Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Steamed Buns are a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that perfectly combines the soft, fluffy texture of bao dough with a rich, gooey chocolate filling. Inspired by the famous Din Tai Fung dessert, these buns elevate the traditional bao into a luxurious treat. The semi-sweet chocolate ganache center offers a comforting sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the soft bao dough, making them perfect for dessert lovers and chocolate aficionados. With a steaming method that results in the most tender buns, this treat is perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet surprisingly light.

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of in gredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot, but not boiling.

   • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.

   • Stir until smooth and creamy.

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

2. Make the Bao Dough

   • Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C) and 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 speed.

   • In a separate bowl, liquefy the egg white and vegetable oil, then add to the mixture.

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

   • Knead the dough by hand for another 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 portion into a smooth ball, then flatten it to about 4 inches wide using a rolling pin.

   • Place a tablespoon of chilled chocolate ganache in the center of each dough circle.

   • Pinch the edges together to seal the bun, making sure the ganache is completely enclosed.

   • Let the buns rest for 15 minutes.

4. Steam the Buns

   • Line a steamer with parchment squares to prevent sticking.

   • Steam the buns in batches for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.

   • Let them sit for 1 minute after steaming to avoid wrinkling from the temperature shock.

5. Serve

   • Serve these buns warm, allowing the gooey chocolate center to delight your taste buds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 40 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour (for ganache)

• Steam Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Types: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Flavored Ganache: Add a splash of vanilla extract, orange zest, or espresso powder to the ganache for a twist on the classic flavor.

• Stuffing Alternatives: Substitute chocolate ganache with red bean paste or sweetened peanut butter for a unique filling.

• Mini Buns: Make smaller, bite-sized versions of these buns for serving as appetizers or party treats.

• Dough Texture: Experiment with adding a bit more wheat starch for a chewier texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: These buns can be frozen before steaming. Freeze the assembled buns on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Steam directly from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the steaming time.

• Reheating: Reheat steamed buns by placing them back in the steamer for 5 minutes or microwave them for about 30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for the bao dough?

You can use cake flour or a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a slightly different texture, though wheat starch provides the traditional soft texture of bao dough.

Can I make these buns in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the buns ahead of time and store them in the fridge overnight. Steam them when ready to serve for the freshest results.

How do I know when the dough is ready?

The dough should double in size after rising, and when you press it with your finger, it should leave a slight indentation. This means the yeast is activated and the dough is ready for shaping.

Can I make these buns without wheat starch?

Wheat starch helps give bao dough its soft, elastic texture. While you can make them without it, the texture may be slightly different, more akin to regular bread dough.

How do I prevent the ganache from leaking out?

Make sure to fully seal the edges of each bun, ensuring the ganache is completely enclosed. This will prevent it from leaking during steaming.

What is the best way to store these buns?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use store-bought ganache?

Yes, you can use store-bought ganache or chocolate spread for convenience, but homemade ganache tends to have a richer, smoother texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Certainly! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness and cocoa intensity.

Can I make these buns without a steamer?

If you don’t have a steamer, you can create a DIY steamer by placing a heatproof bowl or small rack in a pot with a lid, adding water below the rack, and steaming the buns over simmering water.

Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough-making and rise times.

Conclusion

Chocolate Steamed Buns are a delightful fusion of traditional bao dough and rich, gooey chocolate ganache. Soft, fluffy, and decadent, these buns are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for Asian-inspired desserts. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, these buns are sure to impress. With the perfect balance of tender dough and indulgent filling, they’ll quickly become a favorite dessert in your home.