Description

Chocolate Steamed Buns are a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert combining soft bao dough with a rich, gooey chocolate ganache center. Inspired by the famous Din Tai Fung dessert, these buns are perfect for any special occasion or indulgent treat.

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot, but not boiling. Pour it 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 and refrigerate for an additional hour.
Make the Bao Dough: Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C) and add the yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes to activate. Sift flour, wheat starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt into a stand mixer bowl. Add shortening and mix on low speed. In a separate bowl, liquefy egg white and oil, then add to the mixture. Slowly pour in yeast milk mixture and knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until smooth. Knead by hand for another minute, then cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Assemble the Buns: Divide dough into 12 portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten to about 4 inches wide. Place 1 tablespoon of chilled chocolate ganache in the center of each dough circle. Pinch edges together to seal the bun, ensuring ganache is enclosed. Let rest for 15 minutes.
Steam the Buns: Line a steamer with parchment squares to prevent sticking. Steam buns in batches for 10–12 minutes, until cooked through. Let sit for 1 minute after steaming to avoid wrinkling from temperature shock.
Serve: Serve the buns warm, enjoying the gooey chocolate center.

Notes

Use dark, milk, or white chocolate to vary sweetness and cocoa intensity.

Add vanilla extract, orange zest, or espresso powder to the ganache for extra flavor.

Try red bean paste or sweetened peanut butter as an alternative filling.

Experiment with adding more wheat starch for a chewier texture in the dough.

For mini buns, reduce portion size and steaming time accordingly.

Ensure buns are fully sealed to prevent ganache leakage during steaming.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Category: Dessert
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 220
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg