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Over the years, the Oven-Toaster-Grill, commonly known as OTG, has emerged as a beloved companion for home bakers, especially those who seek the joy of creating delectable cakes and baked goods with that perfect golden crust and soft, moist interior. Its ability to replicate the traditional baking experience makes it indispensable for anyone venturing into the world of cake making.
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An OTG, with its compact design and multifunctionality, is a favoured choice for many households, bridging the gap between professional-grade ovens and simple microwave ovens. While baking cakes may seem simple with the right ingredients and recipe, the process becomes far more rewarding when one truly understands how to harness the potential of an OTG.
Preheat The Oven
It ensures the oven reaches the desired temperature before you place the batter inside. USHA’s OTG 
is currently people's favourite because whether you bake, toast, grill or simply reheat it will solve it all. By preheating, the cake begins baking immediately, allowing it to rise properly, and creating a fluffy, light texture. Skipping this step may result in undercooked centres or a dense cake, making preheating a crucial part of achieving professional results in baking.
Prepare The Pan
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or oil and dust it with flour, or use parchment paper to ensure easy cake release. This tip is effective because it prevents the cake from sticking to the sides, allowing it to bake evenly without breaking apart during removal. Properly prepared pans help achieve a smooth, flawless cake surface, which is essential for decorating.
Make The Batter
Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature to allow for even mixing. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy to incorporate air, leading to a lighter texture. Gradually add eggs and flour, mixing gently to avoid overbeating, which could result in a dense cake. This method helps achieve a smooth, well-risen cake with the right moisture, making it an effective tip for ensuring success in your OTG baking.
Avoid Over or Under Mixing
Over-mixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough, while under-mixing leads to uneven texture and pockets of flour. The key is to blend the ingredients just until they’re combined for a smooth batter. This ensures the cake rises evenly and has a soft, tender crumb. By mastering this balance, you create cakes that are light, fluffy, and perfectly baked.
Rotate The Cake Halfway
OTGs often have hot spots, causing one side of the cake to cook faster than the other. By turning the cake 180 degrees midway, you balance the heat distribution, ensuring the entire cake bakes uniformly. This simple tip helps prevent overbaking on one side while the other remains undercooked, resulting in a cake that’s golden and perfectly textured from edge to centre.
Don’t Open The Door
Avoiding over or under-mixing is key when baking cakes in an OTG. Over-mixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough while under-mixing leads to uneven texture and pockets of flour. The key is to blend the ingredients just until they’re combined for a smooth batter. This ensures the cake rises evenly and has a soft, tender crumb.
Also read, How To Clean Your OTG, Step-By-Step Guide
Test Of Doneness
To ensure your cake is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. This tip is effective because it helps avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture, and ensures the cake is fully cooked in the centre.
