2007-02-24 01:53:36 · 12 answers · asked by spoonerpaws 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
Having troubles with your cakes not rising properly? Here are some simple tips that can help you have better sucess.
First and foremost - USE AN OVEN THERMOMETER! I can't emphasis that enough. Having the correct oven temperature is crucial. Don't solely depend on your oven's outside dials to have the right temperature. Invest in a good oven thermometer and use it every time you are going to bake. As oven age sometimes they can vary in the accuracy of their temperature controls. Checking the temperature with a thermometer can insure a more accurate environment to bake your cake in.
Baking is a science and measurements need to be exact. Use the right tools for the job. Follow the recipe to the "T" - especially if you are doing it for the first time. Measurements are in a recipe for a reason - which is to have consistent results every time you use it.
Have wet ingredients at room temperature(unless stated otherwise in the recipe). Chilled ingredients will not mix as well and will cause a dense texture for the cake.
FRESH Baking Powder. Yes, Baking Powder does not last forever its life expectancy is between 6 - 12 months. So check your Baking Powder with this simple test. Take one teaspoon of Baking Powder and mix it in 1/2 cup of hot water. If its bubbling alot then its fresh, if it doesn't bubble alot then its old. When Baking Powder is old throw it out.
Proper aeration of your cake batter is also very important. Cream your butter or shortening until it is light and fluffy. Mix well after adding your eggs so that it is well blended. But it is important not to over beat otherwise you will end up with a coarse textured cake.
For some recipes, I have found it very helpful to add an extra egg to the batter - but this is something you will need to determine for yourself.
Don't fill a cake pan with batter too full. Fill your pans half to 2/3 full - this will give the cake more room to rise. You may have to do some experimenting to see what works best for your pans. When a pan is too full - then the cake batter either spills out or rises and then falls in the middle causing an unslightly dent.
If you live in a high altitude area the check out my article dealing with this. You may be able to address some specific problems that are consistent with baking at higher altitudes.
2007-02-24 02:17:04 · answer #1 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem could be that the cake mix is not good or you are adding to much of something or something is not good. I know what I'm talking about because I make cakes all the time for my mother an shes love it she even said I should be a bakery . I hope I help you. Good Luck baking again!
2007-02-24 02:43:33 · answer #2 · answered by Timolin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What recipe do you use? A lot of things could be the problem. Maybe you are not adding enough baking powder, maybe there is too much water, it could be that your oven temperature is wrong or you are using the wrong type of flour in your cakes. The cake recipe itself could also be the problem.
2007-02-24 02:17:43 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you check if your baking powder is still good...check on the package there is a date on it. If you put one spoonful of baking powder in some water and there is no reaction you need to buy fresh one which will help "pouff" your cake. Also make sure when using eggs in a cake recipe that they are not cold ..all of your ingredients used in a cake recipe should be at room temperature.
Of course, it make sense to invest for an inexpensive oven thermometer to adjust your oven temperature for maximum results.
2007-02-24 02:18:46 · answer #4 · answered by lynda l 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elevation (where do you live?) Read the back of the box. Also, DO NOT open the oven door to check on your cake while baking, this causes the cake to fall/collapse, not rise.
2007-02-24 01:58:02 · answer #5 · answered by sunset 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are adding the baking soda, or baking powder...and only add what the recipe calls for...Elevation could have something to do with it too depending on where in the world you live...
2007-02-24 02:02:20 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Minnie Mouse♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are u jumping around when your baking it try to put it on and watch a movie and just no move a lot and it should rise unless you have bubbles in thie cake
2007-02-24 02:03:12 · answer #7 · answered by embrytaylor 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your flour and if a cake mix check it out and see if it is outdated, Lastly check your oven
2007-02-24 02:02:24 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you live in an area with a high altitude the baking instructions would be different
2007-02-27 08:28:15 · answer #9 · answered by jenna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU ADDED TOO MUCH WATER TO THE MIX
2007-02-24 01:57:59 · answer #10 · answered by BUTERFLY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