Fundamental question regarding object serialization

I have written several simple data classes that I serialized manually by converting to text. At this point I need to serialize a more complex data structure. which will include lists of the simpler elements. Can serialize store and reconstitute this type of structure automatically or do I need to do this one manually as well? Consider the pseudocode below for a clarification of my question;

Java Code:

Class Hops{
         String Name;
         float Alpha Acid;
         float Beta Acid;
};

Class Malt{
        String Name;
        float extract;
};

Class Recipie{
        String Name;
        CList HopList;
        CList MaltList;
};     

CList RecipieList;

I read the article on Serialization presented at tutorial point, but the example only showed a simple class, not lists of class members. What I want to do is serialize RecipieList, which consists of a CList of Recipies, which in turn consist of CLists of various ingredients.