Baking is a beloved pastime for many people. There’s something so satisfying about creating delicious baked goods in your own kitchen. While ovens are standard equipment for baking, not everyone has access to a working oven. Fortunately, it is possible to bake a variety of foods using just your stovetop. Stovetop baking does require some creativity and flexibility, but with the right techniques, you can make baked goods that are just as tasty as oven versions. In this article, we will provide tips on how to bake using only your stovetop.
What Can You Bake on a Stovetop?
While the stovetop does not allow for all the functions of a standard oven, there are still a good number of baked goods that can be made. Here are some of the items you can bake on a stovetop:
- Pancakes
- Crepes
- Scones
- Biscuits
- Cookies
- Bread
- Cakes
- Frittatas
- Granola
- Oatmeal
The key is choosing recipes made with wet batters rather than dry doughs. Things like pancakes, dumplings, and wet cakes do well with stovetop baking. Drier items like yeast breads and pizza dough can be challenging without an oven. Focus on making batter-based baked goods and you will have lots of options.
Tips for Baking on a Stovetop
Baking on a stovetop requires some modifications from standard oven baking. Here are some tips:
Use a Cast Iron or Oven-Safe Pan
Having the right cookware is key for stovetop baking. Cast iron skillets and dutch ovens work wonderfully, as they distribute heat evenly. An oven-safe pan is also a smart option. Be sure to grease the pan well before adding batter.
Preheat Your Pan
Always preheat your pan before adding batter. This helps ensure the food cooks evenly. Heat your pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Test the pan temperature by sprinkling a drop of water on it – if the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, it’s ready for baking.
Use a Pot Lid
Recruit a pot lid to help mimic an oven. Place the lid on the pan after adding your batter. This traps the heat to surround the food and cook it more evenly.
Adjust Heat as Needed
Stovetop temperatures can fluctuate. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If the food browns too quickly, lower the heat. If it seems to be cooking slowly, increase the heat. Peek under the lid periodically to monitor doneness.
Use Lower Heat for Thicker Batters
Thinner batters, like crepes and pancakes, can be cooked over medium-high heat. But thicker cakes and breads require lower heat. Reduce heat to medium or medium low to allow thick batters to cook through without burning.
Check for Doneness Before Removing
Use a toothpick, skewer, or fork to check baked goods for doneness before removing them from the pan. Peek at the underside and insert a tester into the center as well. This prevents removing items from the pan before they are fully cooked.
Allow Proper Cooling
Just like standard oven baking, you need to allow items to cool properly before attempting to remove them from the pan. If you take them out too quickly, they may break or collapse. Let cakes cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.
Stovetop Baking Tips for Specific Foods
Certain baked goods require additional considerations when making them on the stovetop. Here are some tips for specific foods:
Pancakes and Crepes
– Use a nonstick skillet and coat with oil or butter
– Medium high heat works best
– Pour batter into rounds and cook until bubbles appear on surface
– Flip and cook other side briefly, about 1 minute
Scones
– Cut cold butter into dry ingredients to get a good chunky texture
– Stir in milk, cream or yogurt just until combined
– Scoop dough onto preheated cast iron pan
– Reduce heat to medium and cover pan
– Cook 10-12 minutes until browned on bottom
Cookies
– Scoop dough onto a parchment lined pan
– Cover pan and cook over low heat 8-10 minutes
– Let cool on pan 5 minutes before transferring to rack
– Bake in batches for evenly shaped cookies
Bread
– Choose a wet, batter-like dough with yeast
– Allow dough to rise fully before baking
– Pour into a loaf pan and cover with lid
– Bake at medium low 20-25 minutes
– Check internal temperature with thermometer
Cakes
– Prepare a one-bowl style cake batter
– Pour into round cake pan and cover
– Cook at medium low 25-35 minutes
– Test doneness with toothpick before removing
– Allow to cool in pan before frosting
Stovetop Baking Tips and Tricks
It takes some experimentation to get comfortable with stovetop baking. Here are some additional tips and tricks for success:
– Place a wire rack or trivet inside the pan before baking. This allows air circulation underneath.
– Rotate the pan periodically for even browning. Use oven mitts to carefully rotate the hot pan on the burner.
– When making cookies or scones, pull the pan on and off the heat briefly to prevent over-browning the bottoms.
– Use a pizza stone for extra crisp crusts. Place it on the burner and set the pan on top.
– Choose pans that are oven safe but also conduct stovetop heat well, like ceramic fluted tart pans.
– Take advantage of residual heat by turning off the burner briefly towards the end of baking time.
– Opt for pans with lower sides to encourage moisture evaporation while baking.
– Be willing to experiment and tweak recipes as needed. Baking times and temperatures may vary from oven directions.
– Let stovetop baked goods cool fully before frosting or filling. The centers remain hot and need time to set.
Recipes for Stovetop Baking
Here are some delicious recipes to try for stovetop baking:
Dutch Baby Pancake
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp butter
1. Melt butter in a cast iron or oven safe skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk eggs, flour, milk, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour batter into the preheated pan. Cook untouched for 20 minutes.
4. Bake until puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Cheddar Bacon Scones
- 2 cups flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into chunks
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
- 3/4 cup milk
1. Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in cheddar and bacon just until combined.
3. Add milk and stir just until dough comes together.
4. Scoop dough onto preheated cast iron skillet. Cover and bake at medium 12 minutes.
One Bowl Chocolate Cake
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 cup boiling water
1. Whisk dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour batter into a greased round cake pan.
4. Pour 1 cup boiling water over batter. Cover pan tightly.
5. Bake at medium low heat for 30-40 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
FAQs About Stovetop Baking
If you’re new to stovetop baking, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the best stove to use?
Gas stoves are ideal, as they provide more even heat. But baking can also be done on electric or induction stoves. You may just need to rotate the pan more often.
Do I need special pans?
Oven-safe, heavy pans with tighter fitting lids work best. Cast iron skillets and dutch ovens distribute heat evenly.
How do I know if the middle is cooked?
Use a toothpick or skewer to test the center for doneness. Items may need up to 10 extra minutes of baking time compared to oven directions.
Can I adjust oven recipes for the stove?
Yes, you can bake many oven recipes on the stove. Reduce temperature by 25 degrees and anticipate a slightly longer bake time. Watch closely to prevent burning.
What about items like bread and pizza?
Drier doughs don’t do as well without the dry ambient heat of an oven. Stick to recipes made with very wet, sticky dough when using the stovetop.
What about quick breads like banana bread?
Stovetop baking works wonderfully for quick breads! Be sure to grease the pan well and use a cake tester to confirm doneness before removing.
Conclusion
While stovetop baking requires some adjustments, it opens up a whole world of options for those without access to an oven. With the right pans, preparation, and heat management, you can make delicious pancakes, scones, cakes, and more using just your stovetop. We hope these tips help you get comfortable baking without an oven. Just experiment with pan types, heat levels, and cook times to find what works for each recipe. Soon you’ll discover just how satisfying stovetop baking can be!