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vegan chocolate steamed buns bao recipe with chocolate custard pastry cream filling - easy vegan recipe

Chocolate Steamed Buns (Easy, Vegan-Friendly Recipe)

All Purpose Veggies
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 12 buns
Calories 212 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Bread Dough

Chocolate Pastry Cream Filling

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the dry ingredients (bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, baking powder and cocoa powder) in the bowl of the stand mixer.
  • Pour almond milk into the dry ingredients.
    TIP: Heat in the microwave for 40-60 seconds before using to shorten the rising time.
  • Start to knead the dough at a low setting (speed 2) for about a minute, until all the ingredients are mostly combined.
  • Add the olive oil next, and continue to knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the bowl and forms a smooth, supple ball.
  • Note: Additional 1-2 Tablespoons of almond milk (or additional bread flour) may be necessary depending on the protein content of the flour, as well as the humidity and temperature of the kitchen.
  • Remove the finished dough from the mixer bowl and place in a lightly greased bowl.
  • Cover and let rise until doubled, about 60-90 minutes***
  • When the dough is ready, punch down the dough then remove from bowl. Place on a generously floured surface and divide into 12 equal sized pieces.
  • Wrap the dough pieces around the prepared filling, and place them on a piece of parchment square, or a sheet of steamer paper.
  • Cover and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, boil water and prepare the steamer
  • Transfer the buns to the steaming pan and steam the buns for 15 minutes
  • Enjoy!
  • Note: You can store these steamed buns, well wrapped, at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, you can place them in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months, then defrost them at room temperature or steam them again for just 10 minutes to enjoy them just like fresh.

Notes

*Weigh your flour for the best results. 1 cup of bread flour = 120 grams / 4.23 oz
**You can use regular granulated white sugar, raw cane sugar, brown sugar or coconut sugar in this recipe, but for yeasted breads, I would not recommend using sugar-free substitutes such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia powder since they can cause the bread to not rise properly. 
****It's best if the bowl is put in a warm place, for example, inside an oven that's been preheated for just a quick 10 seconds and spritzed with some water. Or, inside a microwave with a cup filled with hot water.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 151mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 0.1mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg***Net Carbs: 35g
Keyword almond milk, bread, chocolate, steamed, yeasted
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