Recipe For Baking A Cake Using A Jiko

Baking a cake using a Jiko, which is a type of charcoal or wood-burning stove commonly used in East Africa, can be a fun and delicious experience. Here’s a simple recipe for baking a basic vanilla cake on a jiko. Please note that you’ll need a sturdy, heat-resistant pot with a tight-fitting lid to act as an oven.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Jiko Setup:

• Jiko or similar charcoal/wood-burning stove
• Heat-resistant pot with a lid (cast iron or aluminum is suitable)
• Charcoal or wood chunks
• A metal rack or trivet to elevate the cake pan inside the pot
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jiko:
   • Start by lighting the charcoal or wood chunks in your jiko. You’ll want to have a good bed of hot coals to maintain an even temperature.
   • Place a metal rack or trivet inside the jiko to elevate the cake pan. This will help ensure that the cake cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Cake Pan:
   • Grease and flour a cake pan that fits comfortably inside your heat-resistant pot. You can use an 8-inch round or square pan, depending on what fits.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can make the cake tough.
4. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan.
   • Cover the top of the cake pan with aluminum foil to prevent ashes or debris from falling onto the cake.
5. Place the Cake in the Jiko:
   • Carefully place the cake pan on the metal rack or trivet inside the jiko.
   • Cover the jiko with its lid to create an oven-like environment. Make sure the lid fits tightly.
6. Bake and Monitor:
   • Bake the cake for about 30-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Rotate the cake pan occasionally to ensure even cooking, as the heat in a jiko may not be entirely uniform.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Once the cake is done, carefully remove it from the jiko and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
   • Afterward, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

MUST READ: HOW TO BAKE A CAKE USING SUFURIA ON JIKO OR GAS/ WITHOUT OVEN

Remember that baking with a jiko may require some practice to get the temperature control just right. It’s essential to maintain a steady heat source and keep an eye on the cake to prevent burning. Enjoy your homemade jiko-baked cake!