Making a cake in a hostel room is not only possible but also a fun, creative way to indulge in a homemade treat without a full kitchen setup. With a bit of ingenuity and the right ingredients, you can whip up a delicious cake using limited supplies and appliances commonly available in hostels, such as a microwave or a stovetop. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making a cake in a hostel, along with a few recipes that suit a hostel lifestyle.
How Do I Make a Cake in a Hostel?
When it comes to hostel life, you’re often limited to basic equipment and ingredients. But don’t worry; with a few creative substitutions and easy-to-follow steps, you can bake a cake right from your dorm room or shared kitchen space. Here’s how!
1. Choose Your Equipment Wisely
The first step is knowing what you have to work with. Hostels usually have either a microwave or a shared stove. Rarely will you find an oven, but if you do, you’re in luck! Here are some options based on the equipment you might find in a hostel:
Microwave: Perfect for mug cakes or small cakes.
Stovetop: With a heavy-bottomed pan or a steamer, you can make steamed or stovetop cakes.
Electric Kettle: You’d be surprised, but in some cases, you can use a kettle for certain types of cakes (like steamed cakes).
2. Gather Your Ingredients
Since hostel kitchens typically have limited ingredients, look for simple cake recipes. The essential ingredients for most cakes are:
Flour (all-purpose or self-raising)
Sugar (granulated or powdered)
Baking powder or baking soda (if you’re not using self-raising flour)
Milk or water (for moisture)
Eggs or substitutes (if vegan or unavailable)
Butter or oil (for fat content)
Flavors like vanilla, cocoa powder, or even instant coffee
3. Microwave Cake Recipe for Hostel
One of the easiest ways to make a cake in a hostel is a microwave mug cake. Here’s a simple recipe that takes only five minutes and uses minimal ingredients.
Chocolate Microwave Mug Cake
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons milk (or water)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower)
Optional: 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe mug, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
Add milk and oil, then stir until well combined. If you’re using chocolate chips or nuts, add them now.
Microwave the mug on high for about 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power (1,000 watts will take about 1 minute). The cake should rise and appear firm but soft.
Allow it to cool slightly, and then enjoy your cake straight from the mug!
4. Stovetop Cake for Hostel
If you have access to a stovetop, try this simple recipe for a stovetop cake.
Vanilla Stovetop Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk or water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Heat a non-stick pan with a lid on the stovetop over low heat. Lightly grease the pan with a bit of oil.
Pour the batter into the pan, cover with the lid, and cook for 20-25 minutes on low heat. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then carefully flip it onto a plate and enjoy!
5. Electric Kettle Steamed Cake
If your hostel only provides an electric kettle, you can try a steamed cake. This method is more unconventional but works well for moist cakes.
Steamed Banana Cake in a Kettle
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana, mashed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons milk or water
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk.
Pour the batter into a small, heatproof container that fits in the kettle (like a metal or silicone cup).
Add enough water to the kettle to cover about half of the container.
Place the container in the kettle, then turn the kettle on. Allow the cake to steam for about 20-30 minutes.
Check periodically, adding water if necessary. Once the cake is firm and cooked through, carefully remove the container and let it cool slightly before eating.
6. Tips for Making a Cake in a Hostel
Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your hostel cake:
Use Minimal Ingredients: Try to stick with recipes that don’t require more than five to six ingredients. This makes it easy to manage and clean up in a small space.
Substitute as Needed: If you don’t have certain ingredients, consider substitutions. For instance, yogurt or applesauce can replace eggs in most recipes, and milk can be swapped with water or plant-based milk.
Experiment with Flavors: Additions like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or cinnamon can give your cake a special touch.
Consider No-Bake Cakes: If making a baked cake proves too challenging, try no-bake alternatives. Use biscuits, crushed cookies, or graham crackers with a mix of cream cheese or condensed milk for a quick dessert.
Sharing with Friends: Cake-making is often more fun with friends, so invite some fellow hostel mates to join the process!
7. Additional Recipes to Try
For those who want to get a bit more adventurous, here are two more easy hostel cake recipes:
No-Bake Biscuit Cake
Ingredients:
200 grams of digestive biscuits or any plain cookies
1/2 cup of milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
Optional: Melted chocolate or Nutella for topping
Instructions:
Crush the biscuits into a fine powder and mix with cocoa powder and sugar.
Gradually add milk until you get a thick batter consistency.
Press the mixture into a bowl or container, smooth it out, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
If desired, top with melted chocolate or Nutella before serving.
Making a cake in a hostel may require some ingenuity, but it’s certainly possible. Whether you use a microwave, stovetop, or even an electric kettle, these recipes can help you bring a slice of home comfort to your hostel life. Enjoy experimenting with these easy cakes, and don’t forget to share the experience with friends!
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