Do you hear the call of freshly baked goods, but find yourself oven-less? Not everyone has the space for an oven in their home. Whether you're a dorm-dweller, a camper, or simply someone with a rebellious streak against conventional methods, baking without an oven opens up a world of culinary possibilities. So, roll up your sleeves, don your chef's hat, and let's embark on a delicious journey where the only heat source you need is your imagination!
Who needs an oven when you've got a hob or stovetop? This trusty kitchen companion can do wonders for your baking endeavours. From fluffy pancakes to golden-brown muffins, the stovetop is your gateway to oven-free bliss. Invest in a good quality skillet or frying pan, and you're halfway to becoming a stovetop baking maestro!
Try my stovetop cookies for a quick sweet treat
Ingredients
1/3 cup of Flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup of butter or substitute
1/2 tablespoon white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water
2/3 cup oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips (can be left out for a healthier option)
Directions
Put all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix
Add the wet ingredients and mix until well combined
If the mixture still seems a little dry add a few drops of water until you have a dough consistency
Chill the mixture for 1 hour in the refrigerator
Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough into your hand and make it into a ball, then flatten until it is about 1cm thick
Place into a heated frying pan (no oil needed) and cook until brown
Gently flip it over and cook the other side
Remove and let cool
The cookie will be very soft and prone to fall apart until it is cooled so this is an important step
Once cooled for a few minutes and the cookie becomes firm, enjoy!
If you thought steam was only for your facial spa days, think again! Steam baking is a game-changer for oven-free bakers. All you need is a sturdy pot with a tight-fitting lid and a heat-resistant bowl or mould to hold your batter. Simply place your creation in the pot, add a bit of water around the outside, cover it tightly, and let the magic of steam do its work. Voila! Moist and tender cakes and bread await you, sans oven.
Who says baking has to involve heat? No-bake treats are the unsung heroes of the oven-free baking world. From decadent cheesecakes to indulgent truffles, the possibilities are endless. Whip up a batch of no-bake cookies for a quick sweet fix or channel your inner pastry chef with a luscious no-bake tart. With no oven in sight, the only thing heating up will be your excitement!
Ah, the microwave – champion of quick meals and saviour of hungry souls everywhere. But did you know it can also work wonders for your baking endeavours? That's right! Your trusty microwave can whip up everything from mug cakes to crispy potato chips in a matter of minutes. It's fast, it's efficient, and best of all, it's oven-free!
Check out my video on how to make a moist microwave chocolate mug cake here.
You can also adapt this recipe to cook on the hob. Mix all the ingredients together and add them to a frying pan. Cook on a medium heat, constantly moving the mixture until it is light and fluffy with some liquid mixture remaining. Put it into a container and enjoy.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Who says you can't enjoy freshly baked treats in the great outdoors? With some creativity and aluminium foil, you can turn your campfire into a makeshift oven. Wrap up your dough or batter securely, place it near the coals (but not directly on them), and let nature work its magic. Whether you're roasting marshmallows or baking campfire pies, the wilderness becomes your culinary playground.
Baking without an oven isn't just about making do with what you have – it's about embracing the adventure and unleashing your creativity in the kitchen. So, the next time you find yourself oven-less, don't despair. Take a cue from these oven-free baking techniques and let your imagination run wild. After all, the sweetest delights often come from the most unexpected places. Happy baking!
Check your understanding
What are two alternative methods mentioned for baking without an oven, besides using a stovetop?
Describe how steam baking works and what kitchen tools are required for it.
Name two types of desserts that can be made without any baking involved.
How does the article suggest utilising a microwave for oven-free baking?
For outdoor enthusiasts, what method does the article propose for baking treats while camping?
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Vocabulary
Maestro: A person who is highly skilled or accomplished in a particular activity or field, often used to refer to someone who is a master or expert.
Decadent: Refers to something that is luxurious, indulgent, or excessively rich, especially in terms of food or lifestyle.
Unsung: Not praised, recognised, or celebrated, despite deserving it.
Mug cake: A single-serving cake that is typically made in a mug and cooked quickly in the microwave, often using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and flavourings.
Makeshift: Used to describe something that is improvised or created as a temporary solution, typically using whatever is available at the time.
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