Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe

This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert is a comforting, creamy treat made with mung beans and coconut milk. Sweetened to perfection, it's a refreshing dessert that can be enjoyed hot or cold with a variety of toppings.

There’s something magical about the way a bowl of Vietnamese sweet soup dessert wraps you up in warmth, sweetness, and comfort. Known as chè in Vietnamese, these soups are a mix of flavors, textures, and aromas you don’t find anywhere else. And this vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe will give you that authentic experience while keeping everything plant-based. With hints of mung beans, coconut, and a few optional toppings, this soup hits every mark on texture, richness, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Vietnamese desserts or just beginning to explore them, this recipe will offer a refreshing way to enjoy something traditional with a modern twist. And as with any dish with a bit of history, every spoonful here connects you to generations of cooks who perfected this balance of flavors. Check out similar comfort recipes like this Lamb Ragu D'Rose Mary or Pappadeaux Crawfish Etouffee if you're looking to explore hearty, flavorful recipes with a dash of authenticity.

What is Chè and Why This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe is Worth Trying

In Vietnam, chè is a blanket term for various sweet soups, usually served as dessert or a midday refreshment. These desserts often feature a base of beans, tapioca, jellies, or fruits, creating a unique combination of textures and flavors. This vegan version highlights mung beans and coconut, which pair well to create a creamy, satisfying dish with a naturally sweet, nutty flavor.

Chè can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it adaptable for any season. Plus, it’s completely gluten-free and made with simple, accessible ingredients. It’s ideal for sharing at events, potlucks, or even just as a treat after a long day. For anyone who enjoys lightly sweetened desserts with wholesome ingredients, this is a go-to. And if you’re interested in other easy comfort desserts, the Artsy Chic Cake or this refreshing Tajin Sorbet make excellent options too.

Ingredients for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe

To make this vegan Vietnamese sweet soup, we’re focusing on a few quality ingredients that bring out traditional flavors. Below are the essentials, along with some tips for getting the best out of each ingredient.

Mung Beans

Mung beans are the star of this dessert. Their naturally sweet and creamy texture forms the heart of the dish. It’s best to go for split, skinned mung beans, which cook faster and give a smoother consistency. Soaking the beans beforehand also helps them cook more evenly and quickly.

Coconut Milk

For that classic, creamy richness, coconut milk is key. It not only adds flavor but also balances the beans’ earthiness. I recommend using full-fat coconut milk for a deeper flavor, but if you prefer a lighter touch, feel free to use a reduced-fat version.

Tapioca Pearls

Tapioca pearls add a chewy texture that balances the creaminess of the beans and coconut. They’re optional, but if you enjoy a bit of chew in your desserts, adding a tablespoon or two can be a delightful touch. They cook quickly, so be careful not to overboil them.

Sugar

Use a mild sweetener like cane sugar or rock sugar. These options bring out the sweetness without overpowering the coconut flavor. Adjust the sweetness to your preference; Vietnamese desserts tend to be on the milder side, but feel free to add more if you like it sweeter.

Salt and Vanilla Extract (Optional)

A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, while a few drops of vanilla add a warm undertone. These are optional but highly recommended if you want a fuller flavor profile.

For a similar comforting treat that balances flavors, you might also enjoy Blue Jam Garlic Aioli or Nunu Drink for a cozy and unique experience.

Why This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe Stands Out

There’s something heartwarming about a dessert that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth but also has depth and complexity. This chè is not overly sweet, which makes it perfect for those who prefer a more balanced dessert. Plus, it’s versatile. Serve it warm on a chilly evening, or let it chill in the fridge to enjoy a refreshing dessert on a hot day.

With its creamy and lightly sweet profile, this dessert fits well into special gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even as a comfort dish after a meal. In Vietnamese culture, chè has always been more than just a dessert – it’s often served as a gesture of hospitality. This recipe captures that spirit of sharing, so feel free to double it if you’re expecting guests.

For a variety of flavors and textures, don’t miss out on trying other ShowRecipe favorites like the Street Corn Popcorn Seasoning or the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake.

How to Make Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert

With a few simple steps, you’ll have this satisfying dessert ready to go. Each step focuses on balancing the flavors and getting the textures just right.

Step 1: Prepare the Mung Beans

Start by rinsing 1 cup of split, skinned mung beans under cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear, which helps remove any starch and keeps the dessert from becoming too thick. Then, soak the beans in water for at least 1 hour. This soaking step is essential to ensure even cooking and a soft, creamy texture without any hard bites.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can skip the soaking, but it might take slightly longer for the beans to cook to the right texture.

Step 2: Cook the Mung Beans

In a medium pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Drain the soaked mung beans and add them to the pot. Lower the heat and let the beans simmer on medium-low. You’ll notice a bit of foam on top, which you can skim off with a spoon to keep the soup clear.

Let the beans cook for 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender and slightly mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom.

Note: Mung beans cook faster than most beans, so keep an eye on them. You’re aiming for a soft, creamy texture, not mush.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Salt

Once your beans are soft, it’s time to sweeten. Add about 1/3 cup of cane or rock sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. The sugar quantity here is just a guideline; feel free to adjust based on your preference.

The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the coconut flavor we’ll add in the next step.

For those who enjoy that perfect balance in flavors, you might also love recipes like Crookie Recipe and the hearty Recipe for Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes in Crockpot, both of which highlight a mix of tastes and textures.

Step 4: Prepare the Tapioca Pearls (Optional)

If you’re adding tapioca pearls for extra texture, now’s the time to cook them. In a separate small pot, bring a cup of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of tapioca pearls. Boil for about 10 minutes or until the pearls become translucent and chewy. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.

