Over measurement of liquid
Use the proper amount of liquid. When possible, use a scale to weigh the liquid.
Under mixing or extreme over mixing
Read the directions thoroughly before starting. If possible, use an electric timer that shuts off the mixer automatically.
Improper scaling weights / pan too large
Follow the recommended scaling weights found on the package directions. If possible, use a scale to weigh the batter.
Oven temperature too low
Have oven checked for accuracy.
Follow directions for proper amount of liquid. If possible, use a scale to weigh the liquid.
Follow package directions for proper oven temperature. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Pan is too small for the amount of batter
Select proper pan size for the amount of batter. Disposable sheet cake pans are smaller and shallower than heavy aluminum sheet pans. Reduce amount of batter by 8 oz. – 1lb.
Uneven heat and air circulation in oven
Rotate pans one half (180°) after 10 minutes of baking. Check air baffles in convection oven to ensure even air flow.
Opening oven door too frequently
Open oven door only when necessary, especially when baking in a convection oven.
Under baking (oven temperature too low / too short of a bake time
Follow package directions for proper oven temperature and proper bake time. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Oven temperature too hot
Follow package directions for proper baking temperature. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Jarring cake in the first 15 minutes of baking
Be sure not to bump cakes while turning or loading ovens.
Use proper amount of liquid. If possible, use a scale to weigh the liquid.
Storing cake covered while still warm
Be sure to cool cake completely prior to covering and storing
Follow package directions for proper amount of liquid. If possible, use a scale to weigh the liquid.
Under baking; oven temperature too low or too short of a bake time
Follow package directions for proper baking time. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
High humidity
Place cakes in the freezer and ice while frozen to prevent sticky top crust.
Under mixing
Follow package directions for proper mix time. If possible, use an electric timer to shut off mixer automatically.
Bottom oven heat too high
Check oven temperature for accuracy. Double panning may be necessary to prevent burning.
Under measurement of liquid
Too little batter in pan
Select the proper pan size for the amount of batter indicated. Follow package directions for proper scaling amounts. If possible, use a scale to weigh the batter.
Pans greased too heavily
Do not grease pans too generously
Extreme over mixing
Follow package directions for proper mix times. If possible, use an electric timer to shut off mixer automatically.
Too much liquid
Over baking – too long or to high of an oven temperature
Follow package directions for proper baking directions. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Under baking
Follow package directions for proper bake times. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Over mixing
Follow package directions for proper mix times. If possible, use an electronic timer to shut off mixer automatically.
Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Oven shelf not level
Have shelves checked. Rotate cakes baked in a convection oven one-half turn (180°) after 10 minutes of baking.
Batter not leveled properly
Use an offset spatula to smooth out batter surface.
Pans not rotated in a convection oven
Rotate sheet pans one-half turn (180°) after 10 minutes of baking.
Pans are bent.
Do not use warped or bent pans for baking sheet cakes.
Uneven heat circulation
Have air baffles checked in a convection oven to ensure even air flow.
Pans not rotated
Rotate pans one-half turn (180°) after 10 minutes of baking.
Pans too close together in oven
Do not allow pans to touch each other in the oven.
Follow package directions for proper amount of liquid.
Over baking
Follow package directions for proper bake time and temperature
Open oven door only when necessary.
Follow package directions for proper bake temperatures. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Too deep of a pan
Select the proper pan for the amount of batter.
Follow package directions for proper bake temperature and times.
Oven temperature too high
Follow package directions for proper bake temperature. Check oven temperature for accuracy.
Cakes left out at room temp. too long
After baking place completely cooled cakes in freezer in a covered cart until ready to use.
Under mixing / hand mixing
Follow package directions for proper mixing instructions. Do not mix by hand.