Steamed Blooming Cupcakes No Oven (Printable)

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

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/8 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
08 - 1/3 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

# How To Make:

01 - Fill your steamer with water and bring it to a simmer. Line cupcake molds or silicone cups with paper liners, ensuring they are ready for the batter.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended. Set aside for later use.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thickened. Pour in the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture of the cupcakes.
05 - If creating the blooming color effect, divide the batter into separate bowls and fold in your desired food coloring. Layer or swirl the colored batters together in the molds for a marbled appearance.
06 - Spoon the prepared batter into the lined cupcake molds, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during steaming.
07 - Arrange the filled molds in the steamer, leaving adequate space between each for proper steam circulation. Cover the steamer lid with a clean kitchen cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cupcakes. Steam over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops have bloomed with a beautiful crack.
08 - Carefully remove the cupcakes from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly in the molds. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate chips as desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No oven means you can make these in any kitchen, even dorm rooms or places with limited equipment
  • The blooming tops happen naturally from steam, creating bakery worthy results without any fancy techniques
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while steaming or the temperature drop will prevent proper blooming
  • The cloth on the steamer lid is crucial since water droplets falling on the cupcakes will make them soggy and dense
03 -
  • Silicone molds work better than metal because they heat more gently and release the cupcakes without sticking
  • If you do not have a proper steamer, set a heatproof plate on a small rack inside any pot with a tight fitting lid

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