Q&A for How to Make Cake in the Microwave

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  • Question
    Is it important to add vanilla in the cake?
    Community Answer
    Not necessary but it gives the cake a nice smell and flavor.
  • Question
    Can I use a glass bowl to bake the cake?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Glass bowls and cups are the best alternative for microwave safe dishware.
  • Question
    How long do I microwave a store-bought cake mix to make a cake in a mug?
    Community Answer
    Depending on the watts amount of your microwave, microwave for no longer than 1:30. It may be a good idea to stand and watch your cake and end the microwave when it is fully done. It is always better to cook less as you can always cook more but it's not possible to undo an overdone cake.
  • Question
    Do I have to grease or flour the bowl before pouring in the cake batter for a whole cake?
    Community Answer
    You should do that for any baking so that the batter doesn't stick to the bowl. Use your fingers with some butter to coat the inside.
  • Question
    Can any microwave bake the cake?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but some microwaves need different times.
  • Question
    Do I have to add vanilla extract?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't have to.
  • Question
    What kind of dish is microwave safe? How can I tell if it's microwave safe if I can't see colors? I have an eye condition called optic nerve hypoplasia. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Usually, plastic will melt in a microwave if it gets heated too much. Glass will not melt or explode. Make sure lids are not plastic.
  • Question
    Could I use a cake mix from the store and bake it in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you could. Just be sure to add all the ingredients listed in the directions on the box.
  • Question
    Can I use a microwave oven to bake a birthday cake I want to sell?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Just follow the steps, then sell it like a normal cake in a cake sale.
  • Question
    What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
    Community Answer
    You can substitute with other flavorings, such as rose water, fruit extracts etc.
  • Question
    How should the consistency of the batter be? Thinner than normal oven cake?
    Community Answer
    It should look about the same, maybe a little thinner. It should be gooey, but not runny. It will probably look something like watery yogurt.
  • Question
    Can I use all-purpose flour for this cake?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you also add a raising agent, e.g. baking powder (which is a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar). Nigella Lawson uses 2 teaspoons of baking powder for each 150g/6oz/1 cup plain flour. Sift the flour and baking powder together to make sure the baking powder is thoroughly distributed before adding other ingredients.
  • Question
    Can I use normal flour and add baking powder?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that should be fine. Just mix in the very end of a teaspoon for a mug cake, or half a teaspoon for a whole big cake, along with your flour. It should not change a thing.
  • Question
    What is the temperature and time required to set the oven for cake making?
    Community Answer
    This is a microwave cake, so you won’t need an oven. For cakes that require an oven, the temperature varies.
  • Question
    If I don't use chocolate chips, should I add cocoa powder?
    Community Answer
    The chocolate cakes used as examples in this article already contain cocoa powder. The chocolate chips are simply there as an option to make the cake more chocolate-y. If you want a richer, “extra chocolate” flavor without chocolate chips, just stir in an extra tablespoon of cocoa.
  • Question
    How do I make chocolate?
    Community Answer
    See wikiHow's article on how to make chocolate .
  • Question
    How do I make a marble cake?
    Community Answer
    You just put half of each flavour of cake batter and swirl it with a knife or kebab stick.
  • Question
    Which power level should I choose on my microwave to make my cake?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the microwave you use, but most of the microwaves should use full power to bake the cakes.
  • Question
    How long do I need to bake a boxed cake mix?
    Community Answer
    You should check on the box, because it depends on the brand/ type of cake, and it also depends on the size of the cake you are baking.
  • Question
    If I have to bake in a microwave, do I have to cover the glassware? Can I bake something faster in the oven or the microwave?
    Community Answer
    You should cover the cake when it is in the microwave. You can make it faster in the microwave, but in my opinion it tastes better from the oven.
  • Question
    Should I preheat the microwave to 180 degrees before I cook the cake?
    Community Answer
    No, microwaves do not require preheating.
  • Question
    Can I add dried fruit to make it a fruitcake in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    No; this recipe is for a chocolate cake, which wouldn't complement the fruit well.
  • Question
    Can I make a cake in a microwave convection oven?
    Community Answer
    You can make a cake in any oven as long as you have a suitable recipe for that oven type. A convection oven is good for making cakes, and will make cakes fluffy and moist. However, all ovens are different and any good cake maker gets to know their ovens well and adjusts cooking times accordingly.
  • Question
    What would happen if I use a metal baking pan?
    Community Answer
    The metal will burn and/or your microwave will explode. Reference YouTube videos of people using metal in a microwave.
  • Question
    Can I use baking powder in the cake instead of vanilla?
    Prithy Kalita Acharya
    Community Answer
    No, baking powder is used so that the cake can rise. It isn't used for flavor. If you don't have or don't want vanilla in your cake, you can safely omit it.
  • Question
    Can I take out the cake after it cools down in the microwave?
    Community Answer
    You can, but it’s better to leave it on the counter to cool down, as it may still be hot.
  • Question
    What do I do if my cake in the microwave came out wrong?
    Community Answer
    If this is your first time making a cake this way, mistakes are bound to happen. Figure out what went wrong and double-check your ingredients and steps once more. The best part is that you can always try again!
  • Question
    Can I add more flavors to the cake like peanuts?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Roast them, grind them and add it to the batter. Or, you can make half powdered and half ground, as this will distribute the flavor evenly.
  • Question
    Does baking a mug cake in a microwave oven have the same effect as baking it in a regular oven?
    Community Answer
    No, baking mug cakes in the oven makes them a bit hard whilst baking them in the microwave gives them a soft and spongy texture. They are different types of cake due to the different cooking methods.
  • Question
    What is the alternative for margarine?
    Audrey
    Community Answer
    Margarine is just a substitute for butter, so just use butter. It will turn out the same.
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