Name: Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar; 3/4 tsp instant yeast; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 10 tbsp (150 ml) unsweetened almond milk at room temperature (or other plant-based milk); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (35 g) white sesame seeds; 1 1/2 cup (355 ml) oil for frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 47 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a curiosity for international flavors, you are going to adore this Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe. These golden, puffed-up delights are crispy on the outside, wonderfully hollow inside, and just lightly sweet with a subtle nutty aroma from toasted sesame seeds. Perfect as a warm snack or an afternoon treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create something truly magical and comforting—bringing a taste of Vietnam right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white small bowl at the top left holding amber-colored vanilla extract. To its right, a wooden spoon holds beige instant dry yeast. Below the spoon is a white bowl filled with light tan sesame seeds. At the bottom right, a white bowl with a green rim contains pale yellow milk. Centered on the left side, a white bowl filled with white flour is visible. Below the flour bowl to the left, a small wooden spoon holds white baking powder. Finally, at the bottom center, a white bowl with a brown rim is filled with fine white sugar. Each bowl and spoon is evenly spaced, creating a clean and organized look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe calls for ingredients that are humble yet crucial in defining the texture and flavor of these donuts. Each one plays a part in achieving that delicate crispness and airy interior that makes these treats irresistible.

2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and chew.
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar: Adds subtle sweetness, balancing the nutty sesame flavor.
3/4 tsp instant yeast: The magic behind the dough’s rise and puffiness.
3/4 tsp baking powder: Helps to lighten the texture and promote fluffiness.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
10 tbsp (150 ml) unsweetened almond milk: Moistens the dough while contributing a slight creaminess and dairy-free appeal.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a gentle aromatic note that complements the sweetness.
1/4 cup (35 g) white sesame seeds: Toasty, nutty coating that gives each donut its signature crunch and flavor.
1 and 1/2 cup (355 ml) oil for frying: Essential for deep frying to that perfect golden crisp.

How to Make Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of the rising agents and seasoning, setting a lovely foundation for your dough.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract to the dry mix, stirring everything together until a cohesive dough forms. This wet-to-dry combination is where the dough gets its moisture and subtle aroma that’s essential to the final taste.

Step 3: Knead Until Soft and Smooth

Use your hands to knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want a texture similar to pizza dough—soft, slightly sticky but manageable. This kneading develops gluten which gives your donuts a nice chew and airy crumb both at once.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm spot for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. The dough should double in size. This resting period is crucial for activation of the yeast to create those signature air pockets in each donut.

Step 5: Divide and Roll in Sesame Seeds

After the dough is perfectly risen, deflate it gently and divide it into six even balls. Roll each ball into the bowl of sesame seeds, pressing lightly so the seeds adhere well to the surface. This coating is what gives the Bánh Tiêu its unmistakable crunch and flavor burst.

Step 6: Flatten Into Discs

Roll each sesame-coated dough ball into a disc around 3 to 4 millimeters thick. Not too thin to avoid tearing, but thin enough so the donut puffs up beautifully hollow inside once fried.

Step 7: Heat the Oil and Deep Fry

Warm the oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat, testing by dipping a wooden chopstick to see bubbles form—this means it’s ready. Carefully drop in one dough disc at a time. Flip it every 5 to 7 seconds until it turns a lovely golden brown and balloons up like a delicate pastry.

Step 8: Drain and Cool

Use a slotted spoon to remove each donut, placing them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Let them cool for 5 minutes. This short pause lets the texture set perfectly, making them crisp on the outside and hollow inside — exactly how you want your Bánh Tiêu.

How to Serve Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe

A close-up image of a woman's hands holding a split round bread with a golden-brown crust speckled with white sesame seeds. The bread is pierced open showing a thick layer of smooth, shiny dark brown chocolate spread inside. In the background, there is a whole round bread with similar texture placed on a white plate with a brown rim sitting on a white marbled surface. The image focuses on the glossy melted chocolate filling and the bread's airy inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds right after frying for added crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness if you prefer. These little touches elevate the experience and make each bite special.

Side Dishes

Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe pairs beautifully with hot soy milk or a freshly brewed cup of coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea. You can also serve them alongside tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a balanced snack that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the donuts like little towers on a plate garnished with edible flowers for a festive presentation. Alternatively, slice them open and fill with coconut jam or sweetened mung bean paste for a fun twist that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness and texture. Avoid refrigeration, which can cause them to become tough or stale.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a sealed freezer bag separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature gently before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to revive leftover Bánh Tiêu is by warming them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crisp on the outside while maintaining their fluffy interior, restoring that fresh-from-the-fryer magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Regular cow’s milk works fine and will give a slightly richer flavor, but almond milk keeps the donuts light and suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?

The consistency can vary depending on your flour brand or humidity. Add flour gradually if it’s too sticky or a little extra almond milk if it’s dry. Aim for a slightly tacky but manageable dough.

How do I know the oil temperature is right for frying?

Use the chopstick test: dip a wooden chopstick in the heated oil—if bubbles rapidly form around it, the oil is at the correct frying temperature.

Can I make these gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten for its signature puff and chew, so substitutions will require special gluten-free flour blends designed for yeast baking, and results may vary.

What causes the donuts to puff up and become hollow?

The combination of yeast fermentation and baking powder creates gas bubbles inside the dough, which expand while frying and lead to the airy, hollow interior classic to Bánh Tiêu.

Final Thoughts

Making Vietnamese Bánh Tiêu (Sesame Seed Donuts) Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you get to enjoy these light, crispy, and beautifully hollow donuts fresh from your own kitchen. Their delightful texture and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds make them an irresistible snack that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add a little Vietnamese sweetness to your day!