How to make a Cake in a Pressure Cooker?

Are you surprised to read that cakes can be baked without an oven? Well, absolutely. Baking cakes in a pressure cooker is not a new technique. In India, most kitchens do not have an oven, and Indian kitchens are known for their resourcefulness. So, thanks to the ingenuity of the pressure cooker, baking cakes without an oven is a breeze. This versatile kitchen hero, readily available in a variety of sizes on our website, can be your secret weapon for whipping up moist, fluffy cakes that will rival any bakery creation. 

Pressure cookers are not just the only alternative to ovens when baking a cake. You can bake a cake in a heavy-bottom aluminium kadai, pan or pot. All you need to do is recreate the pressure-creating technique of a pressure cooker in these kitchenware items. But the best alternative to an oven is a pressure cooker and therefore, most Indian households use it for daily cooking. 

Here’s why you should use a pressure cooker for baking cakes:

Pressure cookers are excellent for retaining heat and moisture, which helps create a moist, fluffy cake. Pressure cookers utilize steam and pressure to cook food at a higher temperature, significantly reducing cook times compared to an oven. It saves energy and time compared to conventional baking methods.

Choosing the Best Pressure Cooker for Baking Cakes

Vinod Cookware offers a wide range of high-quality pressure cookers, perfect for baking cakes of all sizes. Here's what to consider when making your choice:

• Size: Select a pressure cooker that can comfortably accommodate your cake pan. For smaller cakes, a 3-liter cooker might suffice, while larger cakes may require a 5-liter or bigger option. Remember, you need space for the batter to rise without touching the lid.
• Material: Vinod Cookware offers pressure cookers in stainless steel and hard anodised aluminium. Both metals offer superior durability and heat distribution, making it a great choice for baking.
• Safety Features: Look for a pressure cooker with a reliable pressure release mechanism and safety valve. Vinod Cookware prioritizes safety, ensuring you have a worry-free baking experience.

Now that you are equipped with one of the best pressure cookers, let’s start baking a classic vanilla cake.

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup of butter, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of milk.

Instructions:

1. Ensure the pressure release valve is clean and functioning properly. Spread salt on the bottom of your pan and place a trivet or aluminium foil over it to prevent the cake pan from touching the bottom directly.
2. Remove the gasket ring and the whistle of the pressure cooker and cover the pressure cooker. Heat the pressure cooker on medium flame over the stovetop while you prepare the cake batter.
3. In a mixing bowl, sieve the flour and whisk baking powder and salt in it. Keep it aside. 
4. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or hand whisk, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Now, slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, followed by milk. Mix until just combined. Finally, stir in vanilla extract.
6. Grease and flour the cake pan. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Carefully place the cake pan on the trivet or foil inside the pressure cooker. Close the lid of the pressure cooker. Remember to remove the gasket ring and the whistle from the pressure cooker lid. Let the vanilla cake cook for at least 30 minutes. 
8. Open the pressure cooker lid cautiously, as steam will escape. Insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If the toothpick comes out squeaky clean, the cake is done. Let the cake cool down in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

You now know how to make a cake in a pressure cooker. So, do not fret the next time you crave a delicious homemade cake but don't have an oven.