Recipe for Cooker Cake

Introduction
Baking at home has never been easier, even if you don't own an oven. With a pressure cooker, you can create a soft, fluffy, and delicious cake that rivals any oven-baked version. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, a cooker cake offers a convenient solution. This method is simple and ideal for those who want to explore baking without the need for fancy equipment. The process ensures that your cake retains its moisture and rises to perfection. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a delectable cooker cake from scratch!
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. These are common items, many of which are likely already in your kitchen.
●    1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
●    1/2 cup sugar (adjust based on preference)
●    1/4 cup oil or melted butter
●    1/2 cup milk
●    1 tsp vanilla essence
●    1 1/2 tsp baking powder
●    A pinch of salt
●    2 eggs (optional, for an eggless version, you can use yogurt or mashed bananas)
●    Flavoring of your choice: cocoa powder for a chocolate cake or fruit puree for a fruity twist
For extra flair, you can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter.
Preparation
1.    Grease and Prepare Your Cake Tin
Start by greasing a cake tin (usually 6-7 inches in diameter fits well in a cooker). You can use butter or oil and dust it lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
2.    Preheat the Pressure Cooker
Add a layer of salt to the bottom of the cooker—this ensures even heat distribution and prevents the cake from burning. Place a metal stand or ring at the bottom, then preheat the cooker on medium heat for about 5 minutes without the whistle.
Making the Batter
Now that your cooker is ready, let’s move on to preparing the cake batter.
1.    In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures there are no lumps and that the ingredients mix evenly.
2.    In another bowl, beat the eggs (if using) along with sugar until light and fluffy. If you’re going for an eggless version, mix the yogurt or mashed banana until smooth.
3.    Gradually add the oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla essence into the egg mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.
4.    Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick. If needed, add a little more milk to get the right consistency.
5.    If you’re making a chocolate cake, stir in some cocoa powder at this stage. For a fruity twist, fold in pureed fruits or chopped nuts.
Cooking the Cake in a Pressure Cooker
1.    Once your batter is ready, pour it into the greased cake tin, spreading it evenly.
2.    Carefully place the cake tin on the metal stand inside the preheated cooker. Ensure that the tin doesn’t touch the sides of the cooker to prevent uneven cooking.
3.    Cover the cooker with its lid, but make sure to remove the whistle. This step is crucial as it allows the cake to cook with dry heat rather than steam.
4.    Cook the cake on low to medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Avoid opening the cooker lid in the first 25 minutes, as this could cause the cake to collapse.
5.    After 30 minutes, check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Final Touches
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before removing it. Once cooled, gently run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto a plate. You can now decorate it with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a more minimalist approach.
For a richer experience, you can add some fresh fruits like strawberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. The cake will be light, fluffy, and absolutely delightful!
Conclusion
Making a cake in a cooker is not just an alternative to using an oven; it’s a fun and efficient method that yields great results. Whether it’s for a birthday, a celebration, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy cooker cake recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious outcome, all without the need for fancy gadgets or a large kitchen space!