Eight Treasure Sweet Rice Pudding
ChineseDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Eight Treasure Sweet Rice Pudding, known as Ba Bao Fan in Chinese cuisine, is a beloved traditional dessert that graces tables during special occasions and family gatherings. This luxurious one-pot dessert combines sticky glutinous rice with an auspicious selection of eight different sweet ingredients including dates, raisins, lotus seeds, and candied fruits, all steamed together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The dish is traditionally arranged in a decorative pattern, then inverted to reveal a stunning presentation. Sweetened with rock sugar and enriched with lard or butter, this comforting dessert offers a perfect balance of chewy rice, tender fruits, and subtle sweetness that represents abundance and unity in Chinese culinary culture.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Rinse 2 cups glutinous rice thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear. Soak rice in cold water for 4 hours or overnight, then drain completely.

  2. Prepare the eight treasures by soaking dried lotus seeds, red dates, goji berries, and raisins in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Chop larger fruits into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Grease a heatproof bowl or pudding mold with butter. Arrange the eight treasures in a decorative pattern on the bottom and sides of the bowl, pressing them gently to adhere.

  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked glutinous rice with 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.

  5. Carefully spoon the rice mixture into the prepared bowl, pressing down gently to pack it firmly without disturbing the arranged fruits. Smooth the top surface.

  6. Pour 1 cup of water mixed with 1/4 cup honey over the rice until it just covers the surface.

  7. Place the bowl in a large steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 75-90 minutes, checking water level periodically and adding more boiling water as needed.

  8. The pudding is done when the rice is completely tender and translucent, and the liquid has been absorbed.

  9. Remove from steamer and let rest for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, place a serving plate on top, and carefully invert to unmold.

  10. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with additional honey or sweet osmanthus syrup.

Eight Treasure Sweet Rice Pudding

4.4 (33)

A festive Chinese dessert featuring glutinous rice steamed with eight varieties of sweet dried fruits and nuts, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in traditional celebrations.

medium
2h
8 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups rice-white, glutinous/sticky rice variety, soaked 4 hours
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

Sweeteners

  • 6 tablespoons honey, divided use

Eight Treasures

  • 12 pieces date, pitted and halved
  • 3 tablespoons goji-berry, soaked and drained
  • 1/2 cups grape, raisins, golden or dark
  • 1/4 cups cherry, dried or candied, halved
  • 6 pieces fig, dried, quartered
  • 1/3 cups coconut, dried sweetened flakes

Seasonings

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt, to balance sweetness

Chef Tips

expert advice
Chef Notes: For the most authentic flavor, use Chinese rock sugar instead of honey for a cleaner sweetness.
The eight treasures can be customized based on availability - traditional options include lotus seeds, red dates, dried longan, goji berries, raisins, candied winter melon, pine nuts, and walnuts.
The number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture.
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce honey by half.
For a richer texture, substitute half the butter with rendered lard, which is traditional.
The steaming time may vary depending on your steamer and the age of the rice - older glutinous rice requires longer cooking.
You can test doneness by tasting a few grains from the center.
For an elegant presentation, arrange the fruits in concentric circles or a symmetrical pattern.
This dessert can be made in individual ramekins for personal servings, reducing steaming time to 60 minutes.
Leftover pudding can be pan-fried in butter for a crispy exterior.