Are you a baker curious about microwave baking? In the baking world, microwaves are sometimes overlooked in favor of traditional ovens. But fear not! With the right know-how, microwave baking can be a super efficient and enjoyable way to whip up some yummy treats. This handy beginner’s guide will cover all the basics of microwave baking, give you some bread-baking tips, and even share some delicious recipes to kickstart your microwave-baking journey!
What is microwave baking?
You can easily guess what the term “microwave baking” means. Yes, it is simply baking in the microwave. Unlike traditional ovens, which use dry heat to cook baked goods, microwaves are more convenient because they heat and cook food using electromagnetic waves. Using a microwave saves time and maintains the room temperature in your kitchen, avoiding unnecessary heat from a large oven.
Key tips on how to bake in a microwave
As a beginner, when baking in the microwave, you must follow certain rules to get the perfect bake. Here is some simple microwave baking knowledge.
Understand microwave heat
In a microwave, the water molecules in your food vibrate rigorously to create heat.
This is what makes it different from ovens using dry heat, and baked goods turn out better in microwaves. Microwave-safe dishes produce the best results and also don’t forget to pay attention to the baking time.
Choose the Right Cookware
For microwave baking, cookware is another crucial factor. Metal or plastic containers interfere with the microwave’s operation, which may not cook the food evenly. So instead, try using microwave-safe glass or ceramic dishes with the microwave-safe label on them to avoid issues.
Monitor cooking time
Microwaves vary a lot in power, so it’s essential to monitor your baking closely. We could try starting with the minimum time instructed in your recipe and checking if it is done or not frequently. For example, if the recipe needs 5 minutes, try baking for 3 minutes initially, and then adjust as needed.
Types of microwave ovens
A variety of microwaves are available on the market to meet specific culinary needs. While convection microwaves are the primary choice for baking, others may be used for particular functions like reheating, grilling, or advanced cooking techniques. Let’s explore these in detail.
1. Solo Microwaves
Solo microwaves use microwave energy for cooking, however, they do not have convection or grilling capabilities. They are typically utilized for reheating or defrosting food, as well as for quickly preparing simple, no-bake dishes such as heating sauces. Solo microwaves are easy to use for basic cooking tasks and are more budget-friendly compared to convection microwave models.
2. Grill Microwaves
Grill microwaves provide a grilled or crispy texture to dishes, making them ideal for recipes requiring a grilled finish. These appliances are compatible with both microwave and grilling functions, allowing users to achieve a crispy or browned effect that traditional microwaves cannot replicate. This adds a grill-like quality to dishes, enhancing their overall appeal.
3. Combination Microwaves
Combination microwaves provide a range of cooking functions in a single appliance, such as microwave, convection, and grill capabilities. These microwaves are suitable for intricate recipes that demand careful management of cooking methods. They are particularly advantageous in professional culinary settings and educational environments because they demonstrate diverse cooking techniques.
So these were the other microwaves used for various purposes of cooking. Now let us take a look at the hero of the moment-convection microwave!!!
What is a Convection Microwave?
A convection microwave oven combines microwave cooking and convection heat. This dual-function appliance uses microwave energy to quickly cook food while also using convection heat to bake, roast, and brown, making it an effective tool for both everyday cooking and specialized baking.
What’s special about this?
1. Even Heat Distribution
Convection microwaves circulate hot air around the food to ensure even heat distribution. This is necessary for baking because it ensures a consistent texture and even browning, similar to a traditional oven.
2. Versatility
A convection microwave is a multifunctional appliance that can bake, roast, grill, and microwave. This adaptability enables you to experiment with various cooking methods and dishes.
3. Time Efficiency
Convection microwaves cook food faster than traditional ovens by combining microwave and convection technology. This is especially useful when you are short on time but want to enjoy freshly baked goods.
Now that we understand the importance of convection microwaves, we must learn about their key baking features for ease of use.
