If you are craving something sweet and special at home, a fruit cake is a fantastic choice. It is loved by everyone, from children to adults. While buying a cake from the market is certainly convenient, a homemade fruit cake offers a unique and delightful flavor experience. The best part is that you don't need expensive ingredients or an oven to make it; you can prepare a wonderfully soft and delicious fruit cake right on your gas stove.

Many people believe that baking a cake is a difficult task, but with the right technique, it is actually quite simple. All you need are a few ingredients already available at home, some dry fruits or chopped fresh fruit, and a little patience. Even if you are baking a cake for the very first time, you will find this recipe easy to follow. The highlight is that this oven-free fruit cake tastes just as delicious as one from a professional bakery.

**Ingredients Required for the Cake**
Take one cup of all-purpose flour (maida), half a cup of sugar, half a cup of milk, half a cup of oil or butter, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of vanilla essence, and half a cup of chopped dry fruits, raisins, tutti-frutti, or small pieces of fresh fruit. If you wish, you can also add small chunks of apple, banana, or pineapple.

**First, Prepare the Batter**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and milk, and stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely. Now, add the oil (or melted butter) and mix well. Next, sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda directly into the mixture. Continue stirring gently to ensure there are no lumps. Now, add the vanilla essence. Finally, fold in the chopped dry fruits and tutti-frutti. The batter should be neither too thin nor too thick in consistency.

**How ​​to Bake Without an Oven**
Take a heavy-bottomed pan (kadai) or a large pot. Spread a thick layer of salt at the bottom of the vessel. Place a metal stand or a small plate on top of the salt layer. Now, cover the pan with a lid and let it preheat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a cake tin or a steel vessel with ghee and sprinkle it with a little flour. Now, pour the prepared batter into it.

Now, the correct method for baking the cake:
Place the cake tin on top of a stand inside a preheated *kadhai* (wok). Cover it with a lid and cook on a low flame for 35 to 45 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly during this time. After 35 minutes, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a knife. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If any batter clings to it, cook it for a little while longer. Once the cake is baked, turn off the gas and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, using a knife, loosen the edges and invert the cake onto a plate. You can decorate it by topping it with dry fruits, cream, or honey.

PC Social Media