These Chocolate Steamed Buns are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich molten chocolate center. Made with pillowy bao dough and a silky chocolate ganache filling, each bite reveals warm, melted chocolate wrapped in delicate steamed bread.
This unique dessert combines the comforting texture of traditional Chinese steamed bao buns with the indulgence of a chocolate lava dessert. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or serving as a special homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Bao Buns
Soft and pillowy texture
The bao dough is light, airy, and perfectly tender thanks to steaming.
Gooey chocolate center
Inside each bun is a warm chocolate filling that melts beautifully.
Unique dessert idea
A creative twist on classic bao buns that chocolate lovers will adore.
Perfect for sharing
These buns are ideal for special occasions or cozy dessert moments.
Kitchen Equipment
To make these steamed buns, you will need:
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or knead by hand)
- Kitchen scale for accurate measurements
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper squares
- Bamboo or stainless-steel steamer
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 8 oz (1⅓ cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Bao Dough
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed (110°F / 43°C)
- 1½ tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup wheat starch
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make Chocolate Steamed Buns
1. Prepare the chocolate filling
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
Place the ganache in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until slightly firm.
2. Prepare the bao dough
Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and add the yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine:
- flour
- wheat starch
- powdered sugar
- baking powder
- salt
Add the shortening and mix.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg white with vegetable oil.
Add the yeast mixture and egg mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball and is slightly tacky.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
3. Let the dough rise
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape the buns
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a circle about 4 inches wide, keeping the center slightly thicker.
Place 1 tablespoon of chocolate filling in the center.
Fold the dough around the filling and pinch tightly to seal.
Place each bun on a small square of parchment paper.
5. Rest the buns
Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rest for 15 minutes.
6. Steam the buns
Bring water in your steamer to a boil.
Place the buns in the steamer, leaving space between them.
Steam over medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
After steaming, leave the buns in the steamer for 1 minute before opening the lid to prevent wrinkles.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover buns in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
To reheat:
- microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel
- or reheat briefly in a steamer.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Steamed Buns
✔ If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
✔ If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of warm water.
✔ Always allow the buns to rest before steaming for the best fluffy texture.
✔ Wrap the steamer lid with a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the buns.
Variations
You can easily customize the filling with:
- dark chocolate
- milk chocolate
- white chocolate
- hazelnut chocolate spread
You can also add chopped nuts or caramel for extra flavor.
A Soft and Decadent Dessert
These Chocolate Steamed Bao Buns are the perfect blend of soft bread and molten chocolate. Warm, fluffy, and indulgent, they are a delightful dessert that will impress anyone who tries them.
Serve them warm and enjoy the irresistible moment when the chocolate filling slowly melts out of the bun.