There’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly steamed buns wafting through your kitchen, and when those buns are filled with gooey chocolate, it’s an experience that transports you to dessert heaven. A delightful culinary journey, these decadent Chocolate Steamed Buns marry the pillowy softness of bao dough with a rich, molten chocolate filling. Inspired by the beloved dim sum from Din Tai Fung, they provide a sumptuous treat that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a special celebration—these buns offer a unique twist on traditional sweets. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you might think! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with this deliciously decadent treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home!
Why Love Chocolate Steamed Buns?
Irresistible Aroma: Picture your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent as these buns steam to perfection.
Pillowy Softness: The bao dough creates a fluffy, tender texture that perfectly complements the decadent chocolate filling.
Adaptable Fillings: Feeling adventurous? Switch things up by using dark or white chocolate for a delightful twist.
Quick Delights: These buns can be made in under two hours, making them an excellent last-minute dessert option.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family gatherings or special occasions, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
Serve with Style: Pair them with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for an impressive dessert presentation!
Chocolate Steamed Buns Ingredients
For the Dough
- Whole Milk (¾ cup, 180 ml) – Provides moisture and activates yeast; warm to 110°F (43°C) for best results.
- Active Dry Yeast (1 ½ teaspoons, 6 g) – Helps the dough rise; can substitute with instant yeast for quicker activation.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 300 g) – The foundation of the dough; sift before mixing to ensure a light texture.
- Wheat Starch (¾ cup, 100 g) – Adds delightful chewiness; cornstarch can be a great alternative.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup, 70 g) – Gives sweetness and contributes to the softness of the dough.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons, 10 g) – Ensures additional lift, making the buns fluffier.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Vegetable Shortening (1 tablespoon, 15 g) – Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- Large Egg White (1) – Helps bind ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon, 15 g) – Used with the egg to keep the dough moist.
For the Chocolate Filling
- Semi-Sweet Melting Chocolate Chips (1 ⅓ cups, 8 oz) – The star ingredient for a gooey filling; adjust cream ratio based on chocolate type.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Used to create the luscious ganache filling; heat gently but do not boil.
These Chocolate Steamed Buns are bound to become a beloved dessert in your home, showcasing a warm, molten surprise that will delight your taste buds!
How to Make Chocolate Steamed Buns
-
Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl; let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and chill for at least 1.5 hours.
-
Activate Yeast: Warm the whole milk to 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, wheat starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure an airy texture.
-
Create Dough: Add the vegetable shortening and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. Then, let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours.
-
Shape Buns: Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece out, place a small spoonful of the chilled chocolate ganache in the center, and seal the dough around the filling. Allow the shaped buns to rest for 15 minutes.
-
Steam Buns: Prepare your steamer with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the buns in the steamer. Steam them for 10-12 minutes. Once done, let them rest in the steamer for 1 minute before serving.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Steamed Buns Variations
Embrace the creativity in your kitchen and explore delightful twists on this classic dessert!
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chips for rich dark chocolate to intensify the flavor; adjust cream for a smoother ganache.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier filling that creates a beautiful contrast with the dough.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds into the ganache for a crunchy surprise with every bite.
- Matcha Infusion: Mix matcha powder into the dough for a subtle earthy flavor and stunning green hue that fascinates the eye.
- Spiced Buns: Add warm spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a cozy, aromatic twist.
- Zesty Chocolate: Include a splash of orange or lemon zest into the ganache for a refreshing citrus note that beautifully complements the chocolate.
- Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical, dairy-free version that adds a luscious richness.
- Heat it Up: For a surprising kick, mix in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the chocolate filling for a delightful heat contrast.
Each variation offers a new way to love and enjoy these chocolate steamed buns, so have fun experimenting!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Steamed Buns
-
Kneading Technique: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the texture soft and fluffy.
-
Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warmed to exactly 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast. Too hot, and it could kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t function effectively.
-
Resting Time: Allow the buns to rest for 15 minutes after shaping. This crucial step helps prevent gaps and enhances their fluffiness during steaming.
-
Steamer Prep: Wrap the lid of your steamer with a cloth to catch condensation. This will prevent water from dripping onto the buns and causing them to wrinkle.
-
Check Doneness: If your buns turn out wrinkly after steaming, reassess both the steaming time and temperature. Perfectly steamed Chocolate Steamed Buns should be soft and smooth!
Storage Tips for Chocolate Steamed Buns
Fridge: Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the buns in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the buns warm, reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel to restore moisture. This will keep the chocolate filling gooey and delicious.
Serving Freshness: For the best experience, consume homemade Chocolate Steamed Buns within a few days of making them to enjoy their soft texture and indulgent filling.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Steamed Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough and shape the buns up to 24 hours in advance—simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you’re making the chocolate ganache filling, it can also be made and chilled up to 3 days ahead of time; just cover it well to maintain its rich texture. When you’re ready to serve, let the buns rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before steaming them. This way, you’ll have delightful, fresh buns with minimal effort—perfectly indulgent and just as delicious!
What to Serve with Chocolate Steamed Buns?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these delightful buns with complementary flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the warm, gooey chocolate filling. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
-
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing burst of acidity, balancing the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
-
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this tropical topping introduces a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall indulgence of the buns.
-
Espresso or Coffee: A robust coffee or a shot of espresso serves as the perfect counterpart, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
-
Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle: A drizzle of this rich, creamy topping takes the buns to the next level, creating a deliciously decadent treat to savor!
-
Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing herbal note, elevating the flavor profile and providing a lovely visual touch.
-
Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lover experience, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the buns for an indulgent finish!
-
Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings both color and a refreshing bite to contrast the richness of the chocolate, making a well-rounded dessert plate.
Chocolate Steamed Buns Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for the filling?
I recommend using semi-sweet melting chocolate chips for that gooey center, as they melt beautifully and have a well-balanced sweetness. You can also experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter treat. Just remember to adjust the heavy cream quantity based on the chocolate type to maintain the ganache’s consistency.
How should I store leftover chocolate steamed buns?
Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can also place them in an airtight container if preferred. Reheating in the microwave for 15-20 seconds with a damp paper towel will help restore their delightful softness, making the chocolate filling gooey again.
Can I freeze chocolate steamed buns?
Absolutely! To freeze them, store the buns in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring they are separated to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as mentioned above.
Why are my steamed buns coming out wrinkly?
Wrinkly buns can occur if the steamer lid isn’t adequately covered, leading to condensation dripping onto the buns. To avoid this, wrap the steamer lid with a cloth to catch moisture. Also, make sure you’re steaming at the right temperature and for the correct duration—typically, 10-12 minutes will do the trick!
Are chocolate steamed buns safe for my pets?
While these buns are delectably sweet, they contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar that can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. It’s best to keep this treat just for human enjoyment! Always prioritize your pet’s safety when baking and share the deliciousness with your loved ones instead!
Can I make these buns gluten-free?
Yes, you can create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum, which will help mimic the texture of traditional flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
Irresistible Chocolate Steamed Buns with Gooey Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl; let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and chill for at least 1.5 hours.
- Warm the whole milk to 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- In a stand mixer bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, wheat starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure an airy texture.
- Add the vegetable shortening and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours.
- Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece out, place a small spoonful of the chilled chocolate ganache in the center, and seal the dough around the filling. Allow the shaped buns to rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare your steamer with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the buns in the steamer. Steam them for 10-12 minutes. Once done, let them rest in the steamer for 1 minute before serving.