Nut-Free Carrot Cake Steamed Buns (Bao)

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Instant Yeast
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 3/4 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Carrots, grated
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ginger
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 2 tbsp Cream Cheese, dairy-free

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour, 1 tsp of Instant Yeast, 1/4 cup of Sugar, and 1 tsp of Baking Powder. Gradually add 3/4 cup of Water and 2 tbsp of Vegetable Oil, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
2. 2Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. 3While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of grated Carrots, 1/4 cup of Brown Sugar, 1 tsp of Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Ginger, and 1/4 cup Raisins. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. 4Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
5. 5Place about 2 tablespoons of the carrot filling into the center of each dough circle. Carefully bring the edges of the dough up and pinch them together to seal the filling inside, forming a bun shape.
6. 6Line your steamer baskets with parchment paper. Place the 6 formed buns into the prepared steamer baskets, ensuring they have a little space between them.
7. 7Fill a pot or wok with enough water to reach the bottom of your steamer baskets, but not touch the buns. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully place the steamer baskets over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the buns are puffed up and cooked through. They should feel firm to the touch.
8. 8Carefully remove the steamer baskets from the heat. Let the buns cool slightly in the baskets for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with 2 tbsp of dairy-free Cream Cheese on the side.

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