Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A
Cake not baking properly
Ive just followed Pauls recipe for a chocolate cake. It smells amazing but unfortunately the middle part has risen up higher and formed a large cruston top of the cake. I baked it at 150c as suggested but my oven is v old and I wondered if the temp in my oven was too high? Paul’s cake on the video came out perfectly flat! Any hints about how to get mine like this would be great 🙂
The reason behind it is that the sides get baked very quick than in the middle.
Tip: you can take a clean towel and press the risen area gently after 10 min. ( Do watch it will be hot)
Secondly: If you want a even baking, then try to using baking strips from wilton which will give you even layers. ( You can do your own baking strips : Take a Thick bath towel (may be old one). Cut into strips. Immerse one strip (depending on the size of your pan) in cold water. Cover the outside area of the baking pan with it. (you can take the help of the paper clip to join the two ends.
Thirdly:Â If you have more batter to be baked, then along with baking strip use flower nails inside the pans , Spray the oil, then add the batter. This will help also in baking evenly and fast.
Hope this helps
For flatter cakes I use the Wilton bake even strips and also put a bowl of water at the bottom of my oven. It’s suppose to regulate the heat throughout. the strips stop the outside baking too quickly which  cause the centre to rise and form the dome. Alternatively you can just cut the dome off to make it flat.
Try baking at a lower temperature for longer. All ovens are different whether old or new, the only way to know for sure that your oven temperature is correct is to get an oven thermometre. I am assuming you have a conventional oven and not a fan assisted, if you do have fan the temperature should be reduced by another 20 degrees. Better luck next time with it, your cake sounds amazing and I’m sure non of it was wasted.
