Easy Thai Dessert Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes
Many people who fall in love with Thai cuisine often think making desserts at home is complicated, time-consuming, or requires rare traditional tools, even though some of the most iconic Thai sweets can actually be prepared in less than twenty minutes with simple ingredients already found in most kitchens. Whether you live abroad or simply don’t have much time to cook, you can still enjoy soft, creamy, and fragrant Thai flavors without stress. For anyone searching for Thai dessert recipes that fit busy lifestyles, easy cooking steps and short preparation time are the key — and this guide is made especially for beginners, travelers, and home-bakers who want delicious results quickly while staying true to the taste of authentic Thai sweets.
Instead of taking hours soaking, steaming, and shaping desserts like traditional bakeries do, these simple recipes help you recreate the same comfort and aroma using short-cuts that don’t compromise flavor. You can make them for family gatherings, for guests who visit unexpectedly, or simply when you want a little sweet treat before bed. The goal is not perfection — it’s enjoyment. And when cooking feels easy, people naturally make it more often. That is exactly why choosing “20-minute Thai desserts” opens the door to consistent homemade happiness. Let’s dive into soft coconut cream textures, sticky mango rice, and steaming mini coconut cups you can prepare without stress and without special tools.
Mango Sticky Rice – Quick & Creamy Version You Can Make Anytime
Mango Sticky Rice is the most well-known Thai dessert worldwide and surprisingly easy when using a short-steamed sticky rice technique. Instead of soaking rice for hours, rinsing gently in warm water and steaming with extra coconut milk brings the right balance of flavor in a fraction of time. This makes it perfect for beginners craving a quick dessert with tropical fragrance and creamy sweetness. You don’t need a bamboo steamer or old-style Thai pots — just a small saucepan and a bowl.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 1 cup glutinous sticky rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 ripe mango (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional)
How to Make (Step-by-Step)
- Rinse sticky rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then steam or microwave it with a small splash of coconut milk for quicker softening.
- Warm coconut milk in a small pot; add sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Pour warm coconut mixture over the steamed sticky rice, cover, and rest for 8–10 minutes until it absorbs beautifully.
- Slice ripe mango and arrange on a plate.
- Top sticky rice with extra coconut cream and garnish with sesame seeds or crispy mung beans.
This quick style still tastes rich and smooth like the traditional version, but without overnight soaking or complex steaming. It is perfect for weeknight cravings or surprise guests.
Khanom Krok – Thai Coconut Pudding Bites in a Mini Pan
Khanom Krok is a delightful street dessert with crispy edges and a creamy coconut center. It is normally cooked in a round-shaped cast iron pan, but at home you can use a takoyaki pan or even a mini muffin tray. The magic lies in slightly salty coconut toppings resting on a soft rice flour base, creating a “sweet and salty harmony” that Thai desserts are famous for. Despite looking fancy, it can be cooked in under 20 minutes once the batter is ready.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup shredded young coconut or sweet corn (optional topping)
How to Make (Step-by-Step)
- Mix rice flour and glutinous rice flour in a bowl until combined.
- Warm coconut milk and stir in sugar and salt until dissolved.
- Slowly pour coconut mixture into the flour, whisking to create a smooth batter.
- Preheat a takoyaki pan or mini muffin tray and lightly oil the holes.
- Fill each hole halfway with batter, add shredded coconut or sweet corn on top.
- Cook on low heat until the edges are crispy and the center is creamy.
The aroma alone brings a feeling of walking through a Thai morning market. This version is easy, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require heavy equipment.
Banana in Coconut Milk – Soft, Comforting, and Ready in Minutes
This dessert is beloved for its gentle sweetness and soothing coconut fragrance. It is traditionally served warm, making it perfect for rainy days or late-night snacks. The texture is creamy but light, and ripe bananas bring natural sweetness so only a little sugar is needed. Best of all, the entire dessert cooks in a single pot — no steaming or soaking required.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 2 ripe bananas (Thai namwa bananas if available)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1–2 pandan leaves (optional for aroma)
How to Make (Step-by-Step)
- Slice bananas diagonally into bite-size pieces.
- Warm coconut milk in a pot with pandan leaves if using.
- Add sugar and salt, stirring gently until dissolved.
- Add banana slices and simmer for 3–5 minutes until soft but not mushy.
- Remove pandan leaves and serve warm.
The mild sweetness and soft banana texture make this dessert a comforting classic everyone can cook — especially beginners trying Thai sweets for the first time.
Tips for Making Thai Desserts Faster Without Losing Authentic Flavor
- Use coconut milk from a carton or can — it saves time and still tastes rich.
- Warm ingredients gently; overheating causes oil separation.
- Prepare toppings early so all desserts can finish together.
- Use ripe fruits to reduce added sugar.
- Steam or microwave small batches of sticky rice for faster absorption.
Summary of Easy Thai Dessert Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes
Quick desserts don’t need to sacrifice flavor or tradition. With simple steps, accessible ingredients, and easy pan substitutes, anyone can prepare beautiful Thai treats even without specialized tools. These three recipes — Mango Sticky Rice, Khanom Krok, and Banana in Coconut Milk — show how Thai sweets can remain authentic while still being achievable for new cooks. If you ever want to explore more traditional Thai sweets, you’ll find even more ideas waiting for you once you feel confident with these beginner-friendly classics.
