These Chocolate Steamed Buns are an indulgent dessert made with soft, pillowy bao dough and filled with gooey, semi-sweet chocolate. Inspired by the famous Din Tai Fung dessert, these buns are perfect for anyone who loves warm, melty chocolate wrapped in tender dough. Steamed to perfection, they provide a sweet, decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich chocolate ganache filling and a light, fluffy texture, these buns will be your next favorite dessert.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Bao Dough:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk (110°F or 43°C)

• 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)

• 2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup (100 g) wheat starch

• 1/2 cup (70 g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp (10 g) baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp (15 g) vegetable shortening

• 1 large egg white

• 1 tbsp (15 g) vegetable oil

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 ⅓ cups (8 oz) semi-sweet melting chocolate chips

• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

   • Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot, but not boiling.

   • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes before stirring until creamy and silky.

   • Chill the ganache uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface, and cool for an additional hour.

2. Make the Bao Dough:

   • Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C), then add the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes to activate.

   • Sift the flour, wheat starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt into a stand mixer bowl.

   • Add the shortening and mix on low. Then, liquify the egg white and vegetable oil in a separate bowl and add it to the mixture.

   • Slowly pour in the yeast milk mixture and knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes until smooth.

   • Knead the dough by hand for a minute, then cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

3. Assemble the Buns:

   • Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball and then flatten them to about 4 inches wide using a rolling pin.

   • Place a tablespoon of chilled chocolate ganache in the center of each dough circle, then pinch the edges together to seal the bun.

   • Let the buns rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the steamer.

4. Steam the Buns:

   • Line a steamer with parchment squares and steam the buns in batches for 10-12 minutes.

   • Allow them to sit for 1 minute after steaming to prevent wrinkling due to temperature shock.

5. Serve:

   • Serve these buns warm, and enjoy the gooey chocolate filling inside the soft bao dough.

Nutrients (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 332 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 19g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 32mg

• Sodium: 143mg

• Potassium: 199mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 345 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 89mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Origins of Bao and the Influence of Chinese Cuisine

Bao, or baozi, is a traditional Chinese steamed bun that has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. These buns are typically filled with a variety of fillings, both savory and sweet, and are steamed to perfection, giving them their signature soft, fluffy texture. While savory fillings such as pork, chicken, and vegetables are common, the sweet version of bao, especially filled with chocolate or red bean paste, has gained popularity in recent years as a dessert option.

The inspiration for Chocolate Steamed Buns comes from these traditional sweet bao varieties, with the addition of chocolate ganache providing a rich, modern twist. By pairing the soft texture of bao dough with the gooey, indulgent nature of chocolate, this dessert takes the humble bao and transforms it into a luxurious treat. The method of steaming the buns is what gives them their signature pillowy texture, which is a defining feature of bao in general.

The Bao Dough: The Foundation of a Perfect Bun

The bao dough is the star of this dessert, as it provides the perfect base for the rich chocolate ganache filling. Traditional bao dough is made from a combination of flour, wheat starch, sugar, and yeast, which are mixed and kneaded into a smooth, elastic dough. The addition of vegetable shortening, egg whites, and vegetable oil helps to create a soft, slightly rich texture, which is perfect for wrapping around the chocolate filling.

The key to achieving the ideal bao dough lies in the kneading and resting process. After combining the dry and wet ingredients, the dough must be kneaded until it becomes smooth and pliable. This allows the dough to develop the gluten structure needed for it to rise properly. After kneading, the dough is left to rise, allowing the yeast to work and expand the dough, creating the airy texture that is characteristic of bao.

The Importance of Chocolate Ganache

The chocolate ganache filling is what sets these buns apart from traditional savory bao. Ganache is a smooth mixture of chocolate and cream, which can be used in a variety of desserts, from truffles to cakes. For these buns, a simple ganache is made by heating heavy cream and pouring it over semi-sweet chocolate chips. The result is a silky, glossy chocolate filling that is rich but not overwhelmingly sweet. The ganache is then chilled to firm up before being placed inside the dough, ensuring that it doesn’t melt too much while the buns are steaming.

