8 Popular Chinese New Year Sweets in Singapore

Chinese New Year is a major holiday in Singapore, celebrated by people of Chinese descent as well as many other residents of the country. One of the most beloved traditions of this holiday is the consumption of sweet treats, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

In Singapore, there are a wide variety of popular Chinese New Year sweets that can be found in homes, shops, and markets. Some of the most popular options include nian gao, ang ku kueh, love letters, pineapple tarts, and more. These sweet treats are often shared with friends and family as a way to celebrate the holiday and spread good cheer.

From Traditional to Modern Style: Popular Chinese New Year Sweets in Singapore

Chinese New Year is a festive occasion celebrated by many in Singapore, and one of the highlights of the celebration is indulging in delicious and sweet treats. These treats are often served as gifts or as part of the traditional feast during the holiday.

Whether you are looking to bake them yourself or simply want to enjoy them as a snack, these sweet treats are sure to add some extra joy to your Chinese New Year celebration!

1. Nian Gao

   Nian gao, also known as Chinese New Year Cake or New Year’s Cake, is a traditional Chinese food that is often eaten during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is made from glutinous rice flour and is typically steamed or boiled. The texture of nian gao is chewy and sticky, and it can be sliced and pan-fried or deep-fried before serving.

   Nian gao is often sweetened with brown sugar or honey and may be flavored with other ingredients such as red bean paste or dried fruits. In Chinese culture, the word “nian” means “year,” and the word “gao” means “taller,” so nian gao is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year. It is a common gift to give and receive during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

2. Pineapple Tarts
   

   

   Pineapple tarts are a popular treat in Singapore during the Chinese New Year. They are small, sweet pastries filled with a filling made from pineapple jam and butter. The filling is then wrapped in a thin, flaky pastry and shaped into small balls or crescents.

   Pineapple tarts are typically baked until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is slightly caramelized. They are often served as a snack or dessert during the Chinese New Year celebrations and are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

3. Kuih Kapit

   Kuih kapit, also known as kueh pelita or love letters, is a traditional Malaysian and Singaporean snack made from thin layers of dough that are rolled and folded to resemble a delicate lace pattern.

   The dough is made from a mixture of rice flour, water, and coconut milk, and it is then cooked on a hot griddle to create a thin, crispy biscuit. The biscuit is often served with a variety of sweet fillings, such as coconut or pandan paste, and it is enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

4. Kueh Bahulu

   Kueh bahulu is a traditional snack or dessert in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. It is a small, spongy cake that is made from eggs white, sugar, and flour, and is often flavored with pandan, a tropical plant with a distinct flavor and aroma.

   Kueh bahulu is usually baked in small, shell-shaped molds, which give the cakes their characteristic shape. Some variations of kueh bahulu may also include other ingredients such as coconut milk or grated coconut.

5. Peanut Cookies
   

   

   Peanut cookies are typically made with flour, sugar, peanuts, and butter, and are often shaped into intricate designs and patterns. They are crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, with a sweet and nutty flavor.

   Peanut cookies are typically served as part of a dessert platter or given as gifts during the holiday season. They are a popular treat during Chinese New Year and are often served as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

6. Kuih Bangkit

   Kuih bangkit is a type of cookie or biscuit that is popular in Malaysia and Singapore. It is traditionally made from tapioca flour, sugar, and coconut milk, and is known for its delicate, crumbly texture and slightly sweet taste. Kuih bangkit is often shaped into small, round balls and is usually enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

7. Ang Ku Kueh

   Ang ku kueh is a traditional Chinese pastry that is popular in Singapore and Malaysia. It is made from glutinous rice flour and is often filled with a sweet bean paste filling made from red bean or mung bean.

   The dough is shaped into small, round or oval balls, and the filling is placed in the center.Ang ku kueh is often brightly colored, with the color of the pastry dough reflecting the flavor of the filling.

   For example, pink ang ku kueh may be filled with red bean paste, while green ang ku kueh may be filled with mung bean paste. Ang ku kueh is typically served as a snack or dessert, and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea.

8. Red Velvet Cake
   

   

   In Singapore, it is common to eat red velvet cake as a dessert during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Red velvet cake is a type of cake that is typically made with a red, velvety sponge cake base and topped with cream cheese frosting.

   The red color of the cake is usually achieved using food coloring, although some variations may use natural ingredients such as beets to achieve the desired shade.

   Red velvet cake is often served as a symbol of good luck and prosperity during the Chinese New Year celebrations.  There are many variations of red velvet cake, with some recipes including ingredients such as cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar to give the cake its distinctive flavor and texture.

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and indulging in delicious treats. Singapore has a rich history of Chinese New Year sweets that have become an integral part of the celebrations. These sweet treats not only add flavor to the festivities but also hold cultural significance.

Whether you prefer the rich, creamy taste of ang ku kueh or the sweet and savory flavor of peanut cookies, there is a Chinese New Year sweet for everyone to enjoy in Singapore. While munching on sweets during Chinese New Year, be sure to give a CNY hampers or gift basket to the host!

Fortunately, you don’t have to search further since FlowerAdvisor Singapore can provide you with various types of CNY hampers, gift baskets, and cakes, including the popular red velvet cake! Simply surf through our website to select the perfect gift and cake to celebrate the Chinese New Year!