Baking a cake is often associated with the use of an oven, but what if you don't have one? Worry not, because it is possible to bake a cake using a simple sufuria (a traditional East African cooking pot) and an electric coil. This method is particularly popular in regions where ovens aren't common household appliances, but the need for delicious homemade cakes remains strong. With a bit of creativity and the right technique, you can bake a fluffy, moist cake using a sufuria and a coil stove.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to bake a cake using this method, along with tips and tricks to ensure success.
What You’ll Need:
Before getting started, make sure you have the following items:
Equipment:
Sufuria: This will act as your “oven.” Make sure it's large enough to fit the cake tin inside without touching the sides.
Cake tin: A smaller tin that can fit inside the sufuria.
Electric coil stove or gas burner: To provide the heat needed for baking.
A trivet or heatproof stand: This helps elevate the cake tin inside the sufuria and prevents direct heat contact, which could burn the cake.
A lid: To cover the sufuria during the baking process. If the sufuria doesn’t have a proper lid, you can use a large heatproof plate.
Ingredients:
You can use any basic cake recipe, but here’s a simple one for a vanilla cake:
1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of butter (at room temperature)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup of milk
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Cake Using a Sufuria and Coil
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
The first step in this process is preparing your cake batter. You can choose any cake recipe you like, but for simplicity, let’s go with the vanilla cake recipe mentioned earlier.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take about 2 to 3 minutes. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer for this step.
Add the eggs: Beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Add the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense.
Step 2: Prepare the Sufuria for Baking
To turn your sufuria into a makeshift oven, follow these steps:
Preheat the sufuria: Place the sufuria on the coil or gas burner and let it preheat for about 5 to 10 minutes on medium heat. This helps in creating an even baking temperature inside.
Create a barrier: Place a trivet or any heatproof stand inside the sufuria. This will act as a buffer, ensuring that the cake tin doesn’t touch the bottom of the sufuria directly. Without this step, the cake could burn before it’s fully baked.
Grease and line your cake tin: Grease the inside of your cake tin with butter or oil, then lightly dust it with flour. You can also line the bottom of the cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Pour in the batter: Pour your prepared cake batter into the greased and lined cake tin. Smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Now that your sufuria is prepped, it’s time to bake the cake.
Place the cake tin inside the sufuria: Carefully place the cake tin on top of the trivet inside the preheated sufuria.
Cover the sufuria: Cover the sufuria with a lid. If you don’t have a fitting lid, use a large heatproof plate to cover it. The cover is essential to trap heat inside and bake the cake properly, so make sure it is secure.
Adjust the heat: Set the coil stove or burner to low heat. Since you're baking without a temperature gauge, it’s important to keep the heat low to avoid burning the cake. You can start with medium-low heat for the first 10 minutes, then reduce to low for the remainder of the baking time.
Baking time: Let the cake bake for 35 to 45 minutes. However, every stove and sufuria setup can vary, so it’s important to monitor the process. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this will cause heat to escape and may affect the cake’s rise. After 30 minutes, you can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once your cake is fully baked, carefully remove the cake tin from the sufuria (be cautious, as both will be very hot). Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
After it has cooled, you can frost and decorate the cake as desired, or enjoy it as a simple, delicious, homemade treat.
Tips for Success:
Use the right sufuria size: Your sufuria should be large enough to accommodate the cake tin with extra space for air circulation. This helps distribute heat evenly.
Maintain low heat: Baking on a stove is different from an oven, and it’s easy to burn the bottom of the cake if the heat is too high. Start with medium-low heat for the first few minutes, then drop it to low for the rest of the baking time.
Check for doneness carefully: Opening the lid too often can cause the cake to sink, so be patient. Check the cake only after it has been baking for at least 30 minutes.
Experiment with different cakes: Once you’ve mastered this technique, try baking other types of cakes, such as chocolate, carrot, or fruit cakes.
Advantages of Using a Sufuria and Coil:
Accessibility: Not everyone has access to an oven, especially in rural or low-resource areas. The sufuria and coil method is affordable and practical for many households.
Versatility: You can adapt this method to different stove types, including gas burners, charcoal, or wood fires, making it versatile for various cooking setups.
Energy-efficient: Baking with a coil stove can consume less energy compared to a conventional oven, making it a more eco-friendly option.
Conclusion
Baking a cake using a sufuria and an electric coil stove is a skillful and rewarding process that showcases the resourcefulness of home cooking. With just a few adjustments to your typical baking routine, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade cake even without an oven. Perfect for those living in areas where ovens are less common or for anyone looking to try a new and innovative way to bake, this method proves that you don’t need fancy equipment to create something sweet and satisfying.
Next time you crave a cake but don’t have an oven on hand, grab your sufuria, cake tin, and stove, and get ready to bake a wonderful treat!
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