Baking a cake is an art that can be done using many methods and techniques. But, most individuals mistakenly believe that a convection microwave is the only type that can be used to prepare cakes. Some microwaves have convection ovens, whereas others do not. But baking a cake in non-convection microwave ovens is pretty simple. Continue reading and learn how to bake cake in the microwave without convection.
Is It Necessary to Have a Convection Microwave for Baking?
You can prepare a cake in the standard heating mode if your microwave does not include a convection setting. You should use microwave-safe glass cookware instead of a steel rack. It requires approx 5 to 8 minutes to bake a cake at the standard temperature. Therefore, pay attention to the timings; otherwise, the texture may alter.
But, if you have a microwave with the convection mode on, at that point, 180 degrees Celcius is the temperature at which you bake a cake. But in case you don’t have a convection mode in your microwave at that point, you need to set the power at 100%, i.e. power level 10.
So, let’s look at how to work with a standard microwave without convection mode.
Bake without Convection
While you can absolutely bake a cake in microwave oven without convection setting, there are some things you need to be aware of for the best results. It’s important that you understand how the heating process works in a microwave. Before baking a cake in a Normal Microwave oven, we must understand the cycle behind the heating process in the microwave. The typical microwave doesn’t have temperature levels to set. It just has the power levels to set. For the most part, the selection of a microwave depends on its wattage. So, power levels speak to the measure of wattage that needs to be taken by the microwave. The power levels of a microwave are generally 10% to 100%. The power levels might differ from one microwave to another.
There are different ways to represent power levels: It might be like 10%,20%,30%… .100%, Or, numbering representation like 1,2,3,… .10 or 10,20,30… .100. Maybe a normal representation like extremely low, low, medium, medium-high, high.
Now, let’s have a look at the process of baking a cake by setting up the power levels.
Process to Bake a Cake in Microwave Oven without Convection
Here’s a simple guide to help you whip up a mouth-watering cake that everyone will love:
1- First, follow the microwave cake recipe and prepare the batter. Then transfer it to the prepared pans. Make sure to use a microwave-safe cake pan, preferably made of silicone or glass, as metal pans are not suitable for microwaves.
2- Then, place your cake pans in the middle of the microwave, set the power level to 100% of the total power, and press the start button. Placing the pan in the centre allows the microwaves to heat the cake evenly. If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, consider rotating the pan halfway through the baking time for more even results.
3- It takes around 8-9 minutes to finish. After the end signal ringer, check if the cake is prepared entirely by embedding a toothpick or inserting a knife. Since microwaves cook faster than traditional ovens, it’s crucial to monitor the cake closely.
4- If it comes out to be clean, it simply means your cake is perfectly baked; if not, put it inside again for baking. Check after each interval of 1 minute to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a dry or rubbery texture. The key is to find the perfect balance—fully cooked but still moist and soft.
By following these simple steps carefully, you can easily bake a cake in microwave oven without convection setting. This method ensures satisfying results without the need for specialised equipment!
Microwave vs. Conventional Oven: What’s the Difference?
Many people are often confused between using a microwave and a traditional oven for baking. Here’s a quick comparison:
Microwave:
Microwave oven, commonly known as microwave, uses electromagnetic waves to generate heat, which quickly heats up the food. In a standard microwave, the heat is applied directly to the food, cooking it from the inside out. The process is faster than in a conventional oven and doesn’t require preheating. However, because there is no air circulation (unless using a convection microwave), the texture and browning can be different from a traditional oven-baked cake. Microwaves are particularly useful for quick fixes—think mug cakes or reheating leftovers. When baking in a microwave, recipes often require adjustments, such as shorter cooking times and specific microwave-safe containers.
Conventional Oven:
A conventional oven works by heating the air inside, which then surrounds and cooks the food. The heat is even and steady, which makes it perfect for baking. Ovens typically take longer to preheat and bake, but the results are often more consistent when it comes to texture and browning. This method allows for better control over the baking process, offering the right balance between moisture and crispness. Additionally, conventional ovens can accommodate larger batches, making them a go-to choice for professional bakers or those preparing for special occasions.
So, what’s the key takeaway?
While a conventional oven may give you a more traditional cake, the use of microwave oven for baking is not any less effective. It can still bake delicious sweet treats with the right technique. The key is understanding your microwave’s power settings and baking with attention to time. You don’t need to fret over not having a convection setting anymore—we’ve given you the ultimate solution to craft a perfect cake in your microwave!
If you don’t feel like going through all the baking steps, simply order cake online and enjoy! After all, celebrations aren’t complete without cake. Whether you bake it yourself or get one from the outside, a baked delight will surely make the occasion more memorable and enjoyable!
