Baking a cake is one of the most delightful and rewarding experiences in the kitchen. One can easily describe it has a mindful activity you can inculcate to create something beautiful. The aroma of freshly baked cake can easily fill the air with happiness and excitement. However, not everyone has access to an oven or microwave, especially in India where people still heavily rely on stoves for preparing food. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of baking your own cake.Â
There are a few alternative methods that you can use to bake your own cake without an oven or microwave. In this article, we will discuss one of the most popular methods – baking a cake in a pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker – A Convenient Option
A pressure cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, from steaming to boiling, and even baking. Baking a cake in a pressure cooker may seem unusual, but it’s a convenient option for people who don’t have access to an oven or microwave. The pressure cooker method involves using steam to bake the cake, and it can yield excellent results if done correctly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake a cake in a pressure cooker, you’ll need basic baking ingredients, such as all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You’ll also need a cake tin, a small stand or trivet, and butter or oil for greasing the tin. These are all readily available in most kitchens, so you won’t need to go out and buy any special equipment or ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for baking a cake in a pressure cooker. Keep in mind that these instructions may vary slightly depending on the size and type of pressure cooker you’re using.
Step 1: Grease the Cake Tin
The first step is to grease the cake tin with butter or oil. Make sure to spread it evenly to prevent the cake from sticking to the sides of the tin. Greasing the tin is essential to ensure that the cake comes out perfectly when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, beat the egg until it’s fluffy, and then add the sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk until there are no lumps. Make sure to whisk the batter well, as this will determine the texture of your cake.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Tin
Pour the batter into the greased cake tin, and tap it gently to remove any air bubbles. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the tin, as the cake will rise when it’s being cooked.
Step 6: Prepare the Pressure Cooker
Place a small stand or trivet in the bottom of the pressure cooker and add some water to create steam. Make sure that the water level is just below the stand. If the water level is too high, the cake will become soggy, and if it’s too low, the cake will burn.
Step 7: Cook the Cake in the Pressure Cooker
Place the cake tin on top of the stand or trivet, and close the lid of the pressure cooker without the whistle. Cook the cake on a low flame for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the cake. After 30 minutes, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it’s done.
Once done, you have the cake baked using a pressure cooker that you will remember forever.
