How Long It Takes To Bake A Cake In A Toaster Oven

As a kitchen specialist, I’m always looking for ways to get my cake fix as soon as possible. I love measuring, mixing, and baking cakes.

I checked to see if my trusty toaster oven could help speed up the baking process. I’ve used it for small batches of cookies and toast. I experimented many times to make cakes using to toaster oven. Now I know, how long it takes to bake a cake in a toaster oven. 

In this guide, I’ll share my expertise and tips to help you bake perfect cakes in your toaster oven.

I will talk about temperature adjustments and essential steps for success. I’ll also answer frequently asked questions. I’ll provide bonus tips for achieving bakery-worthy results. So, Let’s go to start

Factors That Affect Baking Time for Cakes in Toaster Ovens

A few factors determine how long it will take to bake a cake in these compact ovens.

The size and shape of your cake pan matter. Round cake pans heat more evenly than square ones so that baking time may be shorter. Shallow pans also bake faster than deeper ones. In my experience, a typical 9-inch round cake pan takes 10-15 minutes longer to bake in a toaster oven than a standard oven.

The temperature setting affects baking time. Most toaster oven cake recipes call for around 325 F to prevent over-browning. At this moderate temperature, expect a minimum of 40-50 minutes for a small 6-inch cake and up to 70 minutes for a large Bundt or tube cake. For the best results, check on your cake 10 minutes before the minimum recommended baking time to see how it’s progressing.

The number of cakes baking at once increases the total time. If you’re baking many cakes or batches in succession, you’ll need to account for extra minutes to allow the toaster oven to preheat between uses. Give the oven 10-15 minutes to recover its temperature before putting in the next cake.

Toaster ovens vary in power, so keep a close eye on your cake the first time you bake in a new oven. Look for signs that it’s done, like a golden brown color, a firm outer crust, and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean. After experimenting, you’ll feel how long it takes to bake the perfect cake in your toaster oven.

Determine Baking Baking Time and Temperature

The key is determining your specific oven’s optimal baking time and temperature

Baking Time and Temperature for Cakes in a Toaster Oven

Cake Size	Baking Time (Minutes)	Baking Temperature (F)	Notes
Small 6-inch round cake	25-35	325	Check for doneness 10 minutes before the minimum baking time. Underbake slightly rather than overbake.
Typical 9×9-inch square cake	35-45	325	Follow the same notes as for the 6-inch round cake.
Chocolate cake	30-40	300	Lower temperature prevents chocolate from burning.
For quicker baking	20-30	350	Check on the cake earlier and tent with foil to prevent over-browning.

Baking Time

The baking time can vary depending on the size and type of cake you make. Generally, a small 6-inch round cake will take 25-35 minutes, while a typical 9×9-inch square cake can take 35-45 minutes. Check on your cake 10 minutes before the minimum baking time to see how it’s progressing. You can then determine if it needs a few minutes more. It’s always better to underbake slightly rather than overbake. An overbaked cake can become dry.

Baking Temperature

For most cakes, a moderate temperature of around 325 F is ideal. At this temp, the cake will bake evenly without the outside becoming too browned before the inside is done. However, for chocolate cakes or cakes containing chocolate chips, a slightly lower temp of 300 F is better so the chocolate doesn’t burn.

Higher temperatures, around 350 F, can be used for quicker baking, but check on your cake earlier since it may bake faster. Also, higher heat requires tenting the cake with foil to prevent over-browning. Whatever temperature you choose, properly preheat your toaster oven before putting the cake in. It will ensure even baking right from the start.

With some experimenting, you’ll discover the perfect time and temperature combo for baking cakes in your toaster oven. Your cakes will turn out light, fluffy, and moist every time. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Cake in a Toaster Oven

One of my favorite small-space baking tools is a toaster oven. Believe it or not, you can bake a cake in a toaster oven! Here’s how I do it:

Step 1. Grease and flour the pan

Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and dust it with flour, tapping out the excess. Ensure the pan will fit in your toaster oven before you start – you may need a smaller pan.

Step 2. Mix the batter

Use a recipe for a simple, oil-based cake like a yogurt cake or olive oil cake. Mix the batter as directed, being careful not to overmix. An oil-based batter is more forgiving in a toaster oven, where temperature control can be tricky.

