If you prefer not to use parchment paper or a hand mixer and would like to avoid baking soda or baking powder, you can still make a cake at home using alternative methods. One such method is making a simple "Sponge Cake" without these ingredients. Here's a recipe for a basic sponge cake that can be either baked or steamed:
Steamed Sponge Cake Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
- Pinch of salt
Baking Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: If you prefer to bake the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan, or you can use a non-stick spray if you don't want to use parchment paper.
Separate Eggs: Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
Beat Egg Yolks: Using a whisk or fork, beat the egg yolks until they become smooth. If you have a strong aversion to using a hand mixer, a whisk should do the job, although it might take a bit longer.
Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the egg yolks while whisking continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and pale.
Fold in the Flour: Sift the flour over the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold the flour into the egg yolks until fully combined. This will create the cake batter.
Beat Egg Whites: In the other bowl containing the egg whites, add a pinch of salt, and using a clean whisk or fork, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This might require a bit of effort, but it's a good arm workout!
Combine Egg Whites and Batter: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. The goal is to maintain the fluffiness, so try not to overmix.
Pour into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake: If baking, place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Steaming Instructions:
Prepare Steamer: If you prefer to steam the cake, fill a pot or steamer with water and bring it to a simmer. Make sure to use a steamer rack or place a heatproof plate at the bottom to prevent direct contact with the water.
Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter into a greased and floured cake pan or a heatproof dish suitable for steaming.
Steam the Cake: Place the cake pan on the steamer rack or in the steamer, cover it with a lid, and steam on medium heat for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven or steamer, let it cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This basic sponge cake doesn't require baking soda or baking powder, and while it might take a bit more effort without a hand mixer, it can be a delightful and lighter alternative to traditional cakes. You can enjoy it as is, or you can add various fillings or toppings to enhance the taste.