Steamed Blooming Cupcakes (Print version)

Delicate steamed cupcakes with gorgeous blooming tops - no oven required!

# What you need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp baking powder
03 - ½ tsp baking soda
04 - ⅛ tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - ½ cup whole milk
08 - ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter or neutral oil
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Optional Decoration

10 - Food coloring, gel or liquid as desired
11 - Sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate chips for topping

# Directions:

01 - Fill steamer with water and bring to a simmer. Line cupcake molds or silicone cups with paper liners.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until well blended.
03 - Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale and thick. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain texture.
05 - For blooming colors, divide batter and fold in desired food coloring. Pour batters in layers or swirl for marbled effect.
06 - Spoon batter into prepared cupcake molds, filling each about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
07 - Place molds in steamer with space between them for circulation. Cover lid with clean cloth to prevent condensation dripping.
08 - Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean and tops have bloomed or cracked.
09 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate chips as desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for anyone without an oven or looking to try a traditional Asian cooking method
  • Exceptionally moist texture that puts oven-baked cupcakes to shame
02 -
  • Never lift the steamer lid during cooking or the sudden temperature change will collapse your beautiful blooming cupcakes
  • The cloth on the lid is absolutely crucial because water droplets will make the tops gummy instead of beautifully cracked
03 -
  • Silicone molds work better than metal ones because they heat more gently in the steam environment
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for achieving the proper texture and rise

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