08/21/2026
Steamed Chocolate Cupcakes
Soft, moist chocolate cupcakes made without an oven. These are steamed gently over low heat for a tender texture and rich cocoa flavor.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
1 1/2 cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, vanilla, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gently whisk or fold until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Place cupcake liners inside sturdy foil cupcake cups or heat-safe molds.
Fill each liner about halfway full with chocolate batter.
Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Arrange the cupcakes inside the steamer, leaving a little space between them.
Cover and steam over low heat for about 25 minutes. Keeping the heat low helps prevent the cupcakes from puffing too quickly and cracking on top.
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Carefully remove the cupcakes from the steamer and let them cool before serving.
Tip: Wrap the steamer lid with a clean kitchen towel to help prevent condensation from dripping onto the cupcake tops.