Soufflé Cup Cakes (No Oven, Steamed)

Light, jiggly, and cloud-like steamed soufflé cupcakes — no oven needed, and they rise beautifully!

Ingredients (makes 4–5 cups)

• 2 large eggs (separated)

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 3 tbsp milk

• 3 tbsp cake flour or all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• A few drops of lemon juice or vinegar (for stabilizing egg whites)

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• Small heatproof cups or ramekins

• Steamer or large pot with lid and steaming rack

• Electric mixer or whisk (hand whisk works but needs elbow grease!)

Instructions

1. Prepare cups & steamer

• Lightly grease the insides of your cups/ramekins.

• Fill your steamer or pot with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Make the batter base

• In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

• Sift in the flour and mix until no lumps remain.

3. Whip the egg whites

• In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites with lemon juice until frothy.

• Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff peaks form (meringue should be glossy and hold its shape).

4. Fold gently

• Take ⅓ of the meringue and mix into the yolk batter to loosen it.

• Gently fold in the remaining meringue in 2 parts, using a spatula and cutting/folding motion. Do not overmix—keep it airy.

5. Steam

• Pour batter into prepared cups, filling about ¾ full.

• Place cups in steamer, cover with lid (wrap lid with a cloth if it drips condensation).

• Steam over medium-low heat for about 12–15 minutes.

• Do not open the lid during steaming—they might collapse.

6. Serve immediately

• Remove carefully, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy right away—soufflés are best fresh and warm!

Tips for success

• Egg whites must be stiff peaks — this gives the lift since there’s no baking powder.

• Steam gently — too high heat can cause cracks or uneven texture.

• Serve immediately — soufflé cupcakes tend to deflate slightly after cooling, but they’re still delicious.

These have a soft, fluffy, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture — like a cross between a soufflé and a cloud cake! Perfect with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a spoon of whipped cream. Enjoy! 🧁