When Cake Falls In The Middle: The Sunken Truth
In my series of cake questions, another one of the top questions was, “When Cake Falls In The Middle”.
When a cake falls in the middle, it can be frustrating, but it's a common issue with a few possible causes:
Underbaking: If the cake is not baked long enough, the center may collapse. Always test for doneness with a toothpick before removing the cake from the oven.
Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, causing the cake to rise too quickly and then collapse. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that is too hot can cause the cake to rise rapidly and then fall. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Opening the Oven Door Too Soon: Opening the oven door too early in the baking process can cause the cake to collapse. Try to avoid opening the door until the cake is close to being done.
Too Much Leavening Agent: Using too much baking powder or baking soda can cause the cake to rise too much and then collapse. Be sure to measure accurately.
Improper Pan Size: Using a pan that is too small can cause the cake to rise too much and then fall in the center. Use the pan size recommended in the recipe.
If your cake does fall in the middle, don't worry! You can often salvage it by shaving off a bit of the top above the sunken part and covering it with frosting or filling. It may not look perfect, but it will still taste delicious.