BAKE USING A MICROWAVE: QUICK AND EASY DESSERTS

MICROWAVE OVEN FOR BAKING: THE BASICS

Gone are the days when microwaves were just for reheating leftovers or steaming veggies or rice. Today's microwave ovens are versatile kitchen powerhouses, capable of baking up delicious desserts in minutes. Whether you're craving a gooey chocolate cake or crispy cookies, your microwave may be able to rise to the occasion. Before diving into specific recipes, learn some of the basics about using a microwave oven for baking. While it might seem unconventional, baking in a microwave is not only possible but can produce surprisingly delicious results.

CAN YOU REALLY BAKE IN A MICROWAVE?

You bet your sweet tooth you can! While it won't replace your conventional oven, microwaves are ideal for quick, single-serving desserts without heating the whole kitchen. The key to using your standard microwave oven for baking is using microwave-safe containers, adjusting cooking times (reducing them to about 1/4 of traditional oven times), and checking for doneness frequently, as microwaves cook quickly.

IS OVEN BAKING THE SAME AS BAKING IN A MICROWAVE?

Microwaves cook food by vibrating molecules, heating evenly throughout. In contrast, ovens transfer heat from outside in, creating crispy or carmelized exteriors and moist interiors. While microwaves can quickly cook batters and doughs, they won't produce the golden-brown crusts or crispy textures achieved by oven baking. Microwave-baked goods will often have a uniform texture, unlike the varied textures in oven-baked items.

For oven-like finishes, you can turn to a convection microwave or microwaves with specialty settings like brown or broil. Select Maytag^® microwaves feature a Brown function that adds a crunchy layer to the top of food using direct heat without microwave cooking power. Read on to explore different microwaves that can bake your favorite desserts and more.

TYPES OF MICROWAVES FOR BAKING

Not all microwaves are created equal when it comes to baking. You can bake simple recipes in almost any microwave, like these models from Maytag brand. However, the texture of your food, particularly the exterior, may not be what you’re used to from an oven. If you're in the market for a microwave that bakes like an oven, look for models with convection capabilities. These microwave-convection combo units offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to quickly heat foods and achieve crispy, browned exteriors on your baked goods. Here are the three main types of microwaves that you can bake in:

1. Standard Microwave: Can be used for simple mug cakes, muffins and other quick desserts. The texture of microwaved baked goods will likely be uniform throughout and lack a browned crust.

2. Microwave/Toaster Oven Combinations: You can often bake, broil and toast in many of these models. Features like broiler heating elements help give baked goods a more traditional, browned finish.

3. Microwave Oven with Convection: Combines microwave technology with convection heating, allowing for more even baking and browning and a true, oven-like finish.

ADVANTAGES OF BAKING IN A MICROWAVE

1. Speed: Baking in a standard microwave is significantly faster than using a conventional oven.

2. Energy Efficiency: Microwaves typically use less energy than heating a full-size oven.

3. Convenience: Perfect for small batches or single servings.

4. Less Heat: Ideal for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up your kitchen.

CONVECTION OVEN MICROWAVE OVEN: THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN MULTITASKERS

A convection microwave oven is like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances. It combines the quick-cooking power of a microwave with the even heating and browning capabilities of a convection oven. This means you can bake, roast, and crisp foods to perfection, all in one compact unit.

CAN YOU BAKE IN A CONVECTION MICROWAVE?

Absolutely! Convection microwaves are designed for baking. When the setting is activated, they use a fan to circulate hot air, mimicking the environment of a traditional oven. Convection mode heats food inside and out to seal in flavors and juices—so you can leave the browning, baking and crisping to the microwave. Cooking times with the convection feature will be closer to a traditional oven, so if you’re looking for a quick fix, stick to standard microwave settings.

HOW TO USE A CONVECTION MICROWAVE FOR BAKING

Every model varies, so be sure to follow any instructions in the owner’s manual for your convection microwave. Here are some general tips to get started baking in a convection microwave.

1. Preheat the microwave using the convection setting.

2. Use microwave-safe and oven-safe bakeware.

3. Reduce the temperature by about 25°F from a standard oven recipe.

4. Check your baked goods earlier than you would in a conventional oven, as convection cooking is often faster than a standard oven.

MICROWAVE OVEN CONVERSION: TRANSLATING RECIPES

Cooking in your oven isn’t your only option. When using a standard microwave for baking, you'll need to adjust oven recipes. Here are some general guidelines for oven to microwave conversions:

• Reduce cooking time by about 1/4 to 1/3.

• Use a lower power setting for more delicate recipes.

• 1 minute in a microwave is roughly equivalent to 8 minutes in a conventional oven.

• Microwaves vary in wattage and power, so you may need to adjust times slightly.

Remember, these are just guidelines. Always keep an eye on your baked goods and adjust as needed.

BAKING A CAKE IN YOUR MICROWAVE OVEN

Craving cake but don't want to wait an hour? You don’t need a convection microwave or oven to quickly “bake” your favorite desserts. Even your standard microwave has got your back. Here's how to bake a cake in a microwave oven without convection:

1. Mix your cake batter as usual.

2. Pour into a microwave-safe dish.

3. Microwave on medium power for 3-4 minutes, checking every 30 seconds after the first 2 minutes.

• Insert a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean. Continue cooking in small increments until it is done.

Tips for Perfect Microwave Cakes

• Use a microwave-safe dish with straight sides for more even cooking.

• Don't overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.

• Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing from the dish.

OTHER MICROWAVE BAKING RECIPES

There are many recipes for baked goods that are doable in a microwave. The Dual Crisp feature, available on some Maytag^® microwaves, can add oven-like textures and finishes to microwaved baked goods. It uses an extended cycle to crisp up everything from soggy pizza slices to frozen fries.

MICROWAVE OVEN AND BAKING OVEN: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES

While microwaves can be great for quick baking, it's important to understand how they differ from conventional ovens. Here's a quick comparison:

For a more detailed comparison of convection ovens vs. microwaves, check out this comprehensive guide.

TIPS FOR MICROWAVE BAKING SUCCESS

1. Use microwave-safe containers: Glass, ceramic, or silicone work best.

2. Don't overbake: Microwaves cook quickly, so check your baked goods often.

3. Let it rest: Allow your treats to cool for a few minutes after cooking.

4. Experiment: Each microwave is different, so don't be afraid to adjust times and power levels.

5. Use microwave power levels: Lower power can help with more even cooking.

GET EXCITED FOR QUICK AND EASY MICROWAVE DESSERTS

While your microwave may never completely replace your conventional oven, it's a versatile tool that can help you whip up delicious desserts in no time. From cakes to cookies, brownies to muffins, your microwave is capable of satisfying your sweet tooth cravings with minimal fuss.

So the next time you're hit with a dessert craving but don't want to deal with the hassle of preheating the oven and washing multiple dishes, remember—your microwave is ready and waiting to help you bake up something delicious.