Can You Bake Cake In Instant Pot

If you are a fan of baking cakes, you must have tried all the conventional methods of baking, including baking in an oven or a microwave. However, have you ever tried baking a cake in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you heard it right! Instant Pots are no longer limited to cooking rice, pasta, and meat dishes; they can be used to bake cakes too. In this article, we will explore how to bake a cake in an Instant Pot and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

What is an Instant Pot?

Before we dive into the topic of baking cakes in an Instant Pot, let’s first understand what an Instant Pot is. An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that can replace several appliances in your kitchen, such as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and yogurt maker.

It is an electric appliance that uses steam and pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods. Instant Pots come with several pre-set cooking programs that make cooking easier and hassle-free.

Why bake a cake in an Instant Pot?

Baking a cake in an Instant Pot has several advantages. Firstly, an Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, which means that you can use it for various cooking purposes, including baking. Secondly, baking a cake in an Instant Pot is faster than baking in an oven, as the steam and pressure in the Instant Pot cook the cake faster.

Thirdly, an Instant Pot is a great option for baking cakes in the summers, as it does not heat up your kitchen like an oven does.

Things to keep in mind before baking a cake in an Instant Pot

Before you start baking a cake in an Instant Pot, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Make sure that the Instant Pot is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking.
2. Use a springform pan or a cake pan that fits comfortably in the Instant Pot.
3. Cover the pan with foil before placing it in the Instant Pot to prevent water from seeping into the cake.
4. Use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot to elevate the pan from the water.
5. Add water to the Instant Pot before placing the pan in it.
6. Make sure that the valve on the Instant Pot is set to “sealing” before you start cooking.

Ingredients needed for baking a cake in an Instant Pot

To bake a cake in an Instant Pot, you will need the following ingredients:

1. All-purpose flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Milk
6. Vegetable oil
7. Eggs
8. Vanilla extract

Step-by-step guide to baking a cake in an Instant Pot

Here is a step-by-step guide to baking a cake in an Instant Pot:

1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured springform pan or cake pan.

5. Cover the pan with foil and place it on the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot.
6. Pour water into the Instant Pot until it reaches a depth of one cup.
7. Place the trivet with the pan into the Instant Pot.
8. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.”
9. Set the Instant Pot to manual mode and cook the cake for 35-40 minutes on high pressure.
10. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually.
11. Open the Instant Pot lid and carefully remove the pan from the Instant Pot using the trivet handles.
12. Remove the foil and let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for baking a perfect cake in an Instant Pot

To bake a perfect cake in an Instant Pot, here are some tips you can follow:

1. Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter.
2. Do not overmix the batter.
3. Grease and flour the pan well before pouring the batter.
4. Cover the pan with foil before placing it in the Instant Pot to prevent water from seeping into the cake.
5. Use the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot to elevate the pan from the water.
6. Do not open the Instant Pot lid during the cooking process.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally before releasing the remaining pressure manually.
8. Let the cake cool down for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Advantages of baking a cake in an Instant Pot

Baking a cake in an Instant Pot has several advantages, including:

1. Faster cooking time compared to an oven.
2. No need to preheat the Instant Pot.
3. Moist and tender cake due to the steam and pressure in the Instant Pot.
4. No need to worry about over-browning or under-cooking the cake.
5. No need to worry about hot spots in the oven.

Disadvantages of baking a cake in an Instant Pot

However, there are a few disadvantages to baking a cake in an Instant Pot:

1. Limited pan sizes due to the size of the Instant Pot.
2. Not suitable for large cakes.
3. Limited control over the browning of the cake.
4. Can be difficult to remove the cake from the Instant Pot.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, baking a cake in an Instant Pot is a fast and convenient method of baking, especially during the summers when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen.

By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can bake a moist and tender cake in your Instant Pot in no time.