No oven? No problem! You can still make a light, moist, and delicious cake using a steamer or stovetop method. Steamed cakes are especially popular in many Asian cuisines, and they’re a great option when you don’t have access to an oven.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a steamed cake from scratch using basic kitchen tools and a few simple ingredients.
Why Try a Steamed Cake?
- No oven needed
- Moist and soft texture
- Energy-efficient cooking
- Perfect for hot climates or small kitchens
- Great base for flavored cakes and toppings
What You’ll Need
- Large pot with lid OR steamer setup
- Metal trivet, stand, or rack
- Heatproof cake pan, bowl, or ramekins
- Mixing bowls, whisk, spoon
- Cloth to wrap lid (optional, to catch moisture)
Basic Steamed Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup plain yogurt or milk (plant or dairy)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare your steaming setup
- Add 2–3 inches of water to a large pot
- Place a rack or stand at the bottom
- Preheat with the lid on until it steams
2. Mix the batter
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, oil, sugar, vanilla, and vinegar
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- Mix until smooth
3. Pour into greased cake pan
- Place the cake pan on the rack inside the steamer
- Cover with foil or a cloth-wrapped lid to prevent water drops
4. Steam
- Steam over medium-low heat for 35–45 minutes
- Avoid opening the lid too early
- Check with a toothpick—should come out clean
Tips for the Best Steamed Cake
- Use a cloth or towel around the lid to absorb moisture
- Don’t overfill your cake pan—leave room to rise
- Keep the steam gentle but steady
- Let the cake cool before slicing to keep it from crumbling
Flavor Ideas
- Chocolate Cake – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder + 2 tbsp extra yogurt
- Lemon Cake – Add lemon zest and juice
- Banana Cake – Use mashed ripe banana instead of some yogurt
- Coconut Cake – Use coconut milk and add shredded coconut
Topping Options
- Glaze with lemon or vanilla icing
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar
- Add jam, honey, or peanut butter
- Serve with fresh fruit or compote
Storage
- Room temp: 2–3 days (covered)
- Fridge: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 1 month (wrap well)
Steam Your Way to a Perfect Cake
Steamed cakes are a fantastic solution when you don’t have an oven. They’re light, tender, and super moist—with no risk of burning. Whether you’re baking out of necessity or curiosity, you’ll be amazed by how easy and tasty this method is.
Try it once—you might never look back!
