Troubleshooting Guide – Cake Mix

  1. Q1: Why didn’t my cake rise properly?

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Under mixing or extreme over mixing

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper mix time. You can also use an electric timer on the mixer to shut it off at the prescribed time.

    Possible Causes

    Improper scaling weights / pan too large

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the ingredients as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too low

    Possible Solution

    Calibrate the oven at least once a year.

    Back To Top

  2. Q2: Why is my cake overflowing during baking?

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too low

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Pan is too small for the batter

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to select a proper pan for the batter. You can use disposable pans that are smaller but shallower or you can use aluminum sheet pans. You can also reduce the amount of batter by half.

    Possible Causes

    Uneven heat and air circulation in oven

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to turn the pans one half (180°) every 10 mins to ensure even heat. In convection oven, check the air baffles for even air flow.

    Possible Causes

    Opening oven door too frequently

    Possible Solution

    Do not open and close the door frequently, particularly in a convection oven.

    Back To Top

  3. Q3: What is causing my cake to fall?

    Possible Causes

    Under baking (oven temperature too low / too short of a bake time)

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too hot

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Jarring the cake in the first 15 minutes of baking

    Possible Solution

    Do not jar or bump the cakes while turning or loading ovens.

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Back To Top

  4. Q4: Why is the top crust of the cake sticky?

    Possible Causes

    Storing the cake covered while still warm

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that the cake is fully cooled before covering or storing it.

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Under baking; oven temperature too low or too short of a bake time

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    High humidity

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to place the cakes in the freezer and ice the cake while it is frozen as the humidity can cause sticky top crust.

    Back To Top

  5. Q5: What is causing the cake to tunnel?

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too hot

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Under mixing

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for mix time. You can also use an electric timer on the mixer to shut it off at the prescribed time.

    Possible Causes

    Bottom oven heat too high

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Use double pans to prevent burning.

    Possible Causes

    Under measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Back To Top

  6. Q6: What is causing my cake to shrink?

    Possible Causes

    Too little batter in pan

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to select a proper pan for the batter. Always use a scale to weigh the ingredients as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Pans greased too heavily

    Possible Solution

    Do not use too much grease on the pans.

    Possible Causes

    Extreme over mixing

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper mix time. You can also use an electric timer on the mixer to shut it off at the prescribed time.

    Possible Causes

    Too much liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Over baking – too long or too high of an oven temperature

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper oven temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Back To Top

  7. Q7: Why is the cake soggy?

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Under baking

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper bake times. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Back To Top

  8. Q8: Why does my cake have a peaked top?

    Possible Causes

    Over mixing

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper mix time. You can also use an electric timer on the mixer to shut it off at the prescribed time.

    Possible Causes

    Under measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too hot

    Possible Solution

    Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Back To Top

  9. Q9: Why is my cake uneven?

    Possible Causes

    Oven shelf not level

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to have the shelves checked regularly. In a convection oven, make sure to turn the pans one half (180°) every 10 mins to ensure even heat.

    Possible Causes

    Batter not leveled properly

    Possible Solution

    Smooth the batter surface using an offset spatula.

    Possible Causes

    Pans not rotated in a convection oven

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to turn the pans one half (180°) every 10 mins to ensure even heat.

    Possible Causes

    Pans are bent

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to not use warped or bent pans for baking sheet cakes.

    Back To Top

  10. Q10: What causes the cake to have uneven browning?

    Possible Causes

    Uneven heat circulation

    Possible Solution

    In convection oven, check the air baffles for even air flow.

    Possible Causes

    Pans not rotated

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to turn the pans one half (180°) every 10 mins to ensure even heat.

    Possible Causes

    Pans too close together in oven

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that pans do not touch each other in the oven.

    Back To Top

  11. Q11: Why is my cake dry and crumbly?

    Possible Causes

    Under measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Over baking

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given for proper bake time and temperature.

    Back To Top

  12. Q12: Why is the top of the cake pale?

    Possible Causes

    Opening oven door too frequently

    Possible Solution

    Do not open and close the door frequently.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too low

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given for proper bake temperature settings. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Too deep of a pan

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to select a proper pan for the batter.

    Possible Causes

    Over measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Back To Top

  13. Q13: Why is the crust cracked on the cake top?

    Possible Causes

    Over baking

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper bake temperatures and time.

    Possible Causes

    Under measurement of liquid

    Possible Solution

    Always use a scale to weigh the liquid as per the prescribed amount.

    Possible Causes

    Oven temperature too high

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that you follow the directions as given on the package for proper bake temperatures. Check that the oven temperature is set as prescribed.

    Possible Causes

    Cakes left out at room temp. too long

    Possible Solution

    Make sure that the cake is fully cooled before covering and storing it in the freezer until ready to use.

    Back To Top

  14. Q14: What is causing the cake to have coarse grain?

    Possible Causes

    Under mixing / hand mixing

    Possible Solution

    Make sure to follow the directions as given on the package for proper mixing instructions. Do not mix by hand.

    Back To Top

Bakery and Foodservice Resources

Bakery Problem Solving Guide
Frequently Asked Questions