1. My cake is flat, did not rise, or half of the cake fell off.
Solutions:
- Be sure to add the baking powder.
- Sieve your flour or measure your flour in ounces to ensure you have the correct amount.
- Don’t take the cake out of the oven too soon. Go over it with a toothpick and make sure it comes out clean.
- Do not open the oven door at all (if possible). If necessary, wait until almost finished baking.
2. My cake is too hard or dry.
Solutions:
- Be sure to use the correct type of flour, with no substitutes. Also, be sure to measure the flour correctly.
- Do not store your dough in the fridge. I would recommend no more than a couple of hours or nothing if possible.
- Mix ingredients only as directed by the recipe. Do not over mix.
- Recheck your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and make sure your oven isn’t baking too hot.
3. Contrary to number 2, my cake is too soft and tender to handle.
Solutions:
- Be sure to mix the batter exactly how and for the correct amount of time the recipe calls for.
- Be sure to add the correct amount of fat and sugar.
4. My cake has split inside.
Solutions:
- Recheck your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and make sure your oven isn’t too hot.
- Don’t try to bake your cake faster by turning up the oven temperature.
- Be sure to double check the amount of leavening agent (ie baking soda, baking powder) called for in the recipe.
5. My cake is stuck in the pan.
Solutions:
- My personal favorite way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to grease and then flour my cake pans. This will definitely keep the cake from sticking to the pan.
- You can also try using parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick to the pan.
- When the cake first comes out of the oven, be sure to run a knife around the edge of the pan, but leave the cake in the pan.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before trying to remove it from the pan.
- As you remove the cake from the pan, place a plate on top of the cake and quickly flip it over. When flipped over, tap the cake pan gently to help the cake fall out smoothly.
- If your cake is still sticking, you can always take the cake out in pieces and crumble them. You can then turn them into cake pops by mixing the crumbs with some frosting.
