Soft & Fluffy Steamed Raisin Bread (No Oven Needed!)

Forget everything you think you know about raisin bread! This recipe delivers incredibly soft and fluffy steamed raisin bread, achieving a texture you won't believe is possible without an oven. Imagine a warm, comforting loaf bursting with plump, juicy raisins, its aroma filling your kitchen with the promise of deliciousness. This method is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal equipment and yielding maximum flavour. Steaming creates a uniquely moist and tender crumb, surpassing even the best oven-baked versions. The delicate sweetness of the raisins perfectly complements the soft bread, making it ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

This recipe is perfect for those without an oven or for anyone seeking a healthier, lighter alternative to traditional baking. We've meticulously crafted a step-by-step guide to ensure even the most novice baker can achieve perfect results. Ready to embark on this delightful culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Steamer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Foil cups

Ingredients

  • Milk
  • Yeast
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Salt
  • Rice bran oil or Soybean oil
  • Margarine or Butter
  • Raisins

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture and Dough

  • Warm the milk (not hot). Add yeast, a pinch of sugar, and water. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, prepare the bread dough. Make a well in the center and add the milk mixture, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix using a spatula.
  • Add oil and mix well. Knead the dough by hand for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Add margarine/butter and knead until homogeneous.
  • Let the dough rest for 1 hour.
Warm the milk (not hot). Add yeast, a pinch of sugar, and water. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, prepare the bread dough. Make a well in the center and add the milk mixture, eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix using a spatula.Add oil and mix well. Knead the dough by hand for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Add margarine/butter and knead until homogeneous.Let the dough rest for 1 hour.
Prepare the Yeast Mixture and Dough

Step 2. Shape and Prepare for Steaming

  • After resting, knead the dough for another minute to remove air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round shape and divide into 8 equal pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a ball, stretching the dough to create a smooth surface.
  • Add raisins to a flattened dough ball and wrap tightly, ensuring the dough seals completely. Shape nicely.
  • Grease foil cups with margarine/butter. Place the shaped dough into the cups.
After resting, knead the dough for another minute to remove air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round shape and divide into 8 equal pieces.Roll each piece into a ball, stretching the dough to create a smooth surface. Add raisins to a flattened dough ball and wrap tightly, ensuring the dough seals completely. Shape nicely.Grease foil cups with margarine/butter. Place the shaped dough into the cups.
Shape and Prepare for Steaming
  • Let the dough rest for another 10 minutes.
Let the dough rest for another 10 minutes.
Shape and Prepare for Steaming

Step 3. Steam the Bread

  • Steam the bread in a steamer over medium heat for 20 minutes, covering the lid with a cloth to prevent dripping.
Steam the bread in a steamer over medium heat for 20 minutes, covering the lid with a cloth to prevent dripping.
Steam the Bread

Step 4. Finishing Touches

  • Once steamed, brush the bread with butter or margarine for color and aroma.
Once steamed, brush the bread with butter or margarine for color and aroma.
Finishing Touches

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Tips

  • Ensure the milk is not hot when activating the yeast.
  • Check for bubbles in the yeast mixture to confirm it's active.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Try cranberries, currants, or chopped dates for a delicious variation. Adjust the sweetness as needed depending on the fruit you choose.

2. How do I store leftover steamed raisin bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.


Enjoy the delightful texture and irresistible aroma of your homemade steamed raisin bread. This recipe proves that delicious baking doesn't require an oven; it just requires a little patience and the right technique. Now go ahead and savor every bite of this wonderfully soft and fluffy treat!