Don’t forget these important Convection Microwave baking techniques
1. Adjusting Recipes
When using a convection microwave, recipes designed for traditional ovens may need to be adjusted. In general, you will need to reduce both cooking time and temperature. Begin by lowering the baking temperature to 25°F (about 15°C) and closely monitoring the cooking process.
2. Preheating
Preheating your convection microwave, just like a conventional oven, is essential for the best baking results. Before putting your batter or dough in, allow it to preheat to the desired temperature.
3. Using Appropriate Cookware
Use microwave-safe, heat-resistant cookware like glass or ceramic to achieve the best results. Avoid using metal pans unless they are specifically designed for microwave use. Ensure that the cookware fits comfortably in the microwave and allows for adequate air circulation.
Baking Bread in a Convection Microwave
Baking bread in a convection microwave is probably the best way to enjoy a nice, fresh bread quickly. Let’s explore this simple recipe :
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ of cup sugar
- 1/2 of teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 of teaspoon salt
- 1/2 of cup milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- After this, slowly add the wet ingredients by stirring in milk, vegetable oil, and egg until the mixture is smooth.
- Preheat your convection microwave to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe dish and bake in the preheated convection microwave for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool down in the dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Quick and Easy Microwave Baking Delicacies
1. Mug Cake
A mug cake is perfect for a quick, single-serving dessert. Follow this basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 of cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 of cup sugar
- 1/4 of teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 of cup milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/4 of teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug and stir until smooth.
- Preheat your convection microwave to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 1-2 minutes in a convection microwave, or until the cake has risen and is thoroughly cooked.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving straight from the mug.
2. Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- First, melt the butter in the convection microwave in a microwave-safe bowl,
- Stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg, flour, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Preheat the convection microwave to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the batter into a microwave-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.
- Let the brownies cool down before cutting them into squares.
Check out the eggless cupcake recipe and the chocolate cake recipe.
3. Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust
- 1 and 1/2 of cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 of cup cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 of cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of cold water (adjustable)
For the Apple Filling
- 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
For the Pie Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pie crust
- In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough forms. Don’t overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill the dough.
- Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the pie:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough to fit your pie plate. Transfer to a pie or round baking dish that is microwave-safe.
- Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust and spread evenly.
- Roll out the remaining dough and spread it over the apple filling, or cut it into strips to form a lattice top. You have to trim and crimp the edges of the dough.
- Brush the beaten egg onto the top crust and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake in a convection microwave:
- Preheat your convection microwave to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie in a preheated convection microwave to cook for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to avoid burning.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set.
This amazing No-Bake Heavenly Oreo dessert will blow your mind.
Some Perfect Microwave Baking Tips
Monitor Cooking
Always keep an eye on your baking because convection microwaves cook faster than conventional ovens. Check if it is completely baked or not, a few minutes before the recipe’s recommended time.
Stir and Rotate
If your convection microwave lacks an automatic turntable, stir batters and rotate dishes halfway through cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Use a Thermometer
An oven thermometer can help ensure that your convection microwave is operating at the proper temperature, especially if it lacks an accurate built-in thermostat.
Experiment and Adjust
Do not be afraid to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures. Each convection microwave is unique, so adjust as needed based on your results.
Now that we have reached the end of the blog, did you decide which microwave you need? Are you confused? Don’t worry. Read further to understand this.
Choosing the Right Microwave for Baking
Selecting a microwave depends on several factors. Let’s see what they are.
- Cooking Needs: If you primarily bake, a convection or combination microwave may be more appropriate. If you only bake occasionally, a solo or grill microwave may suffice.
- Budget: Convection and combination microwaves are typically more expensive. Solo microwaves are cheaper but have fewer features.
- Space and Size: While shopping for a microwave, keep the size of the microwave and your kitchen space in mind. Larger models with convection and grilling functions may require more counter space.
If you are a complete novice in baking, maybe you should try joining a professional baking course like Whitecaps International School of Pastry to advance your baking skills. These types of professional courses will help you better understand microwave baking.
If baking makes you happy, try out as many different recipes as you can, and do not worry, Whitecaps has your back.
Allow your imagination to run wild with these recipes, and do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
