Before you start doubting, yes you can totally bake anything in a multi-cooker—cakes, bread, you name it! The question is how? Scroll down below for a step-by-step guide.
What Is a Multi-Cooker?
Multi-cookers combine multiple cooking functions into one device; hence their name. They can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and sometimes even bake. They use steam or consistent heat to cook and unlike a traditional oven, there’s no direct dry heat, so the texture of your baked goods might turn out a bit different—denser and moister, which can actually be amazing for cakes and bread.
What Can You Bake?
- Cakes like sponge cakes or brownies.
- Different types of bread like multigrain, white, sourdough. You might not get the super crispy crust you get in an oven.
- Muffins or cupcakes
- Pies or quiches
How to Bake in a Multi Cooker
Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking in a multi-cooker:
Step 1: Measure your multi-cooker’s inner pot and pick a heat resistant silicone mold or aluminum dish or pan that’s slightly smaller than the cooker. Do not use glass pans.
Step 2: Grease your baking pan with butter or oil. Line it with parchment paper. Only fill your dish about two-thirds full with your dish to allow room for rising.
Step 3: Place a trivet (or a heatproof rack) inside the multi-cooker.
Step 4: Add 1–2 cups of water to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Cover the baking pan with foil or a lid to avoid condensation dripping onto the batter.
Step 6: Lower the pan onto the trivet or rack.
Step 7: Use the “Bake,” “Cake,” or “Manual” mode, depending on your multi-cooker model. Set the temperature and cooking time as per your recipe.
Step 8: Use a toothpick or skewer to check if the baked item is done.
Step 9: If it needs more time, reseal the lid and continue cooking in short intervals.
Helpful Tips
- Fill your pan no more than two-thirds full. Multi-cookers trap heat and steam, so batters rise more than in an oven.
- If you want a crustier bread or firmer top, remove the foil cover during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Multi-cookers can vary, so start with the lower end of suggested times and add more if needed.
- Multi-cookers don’t have the broiling effect, so your baked goods might not get golden brown on top. For bread or pies, you can brush the top with a bit of oil or egg wash to help them look more appetizing.
FAQs
Do I need special recipes for a multi-cooker?
Not really. Most regular baking recipes work, but you might need to tweak the liquid amounts or baking time because of the steam environment.
Can I make crusty bread in a multi-cooker?
It’s tricky since multi-cookers don’t provide dry heat. For a crustier bread, try finishing it off in an oven for a few minutes after baking.
Can I bake two things at once?
Yes! Use a rack to stack items, but make sure there’s enough room for steam to circulate.
Summary
Baking in a multi-cooker is simple and fun. You can make cakes, bread, and more without needing an oven.
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