Generally, cake recipes require them to be baked in the oven, but there are alternative solutions. If you don't have a traditional oven or microwave, you can still make and serve a cake using the stove, a large saucepan and a steamer basket or a glass dish. The result will be similar to what you can get using the oven, but the dough will be softer and moister.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Dough and Pan
Step 1. Choose and prepare the cake dough
You can start from scratch following a recipe or use a canned cake mix. This technique should work with most recipes.
Step 2. Butter one or two cake pans
Don't forget to butter the sides as well as the bottom. Follow the directions in the recipe to find out how many cake pans it is best to use. If it indicates that you are using a flip-out cake pan, replace it with two traditional-style cake pans.
The reason why it is better not to use a springform pan is that it may be too high and too wide (due to the zipper) to be able to get into the pot.
Step 3. Flour the cake pans
Pour a tablespoon of flour into each, then shake them and gently tilt them from side to side to distribute the flour across the bottom. Turn them on their side and rotate them to evenly flour the sides. When done, throw away the excess flour.
If the flour is not enough to cover all the bottom and edges of the pan, add another half a tablespoon or a little more
Step 4. Line the cake pans with parchment paper
Place them on a sheet of parchment paper and trace the outline with a marker. Cut out the paper following the drawn line and then place it directly on the bottom of the pan.
- Repeat this step to line the bottom of all cake pans with parchment paper.
- There is no need to cover the sides as well.
Step 5. Pour the batter into the cake pans
Use a rubber spatula to clean the bowl to collect every last ounce of dough. Divide the dough equally according to the number of pans and help it spread by gently shaking them from side to side.
Gently tap the cake pans against the counter of the kitchen a couple of times. It is not necessary, but it is useful for leveling the dough and eliminating possible air bubbles.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Pot
Step 1. Get a pot and steamer basket or glass dish
The basket must have a flat bottom and feet that keep it raised and detached from the bottom of the pot or, alternatively, an edge that allows you to place it over the pot so that it remains suspended.
If you don't have a basket with these features, you can use one round glass dish. Must have the flat bottom and handles to be able to place them on the edge of the pot, so that it remains suspended.
Step 2. Pour some water into the pot, then place the basket
The surface of the water should be about 2.5 cm away from the bottom of the steamer basket. First pour the water into the pot, then place the basket. If necessary, add more water or throw away some.
- The same principle applies if you are using a glass dish. The surface of the water should be at a distance of about 2.5 cm from the bottom.
- The distance does not need to be exactly 2.5 cm. What matters is that when the water starts to boil it does not enter the basket or does not come into contact with the bottom of the glass dish.
Step 3. Line the bottom of the basket with a thin layer of dried beans
The type of beans will not affect the result, so you can use whichever you prefer. If you want you can also use pebbles. The purpose of the bean layer is simply to create a barrier between the bottom of the basket and the base of the pan.
You must do the same even if you are using a glass dish. In this case it is safer to use dried beans, to avoid breaking it
Step 4. Set up another place for cooking in a double boiler if you have used more than one pan
Nothing prevents you from using a pot and a steamer basket on one side and a pot and a glass dish on the other. The two cakes may look slightly different when cooked, but the flavor will be the same.
- The cooking time will be the same in both cases.
- Alternatively, you can bake one cake at a time.
Step 5. Cover the pot with the lid and heat the water over high heat for 5 minutes
The pot must be preheated exactly the same as when you preheat the oven. Make sure the lid is the right size to seal the pot, then turn on the stove over high heat and heat the water for 5 minutes.
- It is essential to preheat the pot, otherwise it will be like putting the cake in a cold oven. The risk is that the cake does not cook properly and remains raw in the center.
- Make sure the lid fits snugly against the basket or glass dish. The steam must not be able to escape from the pan, especially after you have inserted the pan.
Part 3 of 3: Bake the Cake
Step 1. Place the cake pan in the steamer basket or glass dish
Make sure the bottom of the pan is resting on the layer of dried beans. Don't push the pan so it doesn't sink into the beans.
If the bottom of the pan touches the bottom the steamer basket or the glass dish, it could reach too high a temperature and the cake may be overcooked.
Step 2. Cover the pot with parchment paper and lid
Do not put the lid on the pan right away, otherwise it will trap the steam which will then drip onto the cake dough making it inedible. The solution is to cut out a round-shaped piece of parchment paper and place it on the edges of the pot before gently closing it with the lid.
The piece of parchment paper should be about 5cm wider than the pot, as the weight of the lid will push it down
Step 3. Bake the cake on medium heat for 25-30 minutes
After about 25 minutes, open the pot and test the doneness of the cake using a toothpick. If once extracted it is perfectly clean, it means that your dessert is ready. If it is covered in crumbs, let it cook again and check again every 5 minutes.
- Some cakes can take more than 30 minutes to cook.
- To perform the toothpick test, just slide it into the center of the cake and then take it out.
- Try not to peek into the pot while the cake is baking to avoid letting the steam escape and slow down the cooking process.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the pot using a kitchen towel
Remove the lid and baking paper, then wrap the cloth around your hands, grasp the edges of the pan and carefully lift it.
- It could be a bit complicated, especially if there is little space between the pan and the basket.
- If the kitchen towel is thin, fold it in half or try using a pair of pot holders. Oven gloves may be too thick for you to put your fingers between the pan and the pot.
Step 5. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes before taking it out of the pan
To get it out easily, flip the pan over a flat surface and let the cake slide out of the mold. Remove the parchment paper and then turn the cake over.
- The cake is ready. If you wish, you can decorate or level it for a better presentation.
- If you intend to cover it with the icing, it is essential to place it on a baking rack and wait until it has cooled completely, otherwise the icing will melt.
Advice
- Your cake may take more than 30 minutes to cook, depending on the recipe.
- Do not let the pan touch the bottom of the basket or glass dish to prevent it from overheating.
- If you want to use pebbles instead of dried beans, make sure they are clean.
