We all have those moments where we want to eat something sweet but don’t want to put in the effort to bake. You look into your pantry and then see the lonely microwave just waiting to be used for something other than reheating leftovers. But can you really bake in a microwave? Is it even worth it? Let’s explore this together, shall we? Yay, or nay?
A brief history of the microwave oven
The microwave oven has been one of our most treasured kitchen tools since its invention in 1945. Developed by a scientist named Percy Spencer [1], who noticed that the chocolate bar in his pocket began to melt when he was working near a device called an active radar set. Just for the record, I knew it! I have been saying for years that Chocolate is the answer to most problems haha.
This scientist was inspired to create the world’s first microwave oven. Who’d have thought that nearly 80 years later, this miracle machine would be found in just about every household across the country? There’s no denying that microwaves make life easier for us all and I’m thankful for Percy Spencer’s ingenuity!
how to bake a cake in microwave
Can you bake a cake in a microwave? Baking a cake in the microwave can be a personal shortcut to delighting yourself and your loved ones with a delicious treat. Sure you could use an oven, but why bother when it takes up a lot of time and can feel like mission impossible sometimes?
All you need is some simple ingredients, a few minutes of your time, and, of course, your trusty microwave. The next thing you know – voila! You have an amazing cake ready to put an end to any sweet cravings.
1. Find the right recipe.
Not all recipes can be made in the microwave—you’ll want to find one that is specifically designed for this cooking method. There are a number of cookbooks available that focus on microwave cooking, or you can search for recipes online.
2. Follow the directions carefully.
Once you’ve found a recipe you’d like to try, make sure to read the instructions carefully before getting started. Microwave cooking times can vary based on the wattage of your type of microwave and the ingredients you’re using, so it’s important to follow the directions closely to ensure your food cooks properly.
3. Use the proper cookware.
You’ll also need to make sure you’re using cookware that is safe to use in the microwave. Avoid using metal pots and pans, as these can cause sparks that could damage your oven. Instead, opt for glass or ceramic cookware that is specifically labeled “microwave safe.”
How to bake a cake in microwave convection oven
Baking a cake in your microwave convection oven feels like a work of art! It is fun to experiment with new recipes and different baking methods, but once you have the basics down pat, you’ll be conquering layer cakes in no time. The convection method can seem intimidating at first, yet with a few tips and tricks it’ll become second nature.
Start by prepping your cake tin with butter or oil so the cake can slide out later. Then mix together all the standard ingredients before transferring them to an appropriately sized heatproof container.
Before popping your cake into the microwave convection oven, give it a few minutes of heating on low power first—this way you can precisely control the temperature inside the oven. Once that’s done, set your timer as needed for the specific instructions of your recipe and enjoy waiting for your masterpiece to become ready for consumption!
can you bake a sweet potato in the microwave?
The humble but hardworking sweet potato is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. It can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or turned into a delicious soup! And now, thanks to modern technology, you can bake a sweet potato in the microwave too! It’s easy, fast, and such a time-saver – just be sure not to overcook it.
can microwave oven bake cookies
You may be surprised to know that you can, in fact, bake cookies using a microwave oven! But it’s important to note that the results will not be the same as those from regular oven baking. Microwaves work with high frequencies of radiant energy and can result in cookies that are incredibly soggy or overly crisp on the edges.
Also, make sure you start with smaller cookie dough portions than you would normally use in an oven. That being said, chocolate chip cookies microwaved at max power for 1-2 minutes make for a delicious midafternoon snack when you are crunched for time. Just don’t expect them to turn out like grandma’s famous chewy treats!
can I use microwave to bake bread?
Baking bread in the microwave is certainly a creative and possibly unprecedented use of a kitchen appliance. It’s an intriguing concept, but unfortunately, it’s not as simple as putting the dough in the microwave and pushing a few buttons; most recipes require an oven to get that perfect crusty texture.
However, you can still make microwaved bread such as banana bread or cornbread; these are more commercially accessible and gaining popularity amongst home bakers across the globe. If you’d like to give your cooking repertoire a unique twist, try experimenting with microwave bread! You may surprise yourself with the delicious results.
The pros and cons of baking in a microwave
Baking in a microwave certainly has its benefits – it’s quick, efficient, and doesn’t dirty up too many dishes. But as with everything in life, there are some downsides as well. For instance, when microwaving a cake for a special occasion, you never quite keep your fingers crossed hard enough for it to turn out perfectly. It’s usually either too gooey or too dry.
And for the fun shapes like pyramids and cones? Forget about it! They usually end up looking so misshapen that the surprise is how badly they turn out! Of course, if all you’re after is just a quick fix of something sweet then you can’t beat popping something into the microwave and hitting “start”. But if an aesthetically pleasing outcome is desired then this ain’t the way to go!
Conclusion
So there you have it! You can totally bake something in the microwave and not just popcorn. With a little creativity, you can make a delicious mug cake or even a personal pizza. The next time someone asks you if you can bake in the microwave, you can say with confidence, “Yes!!”
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve had success (or disasters) with this method of cooking. Thanks for reading, and happy baking!
Charlene Gallant
Charlene is a lover of good food. She enjoys nothing more than cooking up a storm in the kitchen and sharing her favourite recipes with her readers. She also enjoys reading a good book.