Name: Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: All Purpose Flour / Maida – 1/4 cup; Sooji / Rava / Semolina – 1/4 cup; Cocoa Powder – 2 tablespoons; Baking Soda – 1/4 teaspoon; Sugar – 3 to 4 tablespoons; Curd / Yogurt – 1/2 cup; Oil – 2 tablespoons; Water or Milk – 1/4 cup; Vanilla Essence – 1 teaspoon; Sprinkles as needed; Chocolate Sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 42 reviews

If you’ve ever thought idlis can’t be anything but plain steamed rice cakes, get ready to be delighted! This Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe turns the humble South Indian favorite into a luscious, soft chocolate treat that’s both light and satisfyingly rich. It’s so easy to make, naturally eggless, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert or snack with minimal fuss. The combination of semolina’s texture, cocoa’s deep flavor, and the magic of steaming results in a cake that’s moist, airy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round, dark brown chocolate idli cake sits in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake has a soft, slightly crumbly texture with three thick black chocolate drizzle lines crossing over the top. Multicolored small round sprinkles are scattered both on the cake and around it on the plate, adding bright pops of red, yellow, green, blue, and pink. The plate features a simple, clean design with no other decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to the perfect Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe. Each item is simple and pantry-friendly but brings something special to the cake’s flavor, texture, or appearance, making this recipe both accessible and delicious.

All Purpose Flour / Maida: Provides the main structure for the idli cake, ensuring softness with a delicate crumb.
Sooji / Rava / Semolina: Adds a slight grainy texture that helps the cake hold its shape and gives a pleasant bite.
Cocoa Powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and a lovely dark color, transforming the idli into a decadent treat.
Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Curd / Yogurt: Works as a natural fermenting agent and adds a subtle tang that highlights the chocolate notes.
Sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to balance the cocoa’s bitterness without overpowering it.
Water or Milk: Hydrates the batter to the perfect pouring consistency for steaming.
Baking Soda: Ensures the idli cake rises well, giving it that wonderfully light and fluffy texture.
Vanilla Essence: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic undertones that complement the chocolate beautifully.
Sprinkles as needed: For fun, colorful decoration and a festive crunch on top.
Chocolate Sauce for serving: Optional but highly recommended for adding an extra indulgent layer of chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Yogurt and Sugar

Start by whisking together the curd (yogurt) and sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar has completely dissolved. This step helps to soften the sugar and create a smooth base for your batter.

Step 2: Add Oil and Vanilla Essence

Next, pour in the oil and vanilla essence. Whisk these into the yogurt and sugar blend. The oil ensures a moist cake while vanilla adds a burst of fragrant sweetness that will elevate the final taste beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate Semolina and Cocoa Powder

Stir in the sooji (semolina) and cocoa powder. Mix them well so the cocoa evenly colors the semolina. Leave the mixture aside for about 5 minutes to allow the semolina to slightly absorb the moisture and soften, which is crucial for the cake’s texture.

Step 4: Add Water or Milk

After the semolina mixture has rested, add the water or milk. This thins the batter to just the right consistency for steaming, neither too thick nor too runny. Stir until everything is smooth and integrated.

Step 5: Mix in Baking Soda

Add baking soda into the batter and mix well. This is the secret to getting your Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe super fluffy and airy as it reacts with the yogurt.

Step 6: Fold in All Purpose Flour

Finally, gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Be careful to combine everything without over-mixing, which keeps the batter light and fluffy, perfect for steaming.

Step 7: Steam the Cakes

Grease your idli plates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Spoon the batter into the molds, filling them almost to the top for nicely rounded cakes. Steam in a preheated steamer for 5 to 7 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check if the cakes are done—it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Remove

Once steamed, allow the cakes to cool for a minute or two. Use a spoon to gently lift the idli cakes out of the plates carefully. This short cooling helps them hold their shape beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe

Three round chocolate muffins with rough, crumbly tops sit on a white plate with a slight textured edge. Each muffin has small, colorful round sprinkles on top, mainly red, yellow, green, blue, and white, clustered in the center. The muffins have a dark brown color and soft-looking texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your steamed chocolate idli cakes with colorful sprinkles or some grated chocolate to add a delightful crunch and an extra pop of fun. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks elegant and sweetens just the right touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these idli cakes with a side of warm chocolate sauce or fresh whipped cream. For a fresher twist, accompany with sliced strawberries or bananas, which complement the chocolate with natural sweetness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few idli cakes to create a mini cake tower drizzled with chocolate sauce and garnished with nuts or edible flowers for a stunning dessert centerpiece. Alternatively, cut them into cubes for a bite-sized party treat with dipping sauces on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They remain soft and flavorful for up to 2 days, making them perfect for quick snacks anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cakes individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored together in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month and make a convenient dessert option for busy days.

Reheating

To enjoy again, thaw the cakes at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then warm gently in a microwave or steam for a couple of minutes. This revival brings back that fresh-steamed softness and warmth perfectly.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but it may result in a denser cake with a nuttier flavor. Adjust the water as needed to maintain the right batter consistency.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in this recipe?

Yogurt is important because it adds moisture, helps with the fermentation, and contributes tanginess that balances the chocolate. However, you can replace it with buttermilk or a plant-based yogurt if needed.

How long should I steam the idli cakes?

Steaming for about 5 to 7 minutes is sufficient for the idli cakes to cook through and be fluffy. Always do the toothpick test to avoid over or under-steaming.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based yogurt and milk or water along with oil that fits your vegan preference. The recipe is naturally eggless, so it’s quite easy to convert.

What if I don’t have an idli plate?

You can use any small heatproof molds or even a silicone cupcake tray for steaming. Just grease them well, and the steaming time should remain about the same.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Idli Cake – Eggless Steamed Idli Cakes Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy idli in a whole new light. It’s so comforting to bite into something soft, chocolaty, and effortlessly homemade without needing an oven or eggs. Try it soon and share this delicious discovery with your friends and family—they’ll be asking for seconds in no time!