Yes, you can bake in a stainless steel bowl. However, consistent usage in the oven can subject your stainless steel bowl to warp and discoloration.
To begin with, a little backstory: About three years ago, I received a large order for my cakes and pastries, with a short time to deliver. I’ve never been under such pressure.
I had so much baking to do that I ran out of tools, used up all of my baking pans, and had to improvise—That’s when I discovered I could use a stainless steel bowl for baking. Yes, the same bowl you use to mix your ingredients.
It was a huge risk trying it for the first time, but it turned out so well, and I’ve had to retry the stainless steel bowl in my oven to perfect the technique.
So, back to the question, ‘’Can You Bake In A Stainless Steel Bowl’’ Yes, you can! And no, you won’t hurt yourself or ruin your food if properly executed.
In this article, I’ll explain why stainless steel is a safe alternative to baking pans and the proper way to use the baking technique.
Can You Use A Stainless Steel Bowl As A Baking Pan?
You don’t need to invest in expensive bakeware to make delicious baked foods. Instead, you can use a few easy-to-find tools for baking like a pro on a budget.
Ideally, a baking pan is required to heat your cake in the oven. However, if you are not an avid baker, you are unlikely to have one at home. Hence, you must find an alternative.
Although your stainless steel bowl is an excellent mixing pan, it can come in handy as your baking pan.
They come in a round shape and are available in various sizes for various baking purposes. Also, they are heat resistant and can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F, making them an excellent substitute for baking pans.
Why Baking In Stainless Steel Bowls Is A Great Idea
Although other products can serve the dual purpose of mixing and baking, a stainless steel bowl is preferred for the following reasons:
Durability
Stainless steel bowls are more durable than other kitchenware because they are designed to resist corrosion. As a result, they can last a very long time and will not break even if they accidentally slip off your finger.
Easy To Clean
Stainless steel bowls, unlike other kitchenware, are simple to clean after use. They can easily be hand washed or put in the dishwasher.
Low Maintenance
Stainless steel doesn’t rust, crack, chip or peel. So if you’re looking for something that requires little care, stainless steel is definitely the way to go.
Lightweight
Because stainless steel tools are lightweight, they are easy to maneuver in the kitchen. For instance, a glass mixing bowl’s weight often becomes a burden when mixing and moving baking ingredients.
Inexpensive
Stainless steel bowls are often used in homes because they are inexpensive and easily accessible.
Distribution Of Heat
While other kitchenware may not be suitable for high temperatures, stainless steel bowls can handle and distribute heat, making them an excellent substitute for baking pans.
Smooth And Non-stick Surface
Finally, the smooth surface of stainless steel bowls makes it easy to scrape or pour ingredients out of them. This makes cleaning much easier because there’s no need to scrub off any burnt food or grease.
Cons Of Baking In A Stainless Steel Bowl
With so many advantages to using stainless steel bowls for baking, it’s essential to prepare your mind for some downsides, especially if you’re not a professional or a first-time baker. From my own experience, these are some of the reasons why I believe stainless steel bowls should not be used for baking:
Heat Conductor
Stainless steel bowls, unlike baking pans, conduct heat. Therefore, they can become extremely hot and untouchable when placed in extreme heat. So, when baking in a stainless steel bowl, you must use extra caution to avoid burning your cake and your hands while removing them from the oven.
Discoloration
Baking with stainless steel bowls comes at the high cost of watching them disfigure in the oven as they expand and contrast. For instance, the heat from the oven has discolored the shiny surface of many of my stainless steel bowls after several uses.
Uneven Heat Distribution
Compared to a baking pan, heat distribution in stainless steel bowls is uneven. As a result, you must keep a close eye on your cake and lower your oven temperature to avoid burning your cake.
Not Entirely Oven-Safe
If your stainless steel bowl has a thick wall, it should be oven safe. However, you may encounter difficulties with a thinner bowl. In addition, you risk damaging your stainless steel bowl if you use it in the oven consistently.
How To Bake In A Stainless Steel Bowl
If you’ve never baked in a stainless steel bowl before, then you should try it. It’s not as difficult as you may think and is very similar to baking in other materials.
So, if you’re used to baking in a cake pan, you can bake in a stainless steel bowl as well; just follow these simple instructions.
To get started:
- Mix your baking ingredients in a mixing bowl thoroughly.
- Choose your preferred stainless steel bowl size.
- Coat the inside of your bowl with oil or butter to prevent food from sticking to the sides.
- Then, sprinkle the bowl surface with a bit of flour.
- Fill the bowl with your already mixed flour or dough.
- Preheat your oven to a slightly lower temperature for your baking pan.
- Use the temperature specified in the recipe (as long as it is less than 500°F). Remember that baking in a stainless steel bowl may take up to 5 minutes longer than baking in a regular baking pan.
- When the baking is finished, remove the bowl from the oven by wrapping your hands in a thick cloth or using an oven mitt.
Precautions:
- Avoid using sharp iron objects to remove baked foods from the bowl to avoid scratches.
- Allow the bowl to cool completely before washing.
- Hand wash your bowl gently with a mild sponge to avoid scratches.
What Other Baking Bowls Can You Use For Baking
Stainless steel bowls aren’t the only alternative to a baking pan. Other oven-safe kitchen items include:
Glass Baking Dishes
Glass bowls are made of heat-resistant tempered glass and can be used for mixing and baking in the oven. Also, they are transparent and will help you to effectively gauge your ingredients.
However, a significant downside of glass bowls is that they are heavier than stainless steel bowls.
Ceramic Pans
Despite being heavy and prone to chipping, Ceramic pans can be used effectively as baking bowls. They can distribute heat evenly, preventing burns and hotspots. They are also inexpensive and simple to clean, just like stainless steel baking bowls.
FAQs On Can You Bake In A Stainless Steel Bowl
Is it Safe To Mix All Food Ingredients In The Baking Bowl?
Certain food ingredients with high acidic concentrations, such as vinegar and tomatoes, should not be mixed in stainless steel baking bowls.
What Type Of Bowls Can Be Used In The Oven?
Stainless steel bowls with thick walls are oven safe. But not all glass bowls are oven-safe; make sure the glass bowl is labeled “oven safe.” Other oven-safe bowls include silicone, copper, ceramic, and porcelain.
Can I Put My Metal Mixing Bowl In The Refrigerator?
Metal mixing bowls are quite versatile. While they are designed to hold ingredients while you’re mixing or preparing food, they can be used for storage in the fridge. As long as you’re not storing anything too heavy like raw meat or other heavy liquids, which can eventually warp them.
