1. My cake is flat, did not rise, or half of the cake fell off.

Solutions:

• Make sure to add the baking powder.
• Sift your flour or measure your flour in ounces to make sure you have the right amount.
• Don’t take the cake out of the oven too soon. Check 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 too 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 not at all if possible.
• Mix ingredients only as directed in the recipe. Don’t 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:

• Make sure you mix the dough exactly how and for the correct amount of time that the recipe says.
• Be sure to add the correct measure 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) the recipe calls for.

5. My cake is stuck in the pan.

Solutions:

• My personal favorite way to make sure this doesn’t happen is to grease 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.
• When removing the cake from the pan, place a plate on top of the cake and quickly turn 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 into pieces and crumble them. You can then make them into cake pops by mixing the crumbs with a bit of frosting.