Have a birthday coming up? No time to stick a cake in the oven? No oven to bake the cake in? No problem.
There are many alternatives for making cakes without an oven. These include ways in which to bake a normal cake using other methods, as well as making a cake out of different ingredients.
Either way, you’ll have a cake worth eating, even if it isn’t baked in the oven!
Did you know it’s also possible to make cookies without an oven?
Skip ahead for the rest of the article.

Ways to bake a cake without an oven using other appliances/methods
1 – Microwave
Microwaving a cake is simple, fast, and easy. All you do is mix together the ingredients for the cake in a mug, and stick it into the microwave for a few minutes (put it in for the amount of time the recipe directs you; it usually takes about 3 minutes). And then a perfect, warm cake comes out!
This method is so popular now, that you can even get the mug and cake mix as a set, like this Molly & Drew mug cake set.
Take a look at this short video to see how quick and easy the process is:
Benefits to using this method:
- Fast and easy.
- Doesn’t require any more tools than a mug and a spoon.
- Produces a gooey warm cake.
- You don’t have to worry about removing the cake from a tin.
Drawbacks to using this method:
- You can’t really make a traditional two-layer cake with this method.
- The cake must be eaten right away.
- Limited options for the shape of the cake.
2 – Crockpot
If you look up recipes online for baking a cake in a crockpot, you’ll be sure to find some recipes! Although a unique way of baking a cake, it does the job.
Just simply mix the ingredients as directed in the crockpot, and let it bake for the set amount of time. If you want your cake to be shaped like a typical round cake, make sure you go with a round crock pot.
Benefits to using this method:
- Easy to do- no pans or other tools necessary.
- The cake comes out moist and gooey.
- You can leave the cake to bake- no worrying about checking on it all of the time since it bakes so slowly.
Drawbacks to using this method:
- No options for the shape of the cake- it comes out however your crockpot is shaped.
- It’s hard to get the cake out of the crockpot, and the only way to remove it is in messy squares.
- No way to form a traditional two-layer cake from the cake made in the crockpot.
- Takes a long time to bake- most take around three hours.
3 – Cast Iron Pan (skillet cake)

Using a cast iron pan is a simple way to make a cake. Just mix the ingredients together, pour the batter into the pan, and place on the stovetop under a low heat, with a lid placed on top.
Bake for around one hour, or as directed (according to the recipe).
Benefits to using this method:
- Simple and easy.
- Uses very few tools- only what’s used to measure, a spoon, and the cast iron pan with a lid.
- The cake comes out just firm enough to be able to slice into clean pieces.
Drawbacks to using this method:
- Takes a long time to bake- around an hour.
- You can’t really make a two-layer cake, although you could if you buttered the pan very well before baking.
- Cake can only come out in the shape of a circle, unless you have a square-shaped cast iron pan.
Ways to make a cake without an oven using different ingredients
Jello cake
If you’re scrolling through social media, you’ve most likely seen a jello cake. Made out of all different flavors of jello, this cake holds together in any shape or pattern you can think of. You can use fruity jello, or even chocolate jello.
Many people use this method to make a cake because it allows you to easily make the cake into any shape you desire.
Still not sure what a jello cake is? Take a look at the video below, which details the process and gives you a good idea of the results to expect:
Benefits to making this type of cake:
- You can use any flavors you want to.
- It’s possible to make this cake into any shape or pattern you want.
- No cooking is required.
- It can be stored for a longer time than a normal cake.
- It’s impressive if done correctly.
Drawbacks to making this type of cake:
- Hard to do complicated patterns- you have to get the jello into a precise mold in a specific order in order to get the desired shape.
- It takes a long time to set, as the jello needs to firm up before continuing to build the cake.
- It may not be pleasurable to eat, as to get different colors you need flavors of jello that might not taste good together.
- It’s easy for it to come out looking like a complete mess.
Ice Cream Cake
If you’ve never had ice cream cake, you’re in for a treat. This cake is made out of, you guessed it, ice cream. It can be chocolate, vanilla, or anything in between.
This cake can look like a normal cake, but without the typical cake layers. It can be frosted with normal frosting, or with extra ice cream. This cake is perfect for a hot summer day!
Benefits to making this type of cake:
- Easy to make- it only requires store-bought ice cream and a cake pan.
- You can make a two-layer cake.
- It’s perfect for a hot day.
- It can be made in many flavors.
- There’s no cooking time.
Drawbacks to making this type of cake:
- It can get messy if the ice cream starts to melt.
- It must be kept in the freezer at all times to retain the shape and texture.
- It may not be so great to have in the winter since it’s cold.
- It takes a while to set in the freezer.
Cheesecake

If you want a delicious, smooth and creamy cake to make without an oven, make a cheesecake. The bottom layer can be made from anything: graham cracker crumbs, Oreos, cookies, anything. The filling can be flavored in any way.
My personal favorite that I’ve seen online is Oreo cheesecake (crushed Oreo cookies on the bottom, and a creamy filling baked on the stovetop and made from the inside of the cookie).
Benefits to making this type of cake:
- Many possibilities as to the flavor of the cake.
- Typically the filling is made on the stovetop, meaning it’s easy to whip up.
- It tastes rich and smooth.
- It’s easy to cut into.
Drawbacks to making this type of cake:
- It’s time consuming and the cake usually takes a while to set.
- It can’t be formed into a two-layer cake.
- Needs to be refrigerated once made.
These are just some of the ways to make cakes without an oven, and I’m sure there are even more possibilities to make cakes without one! Be creative- try to make a cake using a different appliance or different ingredients and see what works and what doesn’t!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.