Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing layered dessert of sweetened beans, jelly, and coconut milk served over crushed ice, perfect for cooling off. This vietnamese-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers soaked and cooked mung beans, cooked and sweetened red kidney beans, cut into cubes pandan jelly into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 1/2 cup soaked mung beans in boiling water until tender, about 20 minutes, then drain and mash slightly with a pinch of salt.
  2. Step 2: Prepare sweetened red kidney beans by simmering 1/2 cup cooked beans with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat for 10 minutes until syrupy, then cool.
  3. Step 3: If pandan jelly is not pre-made, dissolve 1 tbsp agar powder in 1 cup pandan juice or water with a few drops of pandan extract, boil with 2 tbsp sugar until thickened, pour into a tray, chill until set, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, place 1/4 cup mung beans in the bottom of each tall glass, add 1/4 cup sweetened red beans, then 1/4 cup pandan jelly cubes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup crushed ice on top, then pour 1/4 cup coconut milk mixed with 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk over the ice.
  6. Step 6: Stir lightly before eating to enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chè Ba Màu - Three-Color Vietnamese Sweet Dessert?

Vietnamese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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