No Oven Cakes: Easy Recipes Anyone Can Bake

Let’s face it—not everyone has an oven at home. But that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in delicious, soft, and moist cakes! Whether you’re a college student in a hostel, a home cook with a gas stove, or simply avoiding electricity-hungry appliances, no oven cakes are your baking best friends.

In this post, we’ll dive into some incredibly easy, no oven cakes recipes that deliver big flavor without any fancy equipment. Yes, that means no oven, no stress, and no compromise on taste!

🎂 Why Bake Without an Oven?

Here’s why no-oven cakes are a game changer:

• Budget-Friendly: No need to invest in an oven.
• Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for first-time bakers.
• Versatile: Steam it, pressure cook it, or bake it on a stovetop.
• Tastes Just as Good: You won’t even miss the oven!

🍫 1. Chocolate Biscuit Cake (No Bake!)

Ingredients:

• 200g digestive or Marie biscuits
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Crush biscuits into coarse pieces.
2. In a pan, melt butter, then add cocoa, sugar, and milk. Stir until smooth.
3. Mix in vanilla and crushed biscuits. Add nuts if using.
4. Pour into a greased container or cake mold. Press down gently.
5. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until set.
6. Slice and serve cold!

Pro Tip: Top with chocolate ganache or drizzle with Nutella for an extra treat.

🍰 2. Stovetop Vanilla Sponge Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix wet ingredients: milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
2. Sift in flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Mix gently into a smooth batter.
4. Grease a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and line with butter paper.
5. Preheat a large kadai (wok) with salt or sand in the bottom for 5 minutes (acts like an oven).
6. Place the cake pan inside the kadai, cover with a lid, and “bake” on low flame for 35–40 minutes.
7. Check with a toothpick. Let cool before slicing.

Note: You can also steam this cake using an idli steamer or large pot.

🧁 3. Mug Cake in the Microwave

Need cake in 2 minutes? This one’s for you.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp oil
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Optional: chocolate chips or Nutella

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large microwave-safe mug.
2. Microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes (depends on your microwave wattage).
3. Let it cool slightly, top with ice cream or syrup, and enjoy instantly!

🔄 Bonus: How to “Bake” Without an Oven

There are 3 main ways:

1. Stovetop Baking (Kadai Method): Preheat a kadai with salt/sand, place a trivet inside, and keep your cake tin on top.
2. Steaming: Steam the cake like idlis or momos—results in soft, fluffy texture.
3. Microwave: Use the microwave for mug cakes or sponge cakes (if you have the convection mode).

🎉 Final Thoughts

No oven? No problem! These no oven cakes recipes are proof that baking can be simple, fun, and accessible to everyone. Whether you crave chocolatey indulgence or a light sponge, these methods give you bakery-style results right in your kitchen—without the oven.

So grab your mixing bowl, get creative, and show your kitchen who’s boss!

Tried any of these cakes?
Tag us on Instagram with #MyTastyBudsNoOvenCake and share your masterpiece!