Appliances are evolving rapidly, transforming our cooking experiences in exciting ways. Back in the day, a microwave was only useful for warming leftovers or reheating a cup of tea. But today, microwaves come with advanced features, enabling us to grill, roast, and even bake cakes!
But before you rush to grab a bowl and whisk, here’s the deal: not every microwave is up for the challenge. While some are still reheating only, others have leveled up to become mini ovens with “Convection” function. Knowing what your microwave can do is the first step to discovering its full potential.
So, if you’re ready to turn your humble microwave into a cake-baking machine, you’re in for a treat—literally! Let’s dive into how to bake with a microwave, and some sweet magic you can whip up in minutes. 🎂✨
Can Your Microwave Bake a Cake?
Before jumping into the recipe, it’s crucial to identify whether your microwave can handle baking. Convection microwaves are best suited for this task. These microwaves come with a fan and a heating element that distribute heat evenly, mimicking an oven’s performance. If your microwave has a “Convection” mode, you’re ready to go! Unfortunately, solo and grill microwaves lack the features required for proper baking.
Ingredients for a Microwave Cake
Here’s a simple recipe to make a 1kg chocolate cake that serves about 8 people.
Ingredients:
- 1 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
Tools You’ll Need
- A microwave-safe baking dish
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Method to Bake a Cake in a Microwave
Preparation:
- Grease the Dish: Coat your microwave-safe baking dish with oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Preheat (if needed): If your microwave has a preheat option in convection mode, set it to 180°C and allow it to warm up for 10 minutes.
Mixing the Batter:
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla essence until well blended.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and lump-free.
Baking:
- Pour the Batter: Transfer the batter into your greased microwave-safe dish.
- Cook: Place the dish in the microwave, set to Convection mode at 180°C, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Check: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the dish.
Common Challenges and How to Prevent Them
- Dry Cake:
- Cause: Overcooking the cake or incorrect measurements.
- Solution: Stick to the recommended time and measure ingredients accurately.
- Sinking in the Middle:
- Cause: Opening the microwave too often.
- Solution: Avoid unnecessary checks during baking.
- Uneven Cooking:
- Cause: Using a non-convection microwave or a dish that’s too deep.
- Solution: Ensure your microwave is set to Convection mode and use a shallow, wide dish.
- Burnt Edges:
- Cause: High temperature or placing the dish too close to the microwave walls.
- Solution: Reduce the temperature slightly and position the dish in the center.
How Many Kilograms of Cake Can You Bake?
Most convection microwaves can handle cakes weighing up to 1.5 kilograms. However, for best results, stick to a 1kg cake to ensure even cooking. The size of your microwave and the depth of your baking dish also play a role in achieving success.
Personal Thoughts
I used to think microwaves were only good for warming food, but learning about their potential changed my perspective. Microwaves have transformed from simple heating devices into versatile kitchen appliances. They save time, energy, and space, especially in modern Kenyan homes where efficiency is key. Baking a cake in a microwave is proof of this evolution—what used to take hours can now be done in just 30 minutes! However, it’s essential to know your microwave’s limits and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Take time to explore what your appliance can do—you might be pleasantly surprised!
Check out out some of our other blog post about microwaves
FAQs
Can I bake a cake in a solo microwave?
No, solo microwaves lack the convection feature necessary for baking.
How do I know if my microwave is convection?
Check the control panel for a “Convection” button or refer to your microwave’s manual.
Can I use a metal pan in a convection microwave?
Yes, but only in Convection mode. Avoid using metal in microwave-only settings.
How long does it take to bake a cake in a microwave?
It typically takes 25–30 minutes in Convection mode at 180°C.
What should I do if my cake is undercooked?
Cook it for an additional 3–5 minutes and recheck with a toothpick.
Can I use glass or silicone dishes?
Yes, glass and silicone dishes are microwave-safe and excellent for baking.
