Emilie Meyer
Baking a cake in an oven is the most common method, but it is not the only way to make a cake. If you don't have access to an oven or a microwave, you can still bake a cake using a stove, a large pot, and a steamer basket or glass dish. This method produces a cake that is similar to an oven-baked cake but is more tender and moist. Some people even prefer stove-top cakes due to their taste, texture, and appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking equipment | Stove, large pot, steamer basket or glass dish, baking pan |
| Baking time | 25-30 minutes |
| Baking temperature | Medium heat |
| Cake texture | Tender, moist |
| Cake taste | Better than oven-baked cakes |
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What You'll Learn
Stove cake vs. oven cake
Baking a cake in an oven is the most conventional method, but baking a cake on a stovetop is also possible. While some people prefer stovetop cakes, others consider it an "offense against God and Man".
Stove Cake
To bake a cake on a stovetop, you will need a stove, a large pot, and a steamer basket or glass dish. First, coat the baking pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Then, line the pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Next, fill a pot with water, place a steamer basket or glass cooking dish on top, and bring the water to a boil. Set the cake pan into the steamer basket, cover the pot with parchment paper and a lid, and cook the cake over medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
Oven Cake
Baking a cake in an oven typically involves preheating the oven to a specified temperature and baking the cake for a specified amount of time, usually around 35-40 minutes in an oven at 350°F/180°C. The cake is then removed from the oven and allowed to cool before serving.
Comparison
The main difference between stove cakes and oven cakes is the cooking method. Stove cakes are steamed, resulting in a more tender and moist texture, while oven cakes are baked, which can sometimes lead to a drier cake, especially if baked for too long. Additionally, stove cakes may have a different taste, texture, and appearance compared to oven cakes, and some people prefer the simplicity of stovetop cooking. However, baking a cake in an oven is generally more convenient and may be less time-consuming, as stove cakes can take longer to cook and require more active monitoring during the cooking process.
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Preparing the stove pan
First, select an appropriate stove pan for baking your cake. You can use a large pot or a saucepan, ensuring it has a thick bottom to distribute heat evenly. If your saucepan has a thin base, consider using a pan heat diffuser or an old 'tawa' to prevent direct heat from scorching the cake.
Next, grease the stove pan generously with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to coat both the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also dust the pan with a thin layer of flour after greasing it. This step will create a barrier between the batter and the pan, ensuring the cake releases easily after baking.
Line the greased pan with parchment paper. Cut the parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan perfectly, then lay it neatly inside. This step is crucial as it will make removing the cake from the pan much easier and help prevent sticking.
If you are using a steamer basket or a glass cooking dish, prepare it by filling the pot with water and placing the steamer basket or dish on top. Ensure the steamer basket or dish is at least one inch above the water level. You can add a layer of dried beans or pebbles to the bottom of the steamer basket or dish to help distribute heat evenly and create a barrier between the pan and the heat source.
Now your stove pan is prepared and ready for the cake batter! Simply pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Follow the subsequent steps for stovetop cake baking, such as covering the pot with parchment paper and a lid, and cooking over medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
Remember, stovetop cake baking may take some experimentation to get the perfect results, but with patience and practice, you'll be baking delicious cakes on your stove in no time!
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Baking time
Baking a cake on a stovetop takes around 25 to 30 minutes. However, some cakes might take longer, so it is important to be vigilant. For example, one person reported that their stovetop cake took 40 minutes to cook, and even then, the middle was still wet batter. They then put the cake on a wire rack on low heat and let it cook for another 20 minutes.
Before you start baking, you should put your saucepan on low heat. You should also prepare your cake pan by coating the bottom and sides with butter and dusting it with flour to prevent sticking. You can then line the pan with parchment paper and pour in your batter.
Once your batter is in the pan, you can begin the steaming process. Bring water to a boil in a pot and place a steamer basket or glass cooking dish on top. The cake pan should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket or dish. You can add a layer of dried beans to the bottom of the steamer or dish. Cover the pot with a lid and let it heat for 5 minutes before adding your cake pan and cooking over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
After removing the cake from the heat, let it cool in the pan. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
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Using a steamer
You can bake a cake on a stove using a steamer. This method is especially useful if you don't have access to an oven or if your oven is unreliable. It is also a popular method in parts of the world where homes are smaller and cannot accommodate ovens or areas with unreliable electricity.
To bake a cake using a steamer, start by preparing your cake batter. You can use your own recipe or a boxed mix. Grease your cake pan by coating the bottom and sides with butter, then dust it with a tablespoon of flour to prevent sticking. Line the pan with parchment paper and pour in your batter.
Next, you'll need a pot that is large enough to accommodate your cake pan. Fill the pot with water and place a steamer basket or glass cooking dish on top, ensuring it rests about an inch above the water. You can use a metal or wooden rack to raise the cake pan if needed. Alternatively, you can create a similar effect by crumpling tin foil into balls and placing them at the bottom of the pot before adding the steamer basket. If using a glass dish, it is recommended to use dried beans or pebbles instead of tin foil to avoid potential breakage.
Once your steamer basket or glass dish is in place, add a layer of dried beans or pebbles to the bottom. This creates a buffer between the basket and your cake pan, preventing the pan from getting too hot. Cover the pot with a lid and heat the water on high for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, carefully place your cake pan into the steamer basket or dish, ensuring it does not touch the bottom. Cover the pot again and cook the cake over medium heat for 25-30 minutes. You can also cover the pot with a kitchen towel or cloth before putting the lid back on to prevent condensation from dripping onto your cake.
Using this steaming method will result in a cake that is more tender and moist compared to an oven-baked cake. The edges will not be browned, and the cake will retain more of its natural ingredient flavors. Steamed cakes are also easier to digest and are less likely to cause flatulence, bloating, or indigestion.
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Cooling the cake
After removing the cake from the heat, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing the cake from the pan. To remove the cake, simply flip the pan over onto a flat surface and let the cake slide out. Then, leave the cake to cool in the cake pan for 20 minutes. After that, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled completely, you can decorate it. One simple way to decorate a stovetop chocolate cake is to drape a piece of lace or a doily over the top and dust it with powdered sugar. When you remove the lace, you will be left with a lace pattern made out of sugar.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bake a cake on a stovetop. It is a simple process that can produce cakes with a unique taste, texture, and appearance.
You will need a stove, a large pot, a steamer basket or glass dish, and a baking pan. You will also need the usual cake-baking ingredients.
First, coat the baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Then, line the pan with parchment paper and pour in your batter. Next, fill a pot with water and place a steamer basket or glass dish on top. Place the cake pan inside and cover the pot with parchment paper and a lid. Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
Stovetop cakes tend to be more moist and tender than oven-baked cakes. Some people also prefer the taste and appearance of stovetop cakes.
Make sure there is space between the pot and the baking pan to allow for proper circulation of hot air. You can also add a layer of dried beans to the bottom of the steamer or dish for even heating.
