Baking a cake without a cake pan in an electric oven can be done using alternative baking vessels and techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Cake batter of your choice
Materials:
- A heat-resistant, oven-safe alternative baking vessel (see options below)
- Aluminum foil (if needed)
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper (if needed)
- Baking sheet or oven rack (to place the alternative vessel on)
Alternative Baking Vessels:
Oven-Safe Glass Casserole Dish: Look for a glass casserole dish that is approximately the same size as a standard cake pan.
Pyrex or Corningware Dish: These are oven-safe glass dishes that can be used for baking a cake. Make sure it's an appropriate size for your cake recipe.
Metal or Aluminum Pan: If you have a metal or aluminum pan that is oven-safe, you can use it as an alternative. Keep in mind that metal conducts heat differently, so you may need to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly.
Springform Pan: If you have a springform pan without a removable bottom, you can use it as a makeshift cake pan. However, wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
Oven-Safe Bowl: Look for a bowl made of oven-safe material, such as ceramic or tempered glass, to use as an alternative cake pan.
Instructions:
Prepare the alternative baking vessel: If your chosen vessel is not non-stick, grease it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Preheat your electric oven: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in your cake recipe.
Fill the alternative baking vessel: Pour the cake batter into the alternative baking vessel. Leave enough space at the top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing.
Place the alternative baking vessel: Set the filled vessel on a baking sheet or oven rack in the center of the preheated oven.
Adjust baking time and temperature: Since you are using an alternative baking vessel, the baking time and temperature might differ from the original recipe. Keep a close eye on the cake and use a toothpick to check for doneness. If the cake starts browning too quickly on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Remove and cool: Once the cake is baked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the alternative baking vessel for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Keep in mind that using an alternative baking vessel may slightly alter the cake's texture and appearance compared to using a standard cake pan. However, with some experimentation and adjustments, you can still achieve a delicious cake without a cake pan.