Have you ever thought about baking a cake using a traditional jiko? A jiko is an energy-saving charcoal stove commonly used in East Africa, especially in Kenya. Not only does it save energy, but it also provides delicious results that can rival any modern oven. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of baking a cake using a jiko.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 2 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup boiling water

Utensils and equipment:

– A traditional jiko

– Charcoal or briquettes

– Large cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid (preferably with a flat base)

– Wire rack or trivet to fit inside the pot

– Round cake pan (that fits inside the cooking pot)

– Mixing bowls, whisk, and spatula

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Jiko

Start by lighting up the charcoal in your jiko, ensuring that you have enough fuel to last for about an hour of baking. Once the charcoal is hot, spread it evenly around the edges of your jiko and create some space in the center. This will help distribute the heat evenly within the jiko.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pan and Cooking Pot

Grease your round cake pan well and line it with parchment paper. Place the wire rack or trivet at the bottom of your large cooking pot, then place several small stones on top of it. This will raise your cake pan off the base of the pot to avoid direct heat and ensure even heat distribution.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until just mixed.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with your spatula until well combined. Next, carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin but don’t worry; this is normal!

Step 6: Pour the Batter into Cake Pan

Pour the cake batter into your prepared cake pan. Carefully place the pan on top of the stones inside the cooking pot with a lid.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Cover your cooking pot with the tight-fitting lid and let it bake on your jiko for approximately 45-55 minutes. Avoid opening the lid frequently as it may cause temperature fluctuations.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

After about 45 minutes, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready! If not, let it bake for another 5-10 minutes before checking again.

Step 9: Let It Cool

Once your cake has baked to perfection, remove from heat and let it sit in its pan for around 10 minutes. Afterward, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before you cut or frosts it.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully baked a delicious cake using a traditional jiko. Feel free to experiment with different recipes or add various fillings and frostings to customize your jiko-baked creation!