Taho is popular in the Philippines, featuring very soft tofu in a sweetened form.

Best tofu pudding history

Chinese Tofu Pudding, a beloved dessert found in cafes and restaurants across China, features chilled silken tofu bathed in a sweet sugar broth infused with ginger. This recipe offers a quick and simple way to recreate this popular dessert at home, using minimal ingredients. Enjoy it warm or cold, embracing its versatility and comforting flavors. Serve the tender tofu as a warm tofu pudding or make it a cold treat and substitute your ice cream for this silky tofu pudding. We’re talking the ultimate delicious dessert for special occasions or a delicious weekday treat.

Historically, douhua dates back to the Han Dynasty of ancient China. Legend has it that Liu An, the grandson of Emperor Gaozu of Han, attempted to create an elixir of immortality but ended up inventing this perfect tofu pudding dessert instead.

What is Dou Hua made of

This tofu pudding is traditionally coagulated using ingredients like gypsum powder (石膏粉) or magnesium chloride (Japanese nigari 苦汁/にがり). However, these coagulants can be hard to come by, so this recipe opts for vegan silken tofu without the need for any difficult to get ingredients. The ingredients in my Chinese tofu pudding should be easy to get at a well-stocked grocery store or any Asian grocery stores. Plus, my delicious silken tofu dessert is naturally vegan friendly and only takes 10-minutes to make! Get ready for some serious delicious Chinese tofu dessert.

Dessert tofu pudding main ingredients

1. Silken Tofu:

• Silken tofu is a soft and delicate variety of tofu known for its smooth texture. In this dessert it’s the main ingredient, and provides a creamy base that absorbs flavors well. For the best Chinese dessert recipe make sure to use silken tofu and NEVER regular tofu (firm tofu, extra firm tofu, and medium firm tofu doesn’t work to make this delicious tofu dessert). Opt for good quality tofu to get that mousse-like texture you want in this kind of tofu. For the best creamy desserts texture, avoid firmer tofu .

2. Water:

• Water is used to create the ginger-infused syrup that enhances the sweetness and aroma of the dessert.

Sweet ingredients

3. Chinese Rock Sugar or Cane Sugar:

• Chinese Rock Sugar is a crystallized sugar with a distinctive sweetness. It’s commonly used in Chinese cooking and desserts. Alternatively, you can substitute it with regular cane sugar or coconut sugar to make this sweet tofu dessert. The sugar forms the base of the delicious gingery syrup that vegan diet friendly! Alternatively, you can also substitute the sugar with palm sugar for a different sweet version of the fresh ginger sauce.

4. Brown Sugar:

• Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the syrup, complementing the sweetness of the dish. Brown sugar is one of my favorite ways to add sweetness to vegan desserts because it gives the sauce a rich depth. It’s a great classic dessert option that takes this perfect dessert to the next level. Alternatively, you can substitute with a little maple syrup and adjust to taste by adding a little bit at a time.

Flavor Ingredients

5. Ginger:

• Ginger slices with the skin on are used to infuse the syrup with a subtle, spicy warmth. The slices of ginger adds complexity and depth to the dessert’s flavor profile. It’s the key ingredient in silken tofu dessert recipes.

6. Vanilla Extract:

• Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and sweetness of the dessert, adding a hint of floral and creamy notes. You can omit the vanilla extract, but I find it enhances the different flavors of the light dessert.

7. Zest from 1 Lime (Optional):

• Lime zest is optional but adds a refreshing citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert. It contributes a bright, tangy note to the syrup.

These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in Chinese tofu dessert. The result is a refreshing and comforting treat that you can enjoy either warm or chilled, perfect for any occasion.

Tips for making the Sweet tofu dessert

Keep the silken tofu refrigerated until serving time. The contrast of the warm sweet broth over the chilled tofu enhances its flavor significantly.
Ensure the Chinese rock sugar fully dissolves during simmering to achieve a smooth and consistent syrup.
For the best experience, enjoy the dessert immediately after preparation to fully appreciate the contrast between the warm broth and chilled tofu. Allowing it to sit too long may result in the tofu warming up in the broth.
Experiment with additional flavors such as cinnamon, chilis, or substitute the rock sugar with coconut sugar for a delightful twist on this classic Chinese dessert.

Chinese tofu dessert recipe

Delight in the silky smoothness of this traditional Chinese dessert! We’re talking Silken tofu bathed in a fragrant broth of ginger, sugars, and a hint of citrus, creating a refreshing and comforting treat. Perfect served warm or chilled, it’s a delightful finale to any meal, offering a balance of sweetness and gentle spice.

Silken tofu dessert ingredients:

4 cups (900 grams) silken tofu or dessert silken tofu (chilled)
3 cups (720ml/720g) water
1/2 cup (100 grams)Chinese Rock Sugar or substitute with cane sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar (about 45 grams)
5 slices ginger with skin on (about 20 grams)
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Zest from 1 lime (optional)

How to make Silken tofu dessert

1. In a small pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add ginger slices, Chinese Rock sugar or cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lime zest. Stir well, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the sugars dissolve completely.

2. While the broth simmers, divide the chilled silken tofu among serving bowls.

3. Once the broth is ready, ladle it over the tofu in each bowl.

4. Serve immediately for a warm dessert or chill in the refrigerator before serving cold.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese tofu dessert!

