Recipe for a Cake Cooked on the Stovetop

#### Instructions for Stovetop Cake

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these easy steps to make your stovetop cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. If you’re making a chocolate cake, you can add the cocoa powder here.
– In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
– Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently as you go. Stir until you have a smooth batter, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.

**Step 2: Preheat the Stovetop Pan**
– Use a heavy-bottomed, non-stick pan or skillet with a tight-fitting lid. A 9-inch skillet works great for this recipe.
– Place the pan on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Let it preheat for a couple of minutes before adding the cake batter.
– **Optional**: If you want a perfectly non-stick surface, you can grease the pan with a little butter or oil, and even dust it with a bit of flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

**Step 3: Cook the Cake on the Stovetop**
– Pour the cake batter into the preheated pan, spreading it out evenly.
– Cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cake to cook evenly.
– Cook the cake on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. Don’t lift the lid too often to check — keeping the lid on will help maintain the heat needed for the cake to rise properly.
– After 20 minutes, check the cake by gently inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it’s still wet, cover the pan and let it cook for a few more minutes.

**Step 4: Cool and Serve**
– Once the cake is fully cooked, remove the pan from the stovetop and let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes.
– After cooling slightly, you can remove the cake from the pan. If you used a non-stick pan, it should come out easily.
– Slice and serve! This cake is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

#### Variations to Try

This basic stovetop cake recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste or to match the ingredients you have on hand.

1. **Chocolate Cake**: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-flavored version. You can also add chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite.
2. **Fruit Cake**: Fold in a handful of berries (like blueberries or raspberries) or sliced bananas into the batter for a fruity twist.
3. **Spiced Cake**: For a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. This pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
4. **Citrus Cake**: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy flavor that brightens up the cake.
5. **Toppings**: Top your cake with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra special.

#### Tips for Success

– **Don’t Rush the Heat**: Make sure to cook the cake on low to medium heat. High heat may burn the bottom while leaving the top raw. Low and slow is the way to go for a perfectly cooked cake.
– **Use a Lid**: A lid is essential to trap heat and allow the cake to rise evenly. Without it, the cake might cook unevenly or take longer to set.
– **Check with a Toothpick**: Always check the center of the cake with a toothpick before taking it off the stovetop. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
– **Let It Cool**: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan to ensure it holds its shape.

#### Why You Should Try This Stovetop Cake

Making a cake on the stovetop offers an easy and quick alternative to the traditional oven-baked method. This simple stovetop cake is soft, tender, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat after dinner or need to whip up something last minute. Plus, the best part is the minimal cleanup!

Stovetop cakes are perfect for those who don’t have access to an oven or simply prefer the convenience of stovetop cooking. It’s also a great option for summer when you want to avoid heating up the entire house with the oven.

#### Conclusion

Next time you’re craving cake but don’t want to turn on the oven, give this stovetop cake recipe a try. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake in no time. Customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy this simple, satisfying dessert that proves you don’t need an oven to bake a great cake!