3 Healthy and Delicious Steamed Dessert Recipes to Try Today

Benefits of Steaming for Desserts

Steaming is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a closed environment with the help of steam. While it's commonly used for cooking vegetables, meats, and fish, it's also a great cooking method for desserts. Here are some of the benefits of steaming for desserts:

1. Healthier cooking method: Steaming is a healthier cooking method compared to baking or frying. It doesn't require any oil or fat, which means fewer calories and less saturated and trans fats.

2. Retention of nutrients and flavors: Steaming preserves the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a healthier and tastier dessert.

3. Moist and tender texture: Steaming results in moist and tender desserts, making it a perfect cooking method for delicate desserts like cakes and custards.


Techniques and Tools for Steaming Desserts

Before you start cooking your steamed desserts, it's essential to know some techniques and tools to ensure the best results.

1. Types of steamers: There are several types of steamers available, including bamboo steamers, electric steamers, and stovetop steamers. Bamboo steamers are the most traditional ones, while electric steamers and stovetop steamers offer more convenience and versatility.

2. Preparing the steamer and dessert: It's important to prepare the steamer and the dessert correctly. For example, if you're using a bamboo steamer, make sure to line the steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the dessert from sticking. Also, make sure to leave enough space between the desserts to allow steam to circulate.

3. Adjusting steaming time and temperature: Steaming time and temperature vary depending on the recipe and ingredients. In general, delicate desserts like cakes and custards require lower temperatures and longer cooking times, while heartier desserts like puddings and bread require higher temperatures and shorter cooking times.


Recipe 1: Steamed Matcha Cake

Matcha is a green tea powder that's become increasingly popular in the past few years. It's packed with antioxidants and has a unique flavor that pairs well with desserts. This steamed matcha cake is a healthy and delicious dessert that's easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Steamer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 6-inch cake pan
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

4. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a 6-inch cake pan. Pour the batter into the cake pan and place it on the parchment paper.

5. Place the cake pan in a steamer and steam for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

6. Remove the cake pan from the steamer and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely before serving.


Nutritional information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g

Tips for variations:

• Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
• Top the cake with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flavor.

Recipe 2: Steamed Coconut Custard

Coconut custard is a creamy and decadent dessert that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This steamed version is healthier and just as delicious as the baked version.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

• Steamer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Ramekins

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

2. Pour the mixture into four ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.

3. Place the ramekins in a steamer and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set.

4. Remove the ramekins from the steamer and let them cool for 10 minutes. Then, refrigerate the custard for at least 1 hour before serving.


Nutritional information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 5g

Tips for variations:

• Add shredded coconut to the custard for extra texture.
• Top the custard with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Recipe 3: Steamed Banana Bread Pudding

Banana bread pudding is a classic dessert that's perfect for using up ripe bananas. This steamed version is a healthier and easier alternative to the baked version.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 4 cups cubed whole wheat bread

Equipment:

• Steamer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 8-inch cake pan

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, almond milk, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

2. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and stir until the bread is fully coated.

3. Pour the mixture into an 8-inch cake pan and cover the pan with aluminum foil.

4. Place the cake pan in a steamer and steam for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set.

5. Remove the cake pan from the steamer and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, remove the aluminum foil and let the pudding cool completely before serving.


Nutritional information (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 7g

Tips for variations:

• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the bread mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Top the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Steaming is a healthy and easy cooking method that's perfect for making desserts. Whether you're looking for a guilt-free sweet treat or a new way to cook your favorite dessert, steaming is worth a try. The three recipes we've provided are just a few examples of what you can do with steaming. So, why not experiment with other steamed desserts and let us know how they turn out?

Remember, when steaming desserts, it's essential to prepare the steamer and dessert correctly and adjust the steaming time and temperature based on the recipe and ingredients. With these tips and recipes, you're now ready to try steaming for desserts.

Happy cooking!