How to Bake a 1kg Cake Without an Oven in Kenya
- 1kg cake mix or ingredients for a basic cake (flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, milk, butter)
- Large sufuria (cooking pot) with a lid
- Smaller sufuria or metal cake tin that fits inside the larger sufuria
- Heat-resistant rack or stones
- Charcoal stove or gas cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Wooden spoon
- Cooking oil or butter for greasing
- Toothpick or skewer for testing doneness
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for your cake or use a cake mix, following the instructions on the packet. Ensure everything is well blended to avoid lumps.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Lightly grease the smaller sufuria or cake tin with oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Use a pastry brush for even greasing.
Place a heat-resistant rack or stones at the bottom of the large sufuria. This will elevate the cake tin and ensure even heat distribution.
- Ensure the rack is stable to prevent tipping.
Transfer the cake batter into the greased cake tin. Fill halfway to allow space for rising.
Heat the charcoal stove or gas cooker. If using charcoal, allow it to burn until the charcoal is red hot but not flaming.
Place the large sufuria with the rack onto the stove. Carefully place the cake tin inside the large sufuria and cover with the lid.
- Check occasionally to ensure the heat is consistent.
After 45 minutes, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, cover and continue baking, checking every 5-10 minutes.
Once done, remove the cake tin from the sufuria and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before removing the cake from the tin.
- Run a knife around the edges to ensure easy removal.
- Use medium-low heat to prevent burning.
- Rotate the sufuria occasionally for even baking.
- Do not leave the stove unattended while baking.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using charcoal indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.