5 Tips to Make Cakes Bake Evenly
With so many potential causes for uneven cakes, there are a variety of solutions.
How to Prevent Cake from Sinking After Baking
Cupcakes and cakes from scratch may rise while baking, then fall again once cooled. This is often caused by small mistakes during baking. But falling cakes are easily preventable. Here’s how:
Check your baking powder: Expired or old baking powder is one way your cake may not hold up after baking. If you’re not frequently restocking your baking powder, be sure to check the date to make sure it’s still fresh.Watch the oven temperature: If you have a from-scratch or cake mix cake falling after cooling, an abnormal oven temperature may be to blame. Check the manufacturer’s directions to see how to adjust your oven or consult an appliance manufacturer. High altitude may affect baking as well. Remember, lower air pressure (as at high altitudes) may cause baked goods that use yeast, baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, or steam to rise excessively, then fall.For cakes leavened by air, such as angel food, beat the egg whites only to soft peaks; otherwise, the batter may expand too much. For cakes made with shortening, decrease the baking powder (start by decreasing it by ⅛ teaspoon per teaspoon called for); decrease the sugar (start by decreasing by about 1 tablespoon for each cup called for); and increase the liquid (start by increasing it 1 to 2 tablespoons for each cup called for). These estimates are based on an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level. At higher altitudes, you may need to alter these measures proportionately. You can also try increasing the baking temperature by 15ºF to 25ºF to help set the batter.When making a rich cake, reduce the shortening by 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup and add one egg (for a 2-layer cake) to prevent the cake from falling.
How to Fix an Uneven Cake
If you’re wondering how to fix a lopsided sheet cake or how to fix an uneven cake of any shape once it’s already baked, use a large serrated knife to level it out. If the dome isn’t too noticeable, simply flip your cake and put the top layer upside-side down so the flat bottom is now the top, then frost and/or stack as desired. You can snack on the trimmings as you finish decorating your cake, or put them to delicious use in showy Geode Cake Pops or a mason jar mini trifle.
