Steamed chocolate muffins
Have you ever thought about steaming a cake or a muffin rather than baking it? We didn’t think it was possible until the day we tried it! We took a few simple ingredients - the classic flour, eggs, baking powder, cocoa, butter and milk - and blended them well. We poured the dough into muffin tins, and then put them in the steamer! With the steamer you don’t even need to programme a temperature, it turns itself off after cooking and doesn’t heat up the house (particularly important in summer) as an oven might. So how about trying to make some of these fabulous steamed chocolate muffins yourself? And if you like them (we anticipate that they will be very fluffy and light), you could continue the adventure, varying the recipe and making lemon, coconut, carrot or whatever type of steamed muffin your imagination suggests. So, to work!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Break the eggs and beat them with the sugar. Add the flour, cocoa, butter, milk and baking powder. Mix everything together well: if necessary add another drop of milk. Pour the mixture spoonful by spoonful into muffin tins (silicone ones work well), place them into a steamer basket, then cook for 20 minutes. You will get soft and tasty muffins, perfect with a glass of milk.
Step by step
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Beat the eggs with the sugar
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Add the flour
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Mix well
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Add the softened butter
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Add the cocoa
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Add the baking powder
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Fill the muffin tins
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Cook in a steamer for about 20 mins
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Serve your muffins
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Additional information
Steamed Chocolate Muffins with Chocolate Chips
To enrich the recipe for steamed chocolate muffins, you can add dark chocolate chips to the batter. This variation not only enhances the intense chocolate flavor but also makes the muffins even more delicious and irresistible. Simply mix the chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the molds. The steaming will keep the muffins soft and moist, while the chocolate chips will melt during cooking, creating a soft and enveloping heart. This preparation is perfect for a tasty snack or for a simple yet impressive dessert.
Romagna-Style Steamed Chocolate Muffins
In Emilia Romagna, steamed chocolate muffins can be reinterpreted with typical local ingredients. For example, you can replace butter with extra virgin olive oil, which will give a fruity and slightly spicy note. Additionally, adding a pinch of grated orange zest can provide freshness and a unique aroma. This regional variation brings a touch of authenticity to the recipe, making the muffins perfect for a typical breakfast or snack in the area. Finally, steaming will ensure a soft and light result, keeping the flavors intact.
Butter-Free Steamed Chocolate Muffins
For a lighter version of steamed chocolate muffins, you can eliminate the butter and replace it with low-fat yogurt. This choice not only reduces calories but also gives the muffins a soft and moist texture. Using yogurt makes the dessert more digestible and suitable for those looking to limit fat intake. Additionally, you can use whole cane sugar, which, besides being healthier, gives a caramelized flavor. This variation is ideal for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty, while still savoring the pleasure of chocolate.
Benefits of Steamed Chocolate Muffins and Calories
Steamed chocolate muffins can be an interesting choice if prepared with quality ingredients. Eggs, for example, are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients, contributing to muscle health and overall well-being. The unsweetened cocoa present in this recipe is rich in antioxidants and can have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Furthermore, by using steaming, the need for fats is reduced, keeping the dessert lighter. On average, a steamed chocolate muffin can contain about 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions, making them a choice to consider even for those mindful of their diet.
Can Steamed Chocolate Muffins Be Frozen?
Yes, steamed chocolate muffins can be successfully frozen. After baking, it is advisable to let them cool completely before proceeding to freeze them. Once cool, they can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. This way, freshness and flavor are preserved. When ready to consume, they can be thawed at room temperature or gently heated in the microwave. Freezing muffins is a practical solution to always have a ready-to-use sweet treat without having to prepare them from scratch each time.