Easy Stovetop Sourdough Vanilla Cake – No Oven
This moist and fluffy Stovetop Sourdough Vanilla Cake is an easy, no-oven dessert made with a sourdough starter. A healthy, budget-friendly treat perfect for gas stove baking and everyday hospitality. Plus, don't miss the video tutorial at the end of this post for extra guidance.
Equipment
- mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons as needed
- 1 Whisk or mixing spoon
- 1 Rubber spatula (Optional)
- 2 7-inch round saucepans (or one 10–11 inch pan)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for fermenting)
- 1 Skewer or knife (for testing doneness)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsps. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1& ¼ cup milk
- ¾ cup cooking oil
- ¾ cup active sourdough starter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:In another bowl, add the sourdough starter, milk, and cooking oil. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Adjust:Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts. Depending on the type of flour you're using, you may need to add a little extra milk (around 1/4 cup) to reach the right consistency. You’re aiming for a batter that’s not too thick and not too thin—just perfect to hold its shape without being heavy.At this stage, you can either add the eggs or wait until after the bulk fermentation. I usually let the batter bulk ferment first (8–12 hours) and add the eggs later—it works beautifully either way.
- Bulk Ferment:Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter ferment at room temperature for 8–12 hours. This fermentation process is what makes your Stovetop Sourdough Vanilla Cake healthier and gives it that unique texture. It’s a great example of a no oven cake recipe that’s both easy and nourishing.
- Finish the Batter:After fermentation, stir down the batter. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir well until smooth. The batter should now be fluffy, light, and ready for baking.
- How to Bake Without an Oven:Grease and flour two 7-inch pans (or one larger10–11 inch pan) generously. Divide the batter evenly. If your gas stove has two tiny burners like mine, place the pans on these tiny burners on your stove and turn the heat to high for 30 seconds to preheat. Immediately reduce the flames to their lowest setting.If using a wide burner, preheat for 20 seconds. Don’t reduce to the lowest setting. The lowest setting for a wide burner is too high. It will burn the cake or cakes before they are ready. Instead, reduce the flame as though you are switching off and reduce to a very, very low flame as shown below.
- Bake for 40–60 minutes depending on your burner size. Cakes on smaller burners tend to bake faster. Insert a skewer or knife in the center—it should come out clean when done.
- Flip and Brown the Other Side:Once the cake or cakes are fully baked, you can flip each, one at a time, over onto a clean lid. Flip it again onto another clean lid to get the top side back up, then gently slide the pan over the cake to invert it back into the pan. Do this for the other cake too.Take it back on the low flame, cover it loosely for the steam to escape, and bake for another 10 minutes to brown the top side.
- Cooling and Serving:Allow the cakes to cool completely—preferably overnight. They will firm up beautifully and be ready to cut the next day.You’ll love how soft and moist the inside is, with that subtle sourdough texture and a delicate vanilla flavor. This Stovetop Sourdough Vanilla Cake is such a delightful treat for teatime, birthdays, or simply enjoying with family during meal prep days. I often serve it for breakfast too.In fact, I made a second Stovetop Sourdough Vanilla Cake the next day using the same recipe in one pan instead of two, and it turned out just as amazing. It’s perfect for freezing too—just wrap it tightly and you’ll have a quick dessert or snack on hand. If you're into gas stove baking recipes, this one is a must-try!