Adding these pearls to the dessert is optional but adds a delightful chewiness that pairs well with the creamy mung beans.

Pro Tip: Tapioca pearls cook quickly, so be sure to monitor them. Overcooked pearls can become mushy and lose their texture.

Step 5: Add Coconut Milk

Once the mung beans and sugar have blended well, it’s time to make the dessert rich and creamy. Pour in 1/2 cup of coconut milk, stirring well to incorporate. Coconut milk gives this dessert its classic richness, making each spoonful smooth and flavorful.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can either reduce the coconut milk to 1/4 cup or use a light coconut milk option. And for an extra flavor twist, consider adding a couple of drops of vanilla extract to deepen the aroma and flavor.

If you’re loving coconut in this dish, I recommend trying this Cunetto Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe with coconut milk as a substitute ingredient. Or explore Captain D's Slaw Recipe, which has a creamy texture that complements any coconut-based dish.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Finally, add the cooked tapioca pearls to the pot, stirring everything together gently. Now, your vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert is ready to serve!

Serve warm for a cozy dessert that’s perfect on a chilly day, or let it cool and refrigerate for a few hours if you prefer it cold. When chilled, the soup thickens slightly, making it even creamier.

Serving Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk on top for an elegant look, or sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds for a nutty contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert

This dessert is all about simplicity and harmony. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it light and refreshing yet satisfying. The combination of creamy coconut and mildly sweet mung beans creates a balanced dessert with a lovely texture contrast from the tapioca pearls.

Whether you’re familiar with Vietnamese cuisine or new to it, this dessert brings a comforting, authentic taste that’s still easy to prepare. It’s also versatile enough to serve as a light ending to a hearty meal, like Spiedie Sandwich Recipe or Pork Con Tiki.

Tips for Customizing Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert

One of the best things about this dessert is how versatile it is. You can adjust sweetness, add unique toppings, or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:

1. Sweet Potato and Taro Cubes

For a more filling dessert, try adding small cubes of sweet potato or taro. These roots add both texture and natural sweetness, complementing the creamy coconut and mung bean base. Simply peel, cut into small cubes, and cook them with the mung beans in Step 2 until tender.

If you enjoy experimenting with root veggies in desserts, check out this Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread Recipe for another creative use.

2. Infusing Pandan Leaves

Pandan leaves are often used in Southeast Asian cooking for their fragrant, floral aroma. To add an authentic Vietnamese flavor to this dessert, tie a few fresh or frozen pandan leaves into a knot and let them simmer with the mung beans in Step 2. Remove the leaves before serving. This will add a subtle, grassy sweetness that pairs beautifully with coconut.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of pandan flavor, consider using it in other desserts, like Apricot Jam with Bachan's BBQ Twist for an unusual but delicious combo.

3. Adding a Touch of Ginger

Fresh ginger adds a slight spiciness and warmth to balance the creamy, sweet flavors. Slice a few pieces of ginger and add them in Step 2 with the mung beans. Be sure to remove them before serving to avoid overpowering the soup.

Ginger’s aromatic qualities work well in savory dishes, too, like Kenny Hot and Sour Seafood Soup.

4. Coconut Jelly or Lychee Toppings

To add more texture, try topping the dessert with small coconut jelly cubes or canned lychees. These ingredients add a fun twist and make the dessert feel even more tropical. Simply add these toppings when serving for a refreshing burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert

Enjoy it Hot or Cold

This sweet soup is versatile enough to serve either warm or chilled. When served hot, it’s comforting, creamy, and perfect for cozy nights. When served cold, it thickens up slightly, creating a smooth, pudding-like texture that’s especially refreshing on warm days.

If you’re a fan of warm comfort foods, you might enjoy dishes like Chicken Souse, which also brings warmth and comfort in a bowl.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

For a fresh contrast, try pairing this dessert with slices of mango, banana, or jackfruit on the side. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the subtle flavors in the soup, creating a well-rounded treat.

Top with Crunchy Toppings

Adding a crunchy topping like toasted sesame seeds, peanuts, or even crushed coconut flakes adds a contrasting texture and flavor. These toppings are not only visually appealing but bring a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.

Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe

This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert, also known as Chè Đậu Xanh, is a comforting and creamy dessert made with mung beans, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for hot or cold weather and can be easily customized with fruits or toppings of your choice. The smooth, rich flavors will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and make a lasting impression on any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mung beans (split and hulled)
• 4 cups water
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Fresh fruits or toppings like toasted coconut, lychee, or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the mung beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium pot, combine the mung beans and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the beans are soft and the water is absorbed.
3. Add the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Stir in the vanilla extract if using.
5. Serve hot or cold, topped with fresh fruit or your choice of toppings like lychee or toasted coconut.

15 minutes prep time with 30 minutes cook time.

Serves 6 and contains approximately 220 calories per serving.

Vietnamese / Dessert

Rated 4.8 by 1452 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Vegan Vietnamese sweet soup, dessert, coconut milk, mung beans, chia chè, vegan dessert

Published by: Show Recipe

This vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Vietnamese tradition and comfort. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that’s wholesome, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore vegan desserts, this dish is a fantastic way to experience Vietnamese flavors in a straightforward way.

For more recipes that blend comfort with creativity, explore Frittata Recipe Using Turnips and Potatoes and Nduja Sausage, where you’ll find unexpected twists and delightful flavors.

Enjoy making this lovely dessert and experimenting with your own variations. Once you’ve tried it, feel free to share your thoughts and any personal twists you added. Vietnamese cuisine has so much to offer, and this dessert is just the beginning!