Steamed Blooming Cupcakes (Print Version)

Delicate steamed cupcakes with gorgeous blooming tops, made without an oven for quick moist treats.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ 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
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. Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
05 - Divide batter and fold in food coloring if desired. 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 from dripping.
08 - Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean and tops have bloomed.
09 - Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate chips as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The steaming method creates the most impossibly moist crumb you will ever taste
  • That blooming cracked top forms naturally and looks absolutely stunning without any special technique
  • You can have fresh cupcakes in under 40 minutes without ever turning on your oven
02 -
  • That cloth on the steamer lid is not optional, it prevents water droplets from ruining the perfect tops of your cupcakes
  • Resist the urge to peek while steaming or you will interrupt the rising process and end with dense treats instead
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more uniform batter, so plan accordingly
03 -
  • Use a kitchen towel to wrap the steamer lid, securing it with string or a rubber band so it stays in place
  • Silicone cups work wonderfully for steaming as they conduct heat evenly and release the cupcakes perfectly

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