Making a chocolate cake in a cooking range is straightforward when you control temperature, mixing order, and baking time. This method works for gas and Electric Cooking Ranges and produces a soft, moist cake with even rise.

Before You Start (Preparation)

Before baking:

• Ensure the cooking range oven is clean
• Remove extra trays and use the middle rack
• Preheat the oven properly
• Use room-temperature ingredients

Proper preparation is key to consistent results.

Ingredients (Basic Chocolate Cake)

Dry ingredients:
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Wet ingredients:
• Eggs
• Milk
• Oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Optional:
• Hot water or hot milk for extra moisture

Step 1: Preheat the Cooking Range

Set the oven to:

• 170–180°C (340–355°F)

Preheat for 10–15 minutes.
Never place cake batter in a cold oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

• Grease the pan with oil or butter
• Dust lightly with flour or cocoa powder
• Line the base with baking paper if available

This prevents sticking and helps clean release.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl:

1. Add flour

2. Add cocoa powder

3. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt

4. Mix well to distribute evenly

Proper mixing prevents uneven rising.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

1. Beat eggs lightly

2. Add sugar and mix until smooth

3. Add milk, oil or butter, and vanilla

4. Mix until fully combined

Do not over-whip.

Step 5: Combine Batter

1. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture

2. Mix gently until smooth

3. Add hot water or milk slowly if used

4. Batter should be pourable but not thin

Over-mixing can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Pour and Level Batter

• Pour batter into the prepared pan
• Tap gently to remove air bubbles
• Level the surface with a spatula

Step 7: Bake in the Cooking Range

• Place the pan on the middle rack
• Bake for 30–40 minutes
• Do not open the oven for the first 25 minutes

Opening early can cause the cake to sink.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

The cake is ready when:

• A toothpick inserted comes out clean
• The surface springs back lightly
• Edges pull slightly from the pan

If needed, bake an extra 5 minutes and recheck.

Step 9: Cool the Cake Properly

• Remove from oven
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes
• Turn out onto a wire rack
• Cool completely before frosting

Cooling sets the cake structure.

Gas vs Electric Cooking Range Tips

Gas Cooking Ranges:
• Heat faster
• Check browning earlier

Electric cooking ranges:
• More even heat
• Slightly more stable baking

Both work well with correct temperature control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping preheating
• Over-mixing batter
• Baking at high temperature
• Opening the oven too early
• Removing cake before fully set

Summary

To make chocolate cake in a cooking range:

1. Preheat oven to 170–180°C

2. Prepare cake pan

3. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately

4. Combine gently

5. Bake on middle rack for 30–40 minutes

6. Cool fully before serving

With proper heat control and gentle mixing, a cooking range can produce a moist, evenly baked chocolate cake perfect for everyday baking or special occasions.