Decadent Chocolate-Filled Steamed Buns Recipe
Delightfully soft and fluffy chocolate steamed buns featuring a tender yeast dough filled with rich, melted chocolate. These buns are a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack with a warm, comforting texture and a luscious chocolate center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Filling
- 1/2 cup chopped or small pieces of dark or milk chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. Then add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc and place a small amount of chocolate filling in the center. Carefully pinch the edges together to seal the chocolate inside and shape into a smooth bun.
- Second Proof: Place the filled buns on parchment paper squares to prevent sticking and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Steam the Buns: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the buns on a steamer rack or basket, making sure they have enough space to expand. Steam the buns over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes until they puff up and become fluffy.
- Serve: Carefully remove the buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the melted chocolate center.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- You can substitute chocolate filling with Nutella or chocolate chips for variation.
- Do not lift the steamer lid during steaming to prevent buns from collapsing.
- Use parchment paper or cabbage leaves under the buns to avoid sticking to the steamer.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently by steaming again for a few minutes.
Keywords: chocolate steamed buns, chocolate bao, steamed dessert buns, soft chocolate buns, fluffy steamed buns
