Many people use their pressure cooker almost exclusively and don’t even have an oven. Yes, it is possible! If you’re like us, you’re constantly looking for new ways of using this nifty little gadget of yours.
A pressure cooker offers all the usual benefits of cooking a stew in a fraction of the time as conventional cooking methods but did you know that you can even bake a cake in it?
It may take a little practice but once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you never used this method in the past.
It’s perfect for when that friend or family member tells you at the last minute that they’re coming over to visit! Read on to find out how.
Can We Bake Cake In Steel Bowl In Pressure Cooker?
Firstly, to answer the original question: yes, you absolutely can bake a cake in your pressure cooker. We use what is known as the “pot-in-pot” method here.
There are other “dry” methods of baking cakes in the pressure cooker but this one is the safest.
Instead of a cake tin, you’ll be using a steel bowl. That’s because most cake tins won’t fit in the pressure cooker.
You will also need a trivet, or rack, to keep the bowl raised off the bottom of the pressure cooker and out of the water.
There will need to be water at the bottom of the cooker as this is what produces the steam to heat the pot and cook your cake to perfection.
What if I don’t have a steel bowl?
You can use any heatproof ceramic or glass bowl in place of a steel bowl. Just make sure that it is the right size to fit all the cake batter in plus allowing space for it to rise.
A 6-inch pan is a right size for most cookers. Please do not use a plastic bowl. Plastic may melt but even if it does not, plastic gives off toxic chemicals when heated.
Will it taste different?
Many people worry that the cake will not be as tasty as one done in an oven. Of course, you won’t get the golden crispy edges that are produced when a cake is prepared in an oven with dry heat.
However, because you’re now using a moist heat method, the stem will ensure that your cake turns out beautifully soft and moist. In the end, the cake turns out pretty much like a microwave cake.
Let’s do it!
- Find a simple recipe for your cake. Use one that gives you a single-layer cake because you obviously are only going to be able to fit one layer in the pot. A simple vanilla or chocolate sponge is a good one to begin with.
- Mix the batter according to the recipe instructions.
- Prepare your bowl by greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare your cooker by putting the trivet onto the bottom and pouring in half a cup of water.
- Pour the cake batter into your bowl and smooth the top. There should still be space for rising in the bowl. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil. This will stop any water droplets from falling onto your cake.
- Put the bowl into the pressure cooker pot making sure it sits level on the trivet.
- Seal the lid and set the cooker to “High”.
- Cook your cake for around half an hour to thirty-five minutes. Vent it at once to stop the cooking process.
- Check if the cake is cooked through by inserting a metal skewer or knife blade into it. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If it comes out with batter on it, cook the cake for another 5 minutes.
- When done, remove the cake from the pot and allow it to cool in the bowl.
- Turn it out onto a wire rack and decorate it as you desire.
Well, there you go! Let us know how your pressure cooker baking goes. We love to hear your feedback.
Related Video: