How to Make Steamed Chocolate Spread Bread

Why Steam? The Forgotten Art of Gentle Baking

There’s something quietly magical about steam. It doesn’t roar. It doesn’t scorch. It surrounds, caresses, and slowly coaxes dough into softness.

How to Make Steamed Chocolate Spread Bread

Recipe by Cinnamon GrayDifficulty: Easy

Steamed Chocolate Spread Bread

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 150g white flour

• 25g white sugar

• 25g olive oil

• 8g yeast

Directions

• place flour in a bowl with 2 eggs, sugar and yeast and mix together
• now add the olive oil, mix in and leave to rest for 1-4 hours (doubles in size)
• sprinkle some flour down and knead the dough, cut into 4 equal parts
• roll out flat, about 5mm thick apply your chocolate spread onto one side, roll into a cylinder shape
• spray a baking tin with oil, place the rolled dough inside
• beat an egg, wash the tops of the rolls, cover with cling film (saran wrap)
• place your tray into the steamer and bring to boil, then steam for 45-minutes
• taste great served with watermelon slices…

Recipe Video

Notes

• dont be afraid to experiment!

Steamed bread—especially when filled with silky chocolate spread—offers a texture that baking simply can’t replicate. Think of it as bread reimagined: cloud-like, tender to the touch, with a chew that whispers rather than crunches.

While ovens blast their heat from outside in, steam works from all angles—locking in moisture, preserving delicacy. It’s the secret to buns that don’t dry out, fillings that stay molten, and a bite so soft it feels like nostalgia on your tongue.

Crafting the Dough with Purpose

A great steamed bread starts with reverent dough-making. All-purpose flour works, but bread flour—with its higher protein content—yields more structure and bounce. You want strength and suppleness, like a good hug.

In a bowl, blend warm water, a touch of sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the yeast bloom until it froths like the surface of a cappuccino. Add flour, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of neutral oil. Then comes the kneading—a sacred act. Work the dough until it’s glossy and elastic, no less than 10 minutes. The dough should spring back when gently pressed, like a promise.

Cover and let it rise. Give it time. Let it swell and puff like it’s dreaming. This is where the magic happens: gluten strands forming like invisible threads, preparing to trap the air and steam to come.

Chocolate Spread: More Than Just Filling

Not all chocolate spreads are created equal. Skip the mass-produced jars if you can. Choose one with high cocoa content and minimal palm oil for richness without the waxy aftertaste. Want to level it up? Add a pinch of sea salt, a splash of espresso, or even a dusting of cinnamon for complexity.

When it’s time to shape, roll the risen dough into a soft rectangle. Spread the chocolate with reverence—don’t oversaturate, but don’t be stingy either. Swirl, spiral, or layer—however you shape it, make sure every slice delivers that molten chocolate heart.

Fold gently. Let the spread peek from the seams. This isn’t just a filling—it’s the soul of the bread.

The Steaming Ritual

Steaming is a patient, intimate act. Whether using a bamboo steamer, metal insert, or a makeshift DIY setup over boiling water, what matters most is consistency. Line the steamer with parchment or cloth to prevent sticking. Don’t crowd the space—give your bread room to rise and breathe.

Cover with a lid wrapped in a cloth to catch condensation (nobody wants soggy tops). Steam over medium heat for 20–30 minutes, depending on size and thickness. Avoid peeking too early—steam needs consistency to work its wonders.

You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like chocolate-drenched heaven and feels springy to the touch. The surface should be matte, slightly taut, and warm like the back of a well-loved book.

Serving Whimsy and Warmth

Slice it warm. Let the chocolate ooze slightly, like a secret spilling out. Serve on a wooden board with a small ramekin of extra spread on the side for the indulgent few.

Top with a whisper of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Garnish with fresh berries if you’re feeling luxurious. It’s beautiful with a hot cup of chai, a cold glass of oat milk, or even a bold espresso shot.

But more than a dish, this steamed chocolate spread bread is a mood. It’s comfort in edible form. A soft surprise in a world that often moves too fast. And sometimes, that’s all anyone really needs.