If you’re looking for a delicious yet nutritious dessert, this Broken Wheat Cupcake might just be your next favorite treat. Light, moist, and full of flavor, this steamed cupcake is an ideal choice for those who love homemade sweets without compromising health. It skips refined flour and processed sugar, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional cupcakes.
What makes this eggless cupcake truly special is its balance of texture and taste. This healthy cupcake is made with broken wheat, curd, and jaggery, offering a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s a low sugar cupcake, perfect for anyone trying to cut back on sweetness without losing out on flavor.
Using broken wheat (also called dalia) instead of regular flour adds an earthy, slightly nutty taste to the base while enhancing the fiber content. Unlike conventional baked cupcakes, this recipe is steamed, making it softer, lighter, and much easier on the digestive system. It’s perfect for kids, adults, and even elders who prefer less oily or fried sweets.
The use of thick curd (yogurt) acts as a natural leavening agent in the absence of eggs. It also helps keep the texture moist and rich. When paired with baking soda and baking powder, the cupcakes rise beautifully, holding their shape well without any need for fancy techniques or appliances.
Jaggery is used as a sweetener in this recipe, providing not only sweetness but also trace minerals like iron and potassium. This makes the cupcakes more nutritious compared to refined sugar alternatives. Jaggery also lends a warm, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the subtle crunch of broken wheat.
Cardamom powder is used for natural flavoring, giving the cupcakes a traditional Indian dessert aroma. It brings in a sense of nostalgia and pairs wonderfully with jaggery.
Vanilla essence adds a bakery-style twist, making each bite feel like a fusion of homely and modern.
Tutti frutti adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness. These colorful bits of candied fruit bring a chewy texture and are especially loved by children. They make the cupcakes festive and bright without the need for artificial flavor enhancers.
The use of oil instead of butter keeps the cupcakes moist and light. A neutral oil like sunflower or rice bran oil is ideal. It also ensures that the cupcakes stay soft even after cooling or refrigerating—just reheat lightly before serving.
Steaming is an accessible method that doesn’t require an oven, making this recipe easier for beginners or those with limited kitchen tools. It ensures:
You can steam these cupcakes in an idli stand, a pressure cooker (without the whistle), or any deep vessel with a lid and trivet.
Want to experiment? Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:
These cupcakes are great as:
Just pack them in colorful cupcake liners or silicone molds to make them visually attractive for little ones.
Because this recipe is egg-free, low in sugar, and steamed, it fits beautifully into special dietary preferences:
You can easily make these cupcakes gluten-free by:
Sprinkling desiccated coconut on top before steaming adds an appealing look and a light, nutty flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended for that extra charm and softness.
Planning a party or festive meal? You can:
In a world filled with processed sweets and heavy desserts, these Broken Wheat Cupcakes are a breath of fresh air. They offer simplicity, nutrition, and indulgence in one bite.
Whether you're avoiding refined ingredients or just love traditional flavors with a modern twist, this steamed cupcake recipe is worth trying. Light, comforting, and packed with goodness—it’s a dessert that your body and soul will both appreciate.
Wash and soak 1 cup of broken wheat for 2 hours. Drain and grind to a coarse texture.
In a bowl, sift together wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom powder. Add semolina and mix.
In another bowl, whisk curd and jaggery until smooth. Add oil, lemon juice, and vanilla essence. Mix well, then stir in the ground broken wheat.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gradually add water to form a semi-thick, pourable batter.
Toss tutti frutti in a little wheat flour and fold it into the batter.
Grease paper or silicone cups and fill them ¾ full. Garnish with desiccated coconut and extra tutti frutti. Steam for 15 minutes on medium flame. Check with a toothpick for doneness. Let them cool before serving.