Steamed Blooming Cupcakes (Print Version)

Delicate steamed cupcakes with beautiful blooming tops, made without an oven for fluffy, moist results every time.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ⅛ teaspoon 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 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Decoration

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

# 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. Whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
05 - For blooming colors, divide batter and fold in food coloring. Layer or swirl batters for marbled effect.
06 - Spoon batter into prepared molds, filling each about ¾ full to allow for rising.
07 - Place molds in steamer with space between them for circulation. Cover lid with cloth to prevent condensation. Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean and tops have bloomed.
08 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate chips as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The steam creates the most incredibly moist crumb you'll ever taste
  • That signature blooming crack on top makes every cupcake feel like a little surprise present
  • You can make these anywhere with just a stovetop and steamer
02 -
  • Never lift the steamer lid while cooking or the cupcakes will collapse and lose their bloom
  • Wrapping the lid with a cloth prevents water droplets from ruining the cupcake tops
  • Room temperature ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final texture
03 -
  • Use a timer religiously as steamed cupcakes go from perfect to overcooked quickly
  • Let them cool in the molds for 5 minutes before removing to prevent breaking

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