How to eat Dou Hua

Douhua, or tofu pudding, is a versatile and delicious Chinese dessert that you can enjoy in several ways:

1. Plain: Enjoy douhua as it is, either warm or chilled. Its soft, silky texture and subtle sweetness make it a refreshing treat on its own.

2. With Syrup: Drizzle with a sweet syrup, such as ginger syrup or a simple sugar syrup, to enhance its flavor. The syrup adds a touch of sweetness and extra depth to the dessert.

3. With Toppings: Sprinkle with toppings like crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or sweetened red bean paste for added texture and flavor contrast. Sweet red bean paste is a popular option and one of the traditional ways people enjoy this tofu dessert. You can also top with tapioca pearls for a delicious twist to the dessert.

4. Soy Milk: Pour warm or chilled soy milk over douhua for a creamy and comforting combination. This is a common way to enjoy douhua for breakfast in Taiwan. Use store-bought soy milk or make your own homemade soy milk for a fresh soy milk sauce. I especially like pairing the fresh soy milk and tapioca pearls when I want a twist to the delicious street foods dessert.

5. Savory Options: In some regions, douhua is served with savory toppings such as soy sauce, preserved vegetables, and chili oil, transforming it into a savory snack or light meal.

6. In Desserts: You can also incorporate Douhua into other desserts, such as douhua pudding, where it is set with agar-agar or gelatin and served with fruit or a fruit compote. You can serve the silken tofu pudding topped with shaved chocolate and fresh berries for a decadent dessert that will satisfy your chocolate craving.

More ways to enjoy Dou Hua

7. In Drinks: Blend douhua into smoothies or milkshakes for a unique and creamy texture, or incorporate it into bubble tea for added richness.

8. Hot or Cold: You can enjoy Douhua hot in colder months for a comforting treat or chilled during warmer weather for a refreshing dessert.

Experiment with these different ways to eat douhua to find your favorite way to enjoy this delightful Chinese tofu dessert!

Storing Sweet tofu dessert

Storing Chinese sweet tofu dessert is straightforward to maintain its freshness and flavor:

1. Refrigeration: Store the dessert in an airtight container or covered bowls in the refrigerator. Ensure the tofu is fully submerged in the ginger syrup to maintain its moisture and flavor.

2. Duration: It can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Beyond this timeframe, the texture of the tofu may start to change, becoming slightly firmer.

3. Chilling: Serve chilled for the best taste experience. The cold temperature enhances the refreshing quality of the dessert and allows the flavors to meld together.

4. Covering: If storing in individual bowls, cover each bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent absorption of other odors from the refrigerator and to maintain freshness.

5. Preparation: When ready to serve, simply take out the desired portion from the refrigerator and enjoy it chilled.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Chinese sweet tofu dessert stays delicious and enjoyable for as long as possible.

What I’ve been making lately

Chinese tofu dessert Tips

Best tofu for Chinese tofu dessert

Silken tofu or dessert silken tofu works best for this dessert because of its smooth texture and ability to absorb flavors well.

No Chinese Rock sugar? No problem

You can substitute Chinese Rock sugar with regular granulated sugar. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

Meal prep tofu dessert

You can prepare the ginger syrup ahead of time and chill it. When ready to serve, ladle the syrup over chilled silken tofu.

Storage

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Don’t press the tofu

For this dessert, you typically do not need to press the tofu. Simply drain any excess water and divide it into serving bowls.

Tofu dessert serving Tips

Serve this dessert warm

You can serve the dessert warm by ladling the hot ginger syrup over the tofu immediately after cooking.

Topping variations

You can add toppings like chopped nuts, fresh fruit slices, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor.

All About Douhua

What is Douhua (豆花)?

Douhua, also known as tofu pudding or soybean pudding, is a traditional Chinese dessert made from soft silken tofu. It has a silky-smooth texture and is typically served with a sweet syrup or sauce.

Is Douhua vegan-friendly?

Yes, Douhua is typically vegan-friendly as it’s made from soy milk and uses plant-based coagulants. However, it’s essential to check the ingredients of any additional flavorings or toppings added to ensure they are vegan.

Are you looking for more easy and delicious desserts and treats? You might like some of these:

Chinese Tofu Dessert

Delight in the silky smoothness of this traditional Chinese dessert! Silken tofu is bathed in a fragrant broth of ginger, sugars, and a hint of citrus, creating a refreshing and comforting treat. Perfect served warm or chilled, it’s a delightful finale to any meal, offering a balance of sweetness and gentle spice.

Munchyesta.com

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 8

Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

Silken tofu dessert ingredients:

4 cups (900g) silken tofu or dessert silken tofu (chilled)
3 cups (720ml/720g) water
1/2 cup (100g) Chinese Rock Sugar – or substitute with cane sugar
3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar
5 slices ginger with skin on
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Zest from 1 lime – optional

Instructions

How to make Chinese Tofu dessert instructions:

In a small pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add ginger slices, Chinese Rock sugar or cane sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and lime zest. Stir well, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes or until the sugars dissolve completely.
While the broth simmers, divide the chilled silken tofu among serving bowls.
Once the broth is ready, ladle it over the tofu in each bowl.
Serve immediately for a warm dessert or chill in the refrigerator before serving cold.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese tofu dessert!

Notes

One serving is just around 225 calories