This soothing and lightly sweet Snow Fungus Dessert Soup is a beloved Chinese delicacy—made with tender snow fungus, juicy Asian pear, red dates, and goji berries.
Nourishing, subtly floral, and perfect served warm or chilled!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A naturally sweet, plant-based dessert
Rich in antioxidants, collagen-boosting, and hydrating
Simple ingredients with nourishing properties
Delicious hot or cold—perfect year-round
A traditional Asian wellness recipe with timeless comfort
Ingredient Highlights
Dried Snow Fungus (Tremella) – Known for its jelly-like texture and health benefits; rehydrated to create a luscious, soothing base
Asian Pear – Adds light sweetness and juicy texture that balances the earthy ingredients
Rock Sugar – Gently sweetens without overpowering; can be adjusted to taste
Goji Berries – Packed with antioxidants and natural sweetness
Red Dates (Chinese Jujubes) – Add depth and warm sweetness; a staple in Chinese soups
Water – The simple base for this clear dessert soup
Pro Tips Before You Start
Soak the snow fungus overnight until it expands fully—trim off the tough yellow root before cooking
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to maintain a steady simmer without burning
Asian pears are ideal, but Bosc pears can substitute if needed
Keep heat low during final simmer to develop a syrupy, amber-colored broth
Adjust rock sugar based on your preferred sweetness and the ripeness of your pear
How to Make Snow Fungus Dessert Soup
Step 1: Prep the Snow Fungus
After soaking the dried snow fungus overnight, remove and discard the tough yellow core.
Tear the softened fungus into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Start the Soup Base
In a large pot, add the rehydrated snow fungus and 10 cups of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Pear
While the fungus simmers, peel and chop the Asian pear into chunks, discarding the core.
Add the pear to the pot. Cover and simmer another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add Sweeteners & Flavor
Now add rock sugar, goji berries, and red dates.
Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer on low heat.
Step 5: Slow Simmer to Finish
Simmer for 1 to 2 hours, uncovered or partially covered, until the soup thickens slightly, the fungus turns gelatinous, and the liquid becomes lightly syrupy and golden.
Adjust sweetness to taste.
Step 6: Serve Hot or Cold
Ladle into bowls and serve warm, or chill and enjoy cold on hot days.
What to Serve It With
As a dessert following a Chinese-style dinner
Alongside dim sum for a balanced sweet bite
With a cup of jasmine tea for a calming afternoon treat
As a nourishing breakfast with warm soy milk or porridge
Variations & Substitutions
Use longan fruit or lotus seeds for added texture
Substitute honey dates for Chinese red dates if preferred
Add fresh ginger slices for a warming note
Use brown sugar slabs or cane sugar in place of rock sugar
Try pearled barley for a heartier dessert soup
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
The soup thickens over time—add a splash of water before reheating
Can be enjoyed cold or reheated on the stovetop
FAQs
Do I have to soak the snow fungus overnight?
Yes, soaking softens it and ensures even cooking.
A quick soak method takes about 1 hour in hot water, but overnight is best.
Can I use a different type of pear?
Asian pear is preferred for its crisp texture and subtle sweetness, but Bosc pears are a decent substitute.
What does snow fungus taste like?
It has a neutral flavor but absorbs the sweetness and aroma of the soup beautifully.
Its main appeal is its jelly-like texture.
Is this dessert soup healthy?
Yes! Snow fungus is known in Chinese medicine for its hydrating, anti-aging, and immune-supporting properties.
How sweet should it be?
That depends on your preference.
The combination of rock sugar, dates, and pear makes it naturally sweet—adjust to taste.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes in the fungus.
It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat.
Add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
This Snow Fungus Dessert Soup with Asian Pear is more than just a comforting sweet—it’s a nourishing, traditional elixir that soothes the body and soul.
Whether served warm in winter or chilled in summer, it’s a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity and tradition.
