Red bean cake is a traditional dessert which incorporates glutinous rice flour and lightly sweetened red bean paste. The base of the cake employs sweet rice flour and eggs, which are then combined with smooth or coarse red bean mixture. Most commonly, red beans are evenly distributed in the cake, but occasionally they can only be used as a filling, coated in the glutinous batter.

Chinese red bean cake is usually steamed or baked in various molds and pans. Because of its custard-like consistency, it is regarded as a special delicacy which is mainly associated with Chinese New Year, when it is commonly prepared and shared among relatives and friends.