Step 3. Fill the pan and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling it about % complete. Place the pan in the center of your toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350 F and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4. Check frequently

Keep a close eye on the cake for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Toaster ovens can bake unevenly, so rotate the pan once during baking and check the cake early. It’s done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5. Cool and frost (optional)

Allow the cake to cool completely, at least 2 hours, before frosting and serving. The cake will fall slightly as it cools. Frost, if desired, once cooled. Enjoy your toaster oven treat!

Baking a cake in a toaster oven may require some experimentation to get it just right. But with some patience, you’ll be turning out moist, delicious cakes with the equipment you have on hand.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Cakes From a Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens heat up and cool down faster than regular ovens. Baking in them can be tricky. But you can still make a perfect little cake with some adjustments. Here are my tips:

1. Adjust the recipe

Most cake recipes are designed for a standard oven, so you’ll need to make changes for a toaster oven. Use a recipe meant for a 6-8 inch cake pan and cut all ingredient amounts in half. It will ensure your cake bakes evenly in the smaller toaster oven. You may also need to reduce the baking temperature by 25 degrees F to prevent overbrowning.

2. Allow the ingredients to come to room temperature

Cold ingredients can negatively impact the baking process. Take your eggs, butter, and milk out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking so they can warm up. It will help your cake rise better and bake more evenly.

3. Grease and flour the pan well

Since toaster ovens circulate heat differently, cakes tend to stick more. Be very generous with greasing the pan and dusting it with flour. I also like to line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy release.

4. Rotate the pan halfway through

Toaster ovens often have uneven heating, so rotate your cake pan from front to back halfway through baking. It will help the cake bake evenly and prevent one side from drying.

5. Check for doneness and add time if needed

The baking time in a toaster oven may need to be increased by a few minutes. Check your cake for doneness with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, continue baking in 3-5 minute increments, checking each time until it’s done.

6. Allow for longer cooling before frosting

Toaster ovens keep heat well, so cakes need more cooling time. It prevents frosting from melting when applied. Allow the cake to cool completely, at least 2 hours, before frosting or decorating.

With these tips, you’ll quickly be baking perfect cakes in your toaster oven. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to share my experience as an avid baker and kitchen specialist!

Frequently Asked Questions on Baking Cakes in Toaster

Is baking a cake in a toaster oven possible?

As an avid baker, I get this question all the time. The short answer is yes, you can bake a cake in a toaster oven. I’ve been baking for over 20 years and have learned a few tricks to make it work.

How long will it take?

The baking time will depend on the size of your toaster oven and the cake pan. In general, it will take 10-15 minutes longer than the recipe specifies for a standard oven. Start checking on your cake about 5 minutes before the minimum recommended baking time. Toaster ovens heat up and cool down faster, so keep a close eye on your cake.

Do I need to adjust the temperature?

Lower the baking temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit from what your recipe calls for. Toaster ovens run hot, so lowering the temperature will prevent overbaking. Check on your cake 5-10 minutes before the end of the baking time-you may need to reduce the temperature a bit more. The key is to keep the toaster oven door open for the first half of the baking time.

What kind of cake pans should I use?

Use cake pans designed explicitly for toaster ovens or small pans like 6- or 7-inch rounds. Avoid large rectangular pans, which won’t fit properly in most toaster ovens. Grease and flour your pans well so the cake releases easily.

Other tips

• Place a baking sheet under the cake pan in case it drips
• Rotate the cake pan halfway through for even baking
• Tent the cake with foil if it’s browning too quickly
• Allow cakes to cool completely, at least 2 hours, before frosting

With some experimenting, you’ll be baking fluffy yellow cakes, rich chocolate cakes, and sweet banana bread in no time. Happy baking and lovely wishes! Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned over the years.

Conclusion

Ultimately, baking a cake in a toaster oven is entirely doable if you have some patience and are willing to experiment. 

As with any new recipe or technique, there is a learning curve, but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll whip up mini cakes and treats in no time. Start with a simple recipe, watch the baking closely, and be ready to adjust cooking times up or down for your particular toaster oven. Keep going, even if the first cake turns out perfectly. 

Try again – that’s how we learn and improve our skills. And remember, even if it’s not bakery-perfect, a slightly wonky but homemade cake baked with love will still taste delicious.

 I’ve inspired you to give it a try. Let me know if you have any other questions.