Cakes are a fan-favorite dessert worldwide. While they are readily available for purchase, preparing them at home is better and cheaper. If you want to treat your family and friends to a homemade cake but don’t have an oven, relax because a jiko is equal to the task. This article will help you understand how to bake a cake using a jiko so you can satisfy the craving of your loved ones.
Baking a Cake Using a Jiko
Before you begin baking, ensure you have all the necessities in place. That will help you have an easy time for the best results. Here are the requirements:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Equipment:
- A Jiko
- A round cake pan
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jiko:
- Set up your Jiko and light a charcoal or wood fire. Let it burn until you have a bed of hot coals. You want a consistent heat source.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Grease the round cake pan or sufuria with some butter or oil and then dust it with a bit of flour. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan or sufuria, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- To protect the cake from direct heat, wrap the sufuria in a few layers of aluminum foil. Make sure it’s tightly sealed around the pan.
- Baking on the Jiko:
- Place the cake pan or sufuria on the wire rack, ensuring there’s some space between the sufuria and the coals. The goal is to bake using indirect heat.
- Cover the sufuria with its lid, leaving some space for ventilation. You will need to add more coals on top of the lid to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Check the cake after about 45-60 minutes. Use a toothpick or a cake tester to insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, continue baking, checking every 5-10 minutes.
- Once done, carefully remove the cake from the Jiko using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Also Read: How To Bake With A Sufuria: Your Easy Stepwise Guide
Tips to bake a cake using a jiko effectively
- Practice and Patience: Baking on a jiko may require trial and error to get the hang of temperature control. Be patient and learn from each attempt.
- Use the Right Cookware: Select a sturdy and appropriately sized cake pan that can fit inside your jiko. You can use a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-duty cake tin, or a deep and heavy pot with a lid.
- Heat Management: Place a layer of sand or a wire rack at the bottom of your jiko to create a buffer between the cake and direct heat. Otherwise, you can use a metal trivet or something similar to raise the cake pan or pot slightly above the charcoal or wood to ensure even heating.
- Create an Even-Heat Source: Spread the hot coals evenly under your jiko. If you have a metal grate, place it over the coals for a more even heat distribution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect the cake from direct heat?
When baking with a jiko, you can protect the cake from direct heat by placing a wire rack inside the jiko before placing a Sufuria on it. You can also make an aluminum foil shield to block direct heat from the coals or wood.
How do I control the temperature on a jiko When Baking?
You can control the jiko temperature when baking by adjusting the amount of charcoal or wood and by regulating the airflow with the jiko’s vents. It’s a good idea to practice with your jiko to get a feel for maintaining a consistent temperature.
What’s the baking time for a cake on a jiko?
Baking time for a cake on a jiko can vary significantly based on the type and size of the cake, as well as the jiko’s temperature. It is approximately 45-60 minutes.
You may need to bake a cake on a jiko longer than in a traditional oven. Check for doneness around the recommended baking time, and use a toothpick or cake tester to determine if it’s done.
