Dampfnudel

About Dampfnudel

Dampfnudel, the delectable and oft-overlooked German steam bun, is the indulgent comfort food you never knew you needed. It lightly dusts your hands with flour, leaves sugar crystals lingering on your lips, and as you take a bite, the melt-in-your-mouth texture is a surefire way to turn a good day into a great one.
Resplendent in its simplicity, and yet sublime in its taste, Dampfnudel beautifully blends typical bread ingredients such as yeast, warm milk, granulated sugar, a smidgen of salt, a beaten egg, and uses liberal amounts of all-purpose flour. What sets it apart is the topping – a sweet, glittering sugar glaze made from sugar and melted butter that offers the perfect juxtaposition against the velvety texture of the steam bun.

Similarities and Pairings

Dampfnudel shares a striking similarity with the Chinese steamed buns, especially the ones filled with sweet bean paste. While the Dampfnudel itself does not endorse stuffing, the fluffy, light and mildly sweet characteristic is something that they both proudly share. While on the topic of similarities, it also bears an uncanny likeness to another German speciality: the Hefeklöße, although the latter is usually devoid of the sugar glaze.

Many connoisseurs of German cuisine set the Dampfnudel bun alongside Vanilla sauce or throw in a handful of poppy seeds on top for that much needed contrast of textures. Additionally, the smooth and slightly sweet Dampfnudel makes a surprisingly good contrast to savory dishes. Try pairing it with the hearty German sausage soup or on the side of a tangy German potato salad for a taste adventure.

More than just Bread

Across the world, bread is a staple; a humble, quiet presence at our tables. It is not supposed to steal the show. But Dampfnudel? It is an audacious bagatelle that dares to question that paradigm. With its silky texture and seductive sweetness, it begs the question – Is it more of a dessert than a bread? Regardless of where you stand in this debate, there’s no denying that the German steam bun is a delicious conundrum that leaves you wanting more after every bite.

So, the next time you find yourself yearning for something that blurs the lines between sweet and savory, reach for a Dampfnudel. And then, lose yourself in its sugary, steamy embrace. It’s comfort food to the power of infinity, i.e. home… but sweeter. The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare, ensuring that even novices in the kitchen can effortlessly churn them out.

What You’ll Need