Chocolate Steamed Buns

There’s something deeply comforting about steamed buns—the kind that come out warm and soft from a bamboo basket, releasing a gentle puff of steam as you lift the lid. Now imagine one filled with molten chocolate. These Chocolate Steamed Buns are a fusion of East and West, bringing together the time-honored tradition of Asian bao and the universally adored decadence of chocolate. The result is a soft, slightly sweet dough surrounding a rich, velvety ganache center that oozes out with every bite.

Growing up, bao was a staple in my family. We would enjoy them during weekend dim sum outings, usually stuffed with char siu or sweet lotus paste. But the first time I bit into a chocolate-filled steamed bun, it was a revelation—modern, unexpected, and absolutely delightful. It felt like childhood and luxury combined into one. Since then, these buns have become a beloved part of my recipe collection, reserved for special breakfasts, cozy rainy days, and heartwarming dessert tables.

These chocolate bao buns have a gentle sweetness, a light texture thanks to wheat starch, and an indulgent chocolate core that makes each one feel like a gift. Perfect for Lunar New Year with a twist, Valentine’s Day surprises, or holiday brunches, they’re a treat that feels both nostalgic and new.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pillowy dough with just the right chew.
• Lava-style chocolate center that stays warm and gooey after steaming.
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly—perfect for making in batches.
• A beautiful blend of tradition and innovation.
• A great introduction to Asian-style desserts for beginners and chocolate lovers alike.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Dough

• ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
• 1½ tsp (6 g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (100 g) wheat starch
• ½ cup (70 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp (10 g) baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (15 g) vegetable shortening
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tbsp (15 g) vegetable oil

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1⅓ cups (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers
• 1 cup heavy cream

How to Make Chocolate Steamed Buns

Prepare the Ganache

Start by making the filling—it needs time to chill and firm up. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap (press it directly on the surface of the ganache to avoid skin forming) and chill another hour or until firm.

Make the Dough

Warm your milk to 110°F and stir in the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy—this blooming process ensures the yeast is active. In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, sift together the flour, wheat starch, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the vegetable shortening and briefly mix on low. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and oil. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the yeast-milk mixture.

Knead the dough on medium speed until it becomes smooth and elastic—about 5 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If it feels dry or crumbly, add a splash of warm water. Once it pulls away from the sides of the bowl, shape it into a ball and let it rise in a greased bowl covered with a clean towel in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Buns

Once the dough is ready, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each into a round disc, keeping the center slightly thicker. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chilled ganache into the center. Fold the edges over and pinch to seal well. Place each bun seam-side down on a square of parchment paper.

Let the buns rest, covered, for 15 minutes while you set up your steamer.

Steam the Buns

Bring your steamer water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Wrap the steamer lid with a towel (secured tightly so it doesn’t droop) to prevent condensation from dripping onto your buns. Steam the buns in batches for 10 to 12 minutes. Let them sit in the steamer with the heat off for 1 minute before removing the lid—this helps prevent wrinkling.

Helpful Tips

• Use wheat starch for that ultra-smooth, soft dough texture—it makes a difference.
• Don’t skip the lid towel: it protects your buns from getting soggy tops.
• Freeze ganache portions if you want to fill buns quicker next time.
• Seal well when forming the buns to avoid any chocolate leakage.
• Steam in batches so buns don’t crowd or touch during cooking.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chill and proof)
• Yield: 12 buns
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES

• You can store the ganache in the fridge for a week, or freeze shaped buns and steam later.
• For best results, eat steamed buns fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Bun Approx.)

Calories: 332 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 12 g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are chocolate steamed buns easy to make?
Yes, chocolate steamed buns are quite easy to make at home. The dough is simple, often made with pantry staples, and the filling can be as easy as using chocolate chips or homemade chocolate spread. With basic steaming equipment, you can enjoy soft, fluffy buns with a rich chocolate center in just a few steps.

How do you make steamed buns with chocolate custard?
To make chocolate custard steamed buns, start by preparing a rich custard with milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch, then chill it until firm. Wrap the custard in soft bao dough, let the buns rise, and steam until fluffy. The result is a decadent dessert with a molten, creamy chocolate center.

What are chocolate steamed buns made of?
Chocolate steamed buns are typically made with all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and water for the dough. The filling usually includes chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a creamy chocolate custard. Once assembled, the buns are steamed to create a soft, pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate inside.

What is a steamed bao bun?
A steamed bao bun is a soft, fluffy bun made by steaming a yeasted dough. Popular in many Asian cuisines, bao buns can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. When filled with chocolate, they transform into a comforting dessert that’s warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30–40 seconds.

Freezer: Freeze unsteamed filled buns on a baking sheet until solid, then store in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Steam straight from frozen for 14–16 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights and sweet bao:

• Double Chocolate S’mores Cookies
• Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Cupcakes
• Instant Pot Pandan Cake: A Taste of Southeast Asia, Right from Your Kitchen
• The Comfort of Simplicity: Paul Hollywood’s Favorite One-Bowl Lemon Dessert

Conclusion

Making Chocolate Steamed Buns at home might feel like a project at first, but it quickly turns into a cherished ritual. The soft dough, the gentle steam, the rich chocolate lava—every step is meditative and joyful. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply indulging a craving, these buns offer the kind of delicious comfort that speaks across cultures. Try them once, and you’ll be dreaming of your next batch before the first one’s gone.

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