The choice of semi-sweet chocolate is essential to the flavor of the ganache. It provides a deep, balanced chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet bao dough. You could experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness. The ganache filling adds an indulgent element to the buns, making them feel like a luxury dessert.

The Steaming Process: Creating the Perfect Texture

One of the most important aspects of making Chocolate Steamed Buns is the steaming process. Steaming, rather than baking, is what gives bao its signature texture: soft, pillowy, and light. Steaming also helps to preserve the moistness of the dough, keeping it tender and fluffy, while allowing the chocolate filling to remain gooey and melty inside.

To ensure the buns cook evenly and do not stick to the steamer, they are typically placed on squares of parchment paper before being steamed. This also makes it easier to remove them after steaming without disturbing their shape. The steamer should be preheated to ensure that the buns cook evenly, and it’s important to steam the buns in batches to avoid overcrowding, which could lead to uneven cooking.

During the steaming process, the buns will puff up, becoming lighter and fluffier. After steaming for about 10-12 minutes, the buns should be fully cooked, with a golden-brown appearance and a soft, airy texture. Allowing the buns to sit for a minute after steaming helps to avoid any wrinkling caused by sudden temperature changes when removing them from the steamer.

Serving and Pairing: Enjoying Your Chocolate Steamed Buns

Chocolate Steamed Buns are best served warm, straight out of the steamer. This allows the chocolate ganache filling to remain gooey and melty, offering the perfect contrast to the soft, fluffy dough. These buns can be served on their own as a sweet treat, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of other flavors. For a truly indulgent experience, consider drizzling the buns with a sweet soy glaze or serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For an extra burst of flavor, try pairing the buns with a cup of green tea or a light herbal tea. The slight bitterness of the tea balances out the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious pairing. Chocolate Steamed Buns are also perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or casual gatherings. Their unique texture and flavor make them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

Customizations and Variations

While the traditional version of Chocolate Steamed Buns features a simple chocolate ganache filling, there are several ways to customize the recipe to suit your personal taste. You could experiment with different types of chocolate, such as using milk or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate, or even adding flavorings like vanilla extract or espresso powder to the ganache for added depth. For a more decadent twist, consider adding small chunks of caramel, toffee, or hazelnuts to the chocolate filling for added texture and flavor.

In terms of the bao dough, you can also add flavorings such as matcha powder, cinnamon, or orange zest to give the buns a unique flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can try incorporating a nut butter, such as peanut or almond butter, mixed with chocolate for a slightly savory and rich filling.

Why Chocolate Steamed Buns Are a Must-Try Dessert

Chocolate Steamed Buns are the perfect balance of rich, gooey chocolate and light, tender dough, making them an irresistible dessert option for any occasion. The process of steaming the buns ensures they are soft and pillowy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is unlike any other dessert. The combination of chocolate ganache and bao dough is a match made in heaven, and the result is a treat that is both comforting and indulgent.

These buns are perfect for anyone who loves chocolate but wants to try something a little different from the typical cake or pastry. They’re also a great way to explore traditional Chinese bao dough and experiment with new flavors and fillings. Whether you’re hosting a special event, looking for a fun weekend baking project, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Chocolate Steamed Buns are sure to impress.

Conclusion

Chocolate Steamed Buns are a decadent dessert that perfectly combines the rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience of chocolate with the soft, fluffy texture of bao dough. The simplicity of the ingredients, the indulgent chocolate filling, and the steaming method all come together to create a dessert that is both comforting and impressive. Whether served at a dinner party, shared with friends, or enjoyed on your own, these buns provide a delightful treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. With their gooey center and pillowy exterior, Chocolate Steamed Buns offer a unique take on traditional desserts and are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who enjoys the perfect balance of chocolate and dough.