5 Essential Tips To Keep In Mind While Baking Cake In A Cooker

Baking a cake is a delightful and rewarding experience, and what better way to achieve a moist and delicious cake than using a cooker? While the conventional oven may be the go-to appliance for baking, a cooker can be an excellent alternative, especially if you don't have access to an oven or simply want to try a different baking method.

Read also: 6 Expert Baking Techniques For Moist and Tender Cakes

Which Is The Best Pressure Cooker For Baking A Cake?

Aluminium pressure cookers are commonly regarded as suitable for baking cakes due to their even heat distribution properties. These cookers are affordable, lightweight, and known for their efficient conduction of heat. The aluminium construction ensures that heat is evenly spread throughout the cooker, allowing for consistent baking results.

This is particularly important when it comes to baking a cake, as even heat distribution promotes uniform rising and browning of the cake. However, it is crucial to select an aluminium pressure cooker of good quality with a thick and sturdy base to prevent any potential issues with uneven heating or warping. By using a reliable aluminium pressure cooker, you can create delicious, well-baked cakes that rival those made in traditional ovens.

5 Tips To Master The Art Of Baking Cake In A Cooker:

Baking a cake in a cooker can be a unique and exciting way to achieve a delicious homemade treat. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a successful outcome. Let's explore the five key considerations when baking a cake in a cooker:

Preheat the Cooker:

Just like preheating an oven, preheating the cooker is essential for even baking. Start by removing the gasket and whistle from the cooker lid. Place a heat-resistant stand or a layer of salt at the bottom of the cooker. Close the lid without the whistle and gasket and let the cooker preheat on low to medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cooker reaches the desired temperature before placing the cake inside.

Use a Stand:

Always use a cooking stand or a small, heat-resistant bowl placed at the bottom of the cooker. This elevation creates space between the heat source and the cake tin, allowing for proper heat circulation and even baking. Without a stand, the cake may heat up quickly from the bottom, leading to uneven baking and an uncooked centre.

Add Vinegar to the Batter:

Adding a small amount of vinegar to the cake batter can help achieve a soft and fluffy texture. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda or baking powder in the batter, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that contribute to the cake's rise. This technique is especially useful when baking in a cooker, as it can compensate for any potential uneven heating.

Use the Cooker Without Whistle:

When baking a cake in a cooker, it's essential to remove the whistle from the cooker lid. The whistle is designed to release pressure during cooking, which is necessary for certain dishes but not for baking cakes. By removing the whistle, you create a more oven-like environment inside the cooker, allowing the cake to bake evenly without pressure-release interruptions.

Monitor Cooking Time and Temperature:

Keep a close eye on the cooking time and temperature. Since every cooker behaves differently, it's crucial to monitor the baking process. Maintain moderate heat throughout the baking time and adjust it if necessary. Check the cake for doneness using a toothpick or skewer inserted into the centre. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready.

By keeping these five things in mind while baking a cake in a cooker, you can ensure a successful and delicious outcome. So, go ahead and enjoy the delightful experience of baking a cake in your cooker!

Here's A Simple Cooker Cake Recipe You Can Try:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Preheat your cooker by removing the whistle and gasket from the lid. Place a heat-resistant stand or a layer of salt at the bottom of the cooker. Close the lid without the whistle and gasket and let it preheat on low to medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

• Add the milk, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The batter should have a pouring consistency.

• Grease a cake tin with oil or butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin.

• Carefully place the cake tin on the stand inside the preheated cooker. Cover the cooker with the lid (without the whistle and gasket) and bake on low to medium heat for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it.

• Once the cake is baked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the cake tin from the cooker using oven mitts or kitchen towels. Let the cake cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Once the cake has cooled, you can frost it with your favourite frosting or simply dust it with powdered sugar. Slice and serve!

Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your cooker and the thickness of the cake. It's essential to keep an eye on the cake during the baking process to ensure it doesn't overcook or undercook.