Sweet Bean Paste in Chinese Desserts

Sweet bean paste—especially red bean paste—is the superstar filling of Chinese desserts. It’s one of the most versatile, beloved ingredients across Chinese bakeries and home kitchens. If you’ve ever tasted a Chinese pastry, chances are you’ve already enjoyed the smooth, lightly sweet magic of red bean paste!

How Is Sweet Bean Paste Used in Chinese Pastries?

Red bean paste isn’t just popular—it’s everywhere! You’ll find it at the heart of almost every iconic Chinese treat:

• Sesame Balls (Jian Dui):
  Crispy on the outside, chewy inside, and filled with warm red bean paste. The ultimate festival street snack.
• Steamed Red Bean Buns:
  Fluffy, cloud-like buns with a hidden core of sweet bean paste—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Mooncakes:
  Mid-Autumn Festival’s star treat! Many mooncakes feature a generous layer of red bean or lotus seed paste, sometimes paired with salted egg yolk for that classic savory-sweet combo.
• Tangyuan (Sweet Rice Balls):
  Glutinous rice balls stuffed with smooth red bean paste, floating in a warm, sweet soup—comfort food for family gatherings.
• Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings):
  Not just savory! Sweet zongzi with red bean filling are loved at Dragon Boat Festival and beyond.
• Eight Treasure Rice (Ba Bao Fan):
  A celebration dessert topped with candied fruits and a sweet red bean paste core.
• Pumpkin Cakes, Red Bean Pancakes, and More:
  From pan-fried pumpkin cakes to crispy red bean pancakes, there’s no shortage of creative snacks that use red bean paste.

Red bean paste isn’t just delicious—it’s a nostalgic flavor that brings people together. No wonder it’s the soul of so many traditional pastries!

Curious about the history and varieties of sweet bean paste? Read more here.

From Classic to Modern: Experience XuanMa Egg Yolk Pastry

So, after tasting all these classics, what’s the next must-try for anyone who loves sweet bean paste? For many young foodies, the answer is simple: XuanMa’s Egg Yolk Pastry.

At XuanMa, we blend premium sweet bean paste with rich, savory salted egg yolk, all wrapped in delicate, flaky pastry. It’s a true celebration of tradition and innovation—a bite that instantly reminds you of home, but feels fresh and exciting at the same time.

Whether you’re new to Chinese pastries or already a fan, XuanMa’s Egg Yolk Pastry lets you enjoy the best of sweet bean paste in a whole new way. Why not treat yourself or share with friends? Click to order, and discover how a classic filling can become your new favorite dessert!