Olivia Carter
Steam cakes are a delicious and healthy dessert that you can easily make at home. If you have a pressure cooker, you can make these cakes in no time. The process is simple and the result is a soft and spongy cake that will melt in your mouth.
To make steam cakes in a pressure cooker, you will need a few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. You can also add flavors like vanilla or chocolate to enhance the taste of your cake. The best part is that you don’t need an oven to bake these cakes, as they are cooked using steam.
First, you need to prepare the batter by mixing the dry ingredients like flour and sugar with the wet ingredients like eggs and milk. You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Once the batter is ready, pour it into greased cake molds or silicone molds. Make sure to fill the molds only 3/4th full, as the cake will rise during the cooking process.
Now, place a trivet or a small stand at the bottom of the pressure cooker. Fill the cooker with water up to the level of the trivet. Place the cake molds on the trivet, making sure they are not directly touching the water. Close the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cooking time is over, let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.
Once the steam cakes are cooked, carefully remove them from the pressure cooker and let them cool for a while. You can decorate the cakes with powdered sugar or frosting before serving. These steam cakes are perfect for tea time or as a light dessert after a meal. Enjoy!
Preparation for Steam Cake
Before you start making steam cake in the pressure cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here is a list of things you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pressure cooker
- Steamer rack
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cake pan that fits inside the pressure cooker
- Aluminum foil
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the preparation process:
- Grease the cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and whisk until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
- Fill the pressure cooker with water, making sure the water level is at least 1 inch below the steamer rack.
- Place the cake pan on the steamer rack inside the pressure cooker.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook the steam cake on high heat for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker release the steam naturally.
- Once the pressure has released, carefully remove the cake pan from the pressure cooker and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Gently remove the aluminum foil from the cake pan and transfer the steam cake to a cooling rack.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Now, you are ready to enjoy your delicious steam cake made in a pressure cooker!
Gather Ingredients and Utensils
Before you start making the steam cake in a pressure cooker, make sure you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and utensils. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pressure cooker
- Steamer rack for the pressure cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go so you can follow the recipe easily. Having the necessary utensils and equipment prepared beforehand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Mixing and Preparing the Batter
Before you start mixing the batter, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Now, let’s begin:
Step 1: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. This will ensure that the cake rises evenly and has a nice texture.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs and whisk until everything is combined.
Step 3: Mixing the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
The batter should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. If you notice any lumps, continue to mix until they are fully incorporated.
At this point, you can also add any additional flavorings or mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped fruits, if desired. Stir them into the batter until evenly distributed.
Once the batter is mixed and any additional ingredients are added, it is now ready to be steamed in the pressure cooker.
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Before you begin making steam cake in a pressure cooker, it is important to properly prepare the pressure cooker to ensure your cake cooks evenly and thoroughly. Follow these steps to prepare the pressure cooker:
1. Clean the Pressure Cooker
First, make sure your pressure cooker is clean and free from any residue or dirt. Wash the pressure cooker thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse it well. This will ensure that your steam cake is not contaminated with any unwanted substances.
2. Check the Rubber Gasket
Inspect the rubber gasket of your pressure cooker to ensure it is in good condition. The rubber gasket is an important component that helps seal the pressure cooker, so if it is damaged or worn out, it may affect the cooking process. If you find any cracks or damage, replace the rubber gasket before using the pressure cooker.
3. Add Water to the Pressure Cooker
Most pressure cookers require a certain amount of water to build pressure and create steam. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the specific water level required for your pressure cooker. Usually, it is recommended to add about 1 to 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker.
4. Place the Cooking Rack
Many pressure cookers come with a cooking rack or a trivet that helps raise the cake pan off the bottom of the pressure cooker. This prevents the cake from getting direct heat and ensures even cooking. Place the cooking rack or trivet at the bottom of the pressure cooker.
Note: If your pressure cooker does not come with a cooking rack, you can create a makeshift one by using a heat-safe plate or a small metal trivet.
5. Preheat the Pressure Cooker
Before adding the cake batter, preheat the pressure cooker for a few minutes. This will help create an ideal cooking environment and ensure that the cake cooks evenly. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid, without the weight or whistle, and let it heat up on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Now that the pressure cooker is properly prepared, you are ready to move on to the next steps in making a delicious steam cake.
Cooking the Steam Cake
Once you have prepared the batter for the steam cake, it’s time to cook it using a pressure cooker. Follow the steps below to achieve a perfectly steamed cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker
First, ensure that your pressure cooker is clean and free of any food residue. Fill the bottom of the cooker with water, making sure it doesn’t exceed the recommended level. Place the cooker on the stove and heat it on medium-high heat until the water boils.
Step 2: Grease the Cake Mould
While the pressure cooker is heating up, take your cake mould and grease it with butter or oil. This will prevent the steam cake from sticking to the mould when it’s being cooked.
Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Mould
After greasing the mould, pour the prepared batter into it. Fill the mould to about 2/3 of its volume, leaving enough room for the cake to rise while steaming.
Step 4: Steam the Cake
Carefully place the filled cake mould into the pressure cooker. Make sure it’s positioned on a trivet or a small elevated platform, so that it doesn’t directly touch the bottom of the cooker. Close the pressure cooker with its lid, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
Let the steam build up inside the cooker on medium-high heat, until the pressure valve starts to whistle or the indicator shows that the desired pressure has been reached. Once this happens, reduce the heat to low and start the timer.
Cook the steam cake for around 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your cake mould and the thickness of the batter. Avoid opening the pressure cooker during this time, as it can cause the cake to collapse.
Step 5: Release the Pressure
After the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure cooker to naturally release its pressure. This can take around 10-15 minutes. Do not attempt to remove the lid or release the pressure manually, as it can be dangerous.
Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker and remove the cake mould using kitchen mittens or tongs. Let the steam cake cool down in the mould for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Your delicious and fluffy steam cake is now ready to be served. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or your favourite frosting!
Adding Batter to the Mold
Once you have prepared the batter for your steam cake, it’s time to transfer it into the mold. Follow these steps:
- Grease the mold: Use a brush or a paper towel to grease the inside of the mold with oil. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the sides.
- Pour the batter: Slowly pour the batter into the greased mold. Fill it about 3/4 of the way to leave room for the cake to rise during the cooking process.
- Smooth the surface: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface of the batter in the mold. This will help ensure an even texture and appearance.
- Tap out air bubbles: To remove any air bubbles in the batter, gently tap the filled mold on the countertop a few times. This will help prevent air pockets in the finished cake.
Once you have added the batter to the mold, it’s ready to be placed in the pressure cooker for steaming. Make sure the lid of the pressure cooker is securely in place before cooking.
FAQ
What is a steam cake?
A steam cake is a type of cake that is made by steaming the batter rather than baking it in the oven. This method of cooking gives the cake a soft, moist texture.
Why would I want to make a steam cake?
Making a steam cake has several benefits. Firstly, it requires less time compared to baking a cake in the oven. Secondly, steaming helps to retain the moisture in the cake, resulting in a moist and fluffy texture. Lastly, steaming allows for even heat distribution, resulting in a perfectly cooked cake.
What ingredients do I need to make a steam cake in a pressure cooker?
To make a steam cake in a pressure cooker, you will need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, oil, and any flavorings or add-ins you desire. You will also need a pressure cooker with a steaming rack or a steaming basket.
