How to bake a cake in the microwave

Baking a cake is a joy that brings smiles to faces and a sweet aroma to the home. While traditional ovens are often associated with baking, did you know that you can also bake a cake in your microwave? Yes, you heard that right! Microwave oven, a kitchen essential for short and handy cooking, can also function as a tool for baking cakes and other goodies. However, it is always better to use a microwave-safe glass cookware like a mug or bowl to bake a cake in a microwave. In this blog, we will walk you through a step-by-step procedure of baking a cake to satisfy your sweet cravings.

What ingredients do you need?

Before you start baking in your microwave, make sure to have these ingredients at hand: 

1. All-purpose flour: 1 cup

2. Sugar: ½ to ¾ cup (alter consistently with your sweetness preference)

3. Baking powder: 1 teaspoon

4. Salt: A pinch

5. Egg: 1 (or replacement with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for an eggless variant)

6. Milk: ½ cup

7. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

8. Cooking oil or melted butter: ¼ cup

A step-by-step guide to baking cake inside the microwave

1. Prepare the microwave-safe mug

Opt for a microwave-secure mug or bowl that is large enough to keep the cake batter. Make sure it’s easy and dry. Lightly grease the inside of your mug with a thin layer of cooking oil or butter to save the batter from sticking to it.

2. Mix the dry ingredients well

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

3. Add other ingredients

Add the egg (or applesauce), milk, vanilla extract, and cooking oil or melted butter. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix the elements and achieve the right consistency. Make sure there are no lumps.

4. Set your cake

Pour the cake batter into the organised microwave-secure mug. Place the mug inside the microwave and set the cooking time to around 2 to 3 minutes. Start with 2 minutes, after which check the cake. To check if the cake is done, put a toothpick or a knife into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few wet crumbs, the cake is ready. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds and recheck.

ALSO READ: What are the different sizes of microwaves and which one is right for you

5. Enjoy your microwave cake!

Carefully get the mug out of the microwave with the use of oven mitts, as it could be hot. Let the cake cool for a minute or two before indulging. You can top your cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for flavour.

Tips for successful microwave cake baking

1. Different microwave ovens have different wattages, which may impact your cooking. Adjust the time based totally on your microwave’s wattage.

2. Ensure you choose a mug that’s not small in size, as the batter may spill out during the process.

3. Experiment with taste versions using cocoa powder, chocolate chips, fruit extracts, or nuts to the batter.

While baking a cake takes patience, having the right microwave makes it simpler to navigate through the process. We hope this guide helps you get those midnight cravings right!