LadyCook61
Master Chef
I have a set of SS bowls and wondered if I cook bake in them, for instance, to make round bread. The bowls are usually used for mixing batters and the like, they are not really heavy duty.
If they are at least the same gauge as metal cake pans, muffin pans, etc., you should have no problem. They should be completely stainless. That is, no "grip" material on the bottom or such.
I would be more inclined to bake bread in a dutch oven or clay casserole than a stainless bowl, personally. Stainless is not known for baking evenly. Do you have convection? It would be a good experiment. Would you report back and let us know how it goes?
p.s. If you're interested, there was a recent article in CI (check cooksillustrated.com) with bread prepared in a dutch oven.
LadyCook61,
I am no baking expert, but my first thought would be these bowls will result on uneven bake... too much baking on the outside and too little on the middle, the area where there is more dough (your piece won't rise so much in the center and will probably be undercook). If I were you, I would give it a try using mild temperature with a bain marie to reduce the amount of direct heat your bread/cake/etc. will get.
I would check the manufacturer to be sure, but I think you probably wouldn't want to if they are not heavy duty. They might warp or worse.