How to Bake a Cake Using a Jiko (Charcoal Stove)

Overview

Baking a cake on a jiko uses indirect heat and an enclosed space to mimic a traditional oven. With a simple two-pot setup, a rack, and careful heat control, you can bake a standard cake at home even without an electric oven.

Why a jiko can work for baking

Charcoal heat can be steady if you manage bottom heat and top heat. The closed pot traps hot air around the cake, cooking it evenly.

What you can bake

Most standard butter cakes, sponge cakes, or pound cakes work. A common size is an 8-inch round pan; you can adapt for other sizes if your pots allow.

What you need

• Cake batter prepared from your favorite recipe
• 8-inch round cake pan (or similar size), greased and lined with parchment
• Large heavy pot with lid (the outer pot)
• A metal rack or small trivet to lift the pan above the bottom
• Charcoal briquettes or hardwood for the heat source
• Tongs and heatproof gloves for handling
• Optional: oven thermometer or heat-safe ring to help space things evenly

Equipment and layout

The basic setup is a makeshift oven inside a large pot. The cake pan sits on a rack above the bottom of the pot. The lid traps heat, and you can add or remove hot coals on the lid to adjust top heat as needed.

Prep your batter

• Prepare your cake batter as you normally would and pour it into the prepared pan, filling about two-thirds full to leave room for rising.
• Tap the pan softly to settle the batter and remove air pockets.
• If you like, place a parchment round on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Setting up your jiko as a makeshift oven

Build the heat bed

• Light the charcoal and spread a bed of hot coals in the bottom of the outer pot.
• Let the coals catch and glow before you start cooking.

Position the cake

• Place a metal rack or heatproof trivet inside the pot so the cake pan sits above the hot surface.
• Put the cake pan on the rack.

Trap heat and control timing

• Put the lid on to trap heat. To boost top heat, place a few hot coals on the lid. If the bottom is browning too fast, reduce bottom heat by moving some coals away or lifting the pan slightly higher.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Safety reminders

• Use tongs and heatproof gloves when handling hot pots and coals.
• Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

Baking steps

Preheat and bake time

• Allow the jiko to reach a steady heat with the lid on for a few minutes before placing the cake inside.
• Bake for about 40–60 minutes, depending on pot size and batter. Start checking around 35–40 minutes using a toothpick.

Rotation and monitoring

• Rotate the cake pan 180 degrees midway to promote even cooking.
• If the top browns too quickly, move coals to the lid or reduce bottom heat and cover more loosely.

Checking doneness and finishing

Doneness test

• Insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
• If needed, bake a few extra minutes with the lid slightly ajar to evaporate excess moisture.

Cooling and serving

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove to a rack to finish cooling.
• Slice and enjoy. Cakes baked on a jiko may have a slightly different crumb texture due to the heat source—still tasty and rewards with a rustic charm.

Tips and variations

• Pan size and pot capacity matter: bigger pots allow more even heat and room for a larger cake; smaller pots may cook faster.
• Line the pan with parchment and grease well to prevent sticking.
• For denser cakes (like pound cake), you may need a longer bake time or a gentler heat.
• If you have a thermometer, aim for a medium heat when you place the lid on; adjust with lid coals to keep it steady.

Safety and cleanup

Safety reminders

• Always use heatproof gloves and tongs when handling the pots and coals.
• Keep flammable materials away from the cooking area and ensure stable setup to prevent tipping.

Cleaning and storing leftovers

• Allow everything to cool completely before cleaning. Wipe the outside of pots, wash the cake pan as usual, and store leftovers in an airtight container.