A Guide To Baking In Your Microwave Oven

Your microwave oven is so much more than just a way to reheat leftovers or pop popcorn. Believe it or not, this modern marvel can turn out baked goods that are just as delicious as those made in a traditional oven. All it takes is a little kitchen magic. This handy guide will have you baking cakes, brownies, and more with your microwave in no time.

 First, the Basics

Not all dishes are safe for the microwave. Glass, ceramic, silicone, and plastic labeled “microwave safe” are good bets. Metal pans should be avoided unless specified as safe. Investing in a microwave-safe baking dish is a great idea if you plan on baking regularly. Choose one that's large enough to give baked goods room to rise.

Mix It Up

When preparing your batter or dough, there are a few tweaks to make it microphone-friendly. Use a liquid fat like vegetable oil instead of solid fats which can seize up. Eggs should also be omitted since they tend to get rubbery. Replace them with yogurt or buttermilk which will still provide moisture. Pro tip: add a mashed banana for even more built-in moisture!

Finally, substitute 1/4 to 1/3 cup of flour for cake or all-purpose flour in your recipe. This prevents dense rubbery spots from developing. You’ll get deliciously fluffy results every time.

Pressing Start

Now for the fun part: actually baking your creation! Grease your microwave-safe pan and pour in the batter. Microwaves cook from the outside in, unlike regular ovens. So we must compensate by stirring part way through. After 3 minutes, pause to give your treat a stir. This ensures even cooking throughout.

Cook times vary widely in the microwave, so begin checking doneness a few minutes early. Cakes and quick breads are finished when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Chewy brownies and cookies will still cling to the toothpick. Getting the timing just right may require some trial and tribulation. Luckily, you can’t burn microwave mishaps too badly!

 Fancy Tricks

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time for advanced microwave wizardry! Mug cakes made popular online are a fun way to take this cooking method to the next level. Simply mix up a basic cake batter in a mug, microwave for a minute or so, and enjoy a warm personal cake, brownie, or molten lava cake. Top with ice cream for á la mode yumminess!

You can also utilize your microwave’s convection setting if you have this feature. The fan circulates hot air for more even browning like a traditional oven. When baking this way, you can return to using butter instead of oil. Just be sure to keep a close eye since convection speeds up cooking.

With a dish or two, a few ingredient tweaks, and some practice, you’ll unlock your microwave’s full baking potential. Your personal oven is ready to bring some tasty magic to your homemade treats. Get creative and happy baking!