🥡 Chinese · Dessert · Medium difficulty · Vegan
Apple Sesame Balls
A hearty Chinese dessert built around apple, seasoned with glutinous rice flour and sugar.
- Prep time
- 14 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 8
- Calories
- 356 kcal
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbs
- 48 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Course
- Dessert
About this Chinese dessert
Apple Sesame Balls is a Chinese dessert built around apples. It takes about 45 min from start to finish, 14 minutes of prep and 31 minutes of cooking, and serves 8.
Cooking method: dessert. Difficulty is rated medium. Vegan.
Good for: light & low calorie, party & sharing, kid friendly.
Ingredients
Quantities are for 8 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.
- 4 apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
Step 1. Prepare the apple: chop, zest or purée it as needed.
- Heat
- Off, no heat yet
- Look for
- Pieces are roughly the same size, so they all finish cooking together.
- Why it matters
- Even pieces cook at the same speed. Prepping everything first (mise en place) stops you scrambling once the pan is hot.
- Avoid
- Cutting pieces of mixed sizes: small ones burn while big ones stay raw.
Step 2. Mix the glutinous rice flour, sugar and sesame seeds until smooth and well combined.
- Heat
- Off, no heat
- Look for
- Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
- Why it matters
- Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
- Avoid
- Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.
Step 3. Fold in the apple gently, then cook, bake or chill as the dish requires, about 19 minutes.
- Heat
- Keep the heat steady
- Look for
- The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.
- Why it matters
- Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.
- Avoid
- Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.
Step 4. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
- Heat
- Off, no heat
- Look for
- Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
- Why it matters
- Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
- Avoid
- Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.
Step 5. Let it cool or set for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat
- Off, let it sit
- Look for
- Steam slows, juices settle and the dish firms up slightly.
- Why it matters
- Resting lets juices redistribute and flavours settle, and the food is easier to slice and eat.
- Avoid
- Skipping the rest: juices run out and the dish falls apart.
Step 6. Decorate with hot water and serve.
- Heat
- Warm plates
- Look for
- Hot food on warm plates with a fresh, bright garnish on top.
- Why it matters
- Garnish adds colour, crunch and freshness. Tasting and adjusting salt or acid at the end lifts the whole dish.
- Avoid
- Waiting too long: the dish cools and crisp parts go soft.
Chef's tip
Chilling overnight improves texture.
Equipment you will need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Serving glasses or dish
Nutrition per serving
Estimated per serving: 356 kcal, 9 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat. Roughly 10% of the energy comes from protein, 54% from carbohydrate and 36% from fat, using standard energy values.
Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.
When to cook Apple Sesame Balls
Substitutions and variations
- Use plant milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Cutting sugar by 20-25% works in many bakes, though texture may change slightly.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled so the flavours come through.
Frequently asked questions about Apple Sesame Balls
How long does Apple Sesame Balls take to make?
It takes about 45 min in total: 14 minutes of prep and 31 minutes of cooking. Times are estimates and depend on your stove, pan and how small you cut the ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving has about 356 kcal, with 9 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat. These are estimates for the recipe's 8 servings.
Is Apple Sesame Balls gluten-free?
It is not marked gluten-free in our data. Use certified gluten-free alternatives for any sauces or stocks if you need to avoid gluten.
Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, it is vegan. Check labels on stock and curry pastes, which can contain animal products.
How difficult is it to cook?
It is a medium-difficulty recipe: it needs some timing and several steps, so read through the method before you start.
Can I make Apple Sesame Balls ahead or freeze it?
Best eaten fresh, because crisp or fresh textures do not survive storage. Prepare components ahead instead, and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
How many servings does it make?
This recipe makes 8 servings. To change the amount, scale each ingredient in proportion. The interactive app's servings control does this automatically.