There is nothing more therapeutic than baking at home! From messy countertops to presenting it as if you were in a Master Chef competition to sharing it with family and friends, baking feels very wholesome.
However, not everyone owns an oven. But worry not, because you can still bake delicious cakes using cookware that you already have in your kitchen!
In this blog, we will explore how to bake cake without an oven using a kadai, pressure cooker, air fryer, microwave, and more!
What Actually Happens When You Bake a Cake Without an Oven
Before learning the “how to”, let us understand the science behind baking. To begin with, no matter how you bake, it essentially works through trapped heat circulation.
In a conventional oven, heat surrounds the cake from all directions, which allows the batter to rise evenly. Therefore, while baking a cake without an oven, you need to use cookware that can retain and distribute heat properly.
The process:
1. Baking Powder or Baking Soda Releases Gas, Making the Cake Rise:
Baking powder acts as an “air-making” agent. They release carbon dioxide, which creates tiny bubbles in the batter. This, in turn, causes the cake to heat up and expand, making it light, fluffy and soft!
Without this, your cake would just be a flat, thick pancake.
2. Eggs and Flour Proteins Set and Create Structure:
Once the cake starts to expand due to bubble formation, it will, at some point, collapse and go flat! This is where the real hero comes in: eggs and flour.
Both proteins together create the structure of the cake. Without the right amount of egg or flour, the cake could become gummy or not get puffy at all.
3. Moisture in the batter turns into steam, helping the cake stay soft
The batter contains water from ingredients such as milk, eggs, butter and yoghurt. When these are heated, they release moisture, which turns into steam. This helps in keeping the cake soft, structured and fluffy.
How to Bake Using a Kadai
One of the most popular methods for making cake in a kadai at home is using a deep, heavy-bottomed kadai. Here’s how you can make a cake in a kadai:
1. First, choose a kadai with a lid that has a thick bottom.
2. Add a layer of salt or clean sand at the bottom. This helps in distributing the heat evenly.
3. Place a metal cookware stand inside the kadai.
4. Cover it and preheat the kadai for 10 to 15 minutes on low flame.
5. In the meantime, select your shape of tin foil and pour the batter into it.
6. After the kadai is heated, carefully place the tin foil inside the kadai.
7. Cover it and let it bake on low flame for 30 to 40 minutes, and it will be ready!
How to Bake Using a Pressure Cooker
Every Indian household has at least one pressure cooker. It’s basically the most-used cookware. Then why simply restrain it to daal chawal when you can also bake a cake in it!
Let us learn how:
1. First, remove the whistle and the rubber gasket from your cooker.
2. Just as the kadai, add salt or clean sand at the base of your cooker.
3. Place a stand inside and preheat it on a low flame for about 10 minutes.
4. Put the batter into the tin foil and carefully place it on the stand inside the cooker.
5. Put the lid without the whistle and bake it on a low flame for 30-45 minutes. And it’s ready!
NB: Never use water while baking in a pressure cooker. Also, always remove the whistle and gasket to prevent pressure build-up.
Other Ways to Bake Without an Oven
Baking Using an Air Fryer
Air fryers work similarly to an oven, making them an excellent choice for baking small cakes, muffins, and brownies.
Simply preheat the air fryer and use a heat-safe baking tin. Put the batter and bake at around 160°C-180°C. Keep on checking the cake because air fryers cook faster.
Baking Using a Microwave
It is one of the most convenient ways to make desserts, mug cakes, brownies and sponge cakes. However, it is important to note that microwaved cakes may not develop the same golden crust as oven-baked. They tend to remain more moist comparatively.
Baking Using a Heavy-Bottom Pan
Sometimes a pan with a heavy bottom can also function as a mini baking chamber. Just preheat and place a stand on it. Place the baking tin with the cake batter and cover tightly to trap the heat.
Tips for Successful Baking Without an Oven
1. Always preheat the cookware before placing the batter.
2. Use low to medium heat for even baking.
3. Do not keep on opening the lid to check the cake repeatedly while baking.
4. Use thick-bottom cookware to prevent your cake from getting burnt.
5. Grease the cake tin with butter or oil properly to avoid sticking.
6. Check doneness using a toothpick.
7. Let the cake cool before unmoulding.
8. Be patient!
What Can You Bake Without an Oven?
You can literally make so many delicious baked treats without using an oven. These include:
1. Sponge cakes
2. Tea cakes
3. Brownies
4. Muffins
5. Cookies
6. Cupcakes
7. Banana bread
8. Pizza
9. Bread rolls
10. Layered cake desserts
Final Thoughts
Not having an oven should never stop you from baking a cake! So the next time you crave cake, do not wait for an oven. Go to your kitchen because it has everything you need!
Happy baking!
FAQs
Is baking in a pressure cooker safe?
Yes, baking in a pressure cooker is safe when done correctly. Always remove the whistle and rubber gasket before baking and never use water inside the cooker during the process.
Why is my cake not baking properly without an oven?
Uneven heating, high flame, lack of preheating, or opening the lid too often can affect baking. Maintaining steady low heat is extremely important.
Which is better for baking without an oven: cooker or kadai?
Both work well, but a heavy-bottom kadai generally gives more even heat distribution and slightly better texture for cakes.
Why didn't my kadai cake rise properly?
This can happen due to expired baking powder, overmixing the batter, or insufficient preheating. Low and consistent heat is also essential for proper rising.
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