How to Bake without an Oven
Baking without a traditional oven is easy if you know how as there are several alternative methods, each with its own benefits and considerations.
One of the most used appliances is the stove top - you can make loads of bakes with just a heavy-bottom pan and a lid!
Try steaming a pudding instead of baking it- cooking with the lid on the pan makes it like a mini oven by trapping in the heat, however using this method means your bake will take about 20-40% longer to cook, as it is harder to control the temperature in the pan. To prevent your bakes burning on the bottom before the middle cooks, make sure to use a low to medium heat!
Our top tip:
Cooking this way tends to make the texture of the bake denser because you’re trapping the steam in, but adding a wire rack or something to stop the bake from touching the water[EJ1] in the bottom will help it bake more evenly!
Stove top recipes
Jam Roly Poly Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Christmas Pudding Recipe | Dr. Oetker
How to Steam a Pudding | Dr. Oetker
Another commonly used method in baking is using the microwave.
When baking in the microwave your bakes will be done much faster, typically 1-5 minutes depending on the size of the bake. However, this does come with the risk of your bakes being overcooked very quickly, which can lead to a rubbery bake.
To help prevent this, try using a microwave safe cover can help trap in the steam for a moister bake, you can also try reducing any liquid in the recipe for the same result.
Our top tip:
Microwave baking works best for single servings or small batches.
Recipes that use the microwave:
Gluten Free Carrot Cake Mug Cake Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Black Forest Mug Cake Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Slow cooker baking is a much slower process than the other methods mentioned above (between 2-9 hours depending on the bake), but it’s a great effective option if you don’t have an oven!
You can grease the pot and pour the mixture directly into the slow cooker, or you can also use a cake tin that fits inside it. Slow cooker baking will help keep your bake be moist but can cause your recipe to come out slightly denser than it would when baked in an oven.
Our top tip:
Avoid lifting the lid too often to prevent heat loss.
Slow cooker Recipes
How to Steam a Pudding | Dr. Oetker
Christmas Pudding Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Baking and cooking in the air fryer is becoming increasingly popular and we can see why - it helps you bake your recipes evenly, in a short amount of time (typically 15-25 mins!)
However, this does mean it can brown the surface of your bake quicker, cooking on 160–180°C (320–350°F) and using a small cake tin or heatproof dish that fits inside the basket will help prevent this.
Baking in the air fryer can change the texture of the bake, they often come out with a crispier edge but have a softer inside.
Our top tip:
Leaving space in the air fryer can make sure the baking and cooking is done more even.
Air Fryer Recipes
Air fryer Victoria Sponge Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Air fryer Cookies Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Finally, there are no-bake recipes, which eliminate heat entirely. These types of bakes mean you need to rely on ingredients that don’t need baking such as oats, nuts, seeds, chocolate, peanut butter, honey, or syrup.
You’ll need to set most no-bake recipes in a fridge or freezer and need 30-60 minutes to firm up or overnight to set like a cheesecake. This method is ideal for flapjacks, energy bars, no-bake cookies, chocolate squares, and fridge cakes.
No-bake Recipes.
No Bake Caramel Tiffin Recipe | Dr. Oetker
No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Recipe | Dr. Oetker
Cooking without an oven allows you to make delicious treats using the equipment you already have, whether you’re using a stovetop, microwave, slow cooker, air fryer, steaming or even no-bake methods. Each technique has its own advantages and can produce tasty results with a little care and attention, as long as you understand how heat and moisture can affect your ingredients and how you may need to adjust cooking times.
By experimenting with different methods, you can easily create baked goods and desserts that are just as satisfying as oven-baked versions, with whatever tools you have at home!
Check out some more handy hints and tips here: How to choose the right flour when baking and How to Make Homemade Gummies and Sweets