Why Is My Cake Not Cooking In The Middle? Answered (2024)

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Lori Walker

It should be a simple and effortless task to create a cake. Yet, it can be frustrating if the cake does not bake evenly.

Whether your cake is taking too long to bake or is crumbling when you try to take it out of the oven, there are a few common reasons why your cake might not be cooking in the middle.

The good news is that some simple solutions can help you get your cake to turn out perfectly every time.

We’ll discuss the most common reasons why your cake is not cooking in the middle and provide tips to help you achieve the perfect result.

Why Is Your Cake Not Cooking In The Middle?

The reason why your cake is not cooking in the middle could be attributed to the wrong oven temperature or simply because you haven’t cooked your cake enough.

The most common culprit for your cake not cooking in the middle is an oven temperature that is too low. If the oven temperature is set too low, the outer layers of the cake will cook faster than the center, leaving the middle raw.

Additionally, if the cake is placed too high in the oven, the middle will not receive enough heat to cook. This can also lead to an underdone middle.

Another possible cause of an undercooked cake center [1] is the cake being too thick. If the cake batter is too thick, the heat will not penetrate the center in time to cook it.

Too much baking powder or using an old pan could also lead to an undercooked cake.

If the cake is cooked in a too-large pan, the heat won’t reach the center of the cake in time to cook it. Using the correct size pan is essential for an evenly cooked cake.

But is it okay to make a cake batter ahead of time?

Why Is Your Cake Sticky Inside?

Your cake may be sticky inside due to the sugar content in your cake mix, or it could be due to the humidity or temperature of your baking environment.

If the ingredients weren’t mixed thoroughly, the sugar molecules may not have fully dissolved and can cause the cake to become sticky.

Additionally, the cake could be overbaked, resulting in a dry and crusty texture, which can also make the cake sticky.

Read:

• Why Is Your Bread Dough So Sticky?
• Why Is Your Cake Eggy?

Why Is Your Cake Not Brown On Top?

If your cake is not brown on top [2], it could be because your oven was not hot enough, or you may have over-mixed the batter.

Oven temperatures can vary, and the cake will not brown properly if it is not hot enough.

Over-mixing the batter can also lead to a cake that does not brown.

When over-mixed, the cake will rise too quickly and will not have time to develop a nice golden brown color on the top.

But how to fix your burnt cheesecake top?

Why Is Your Cake Wet At The Bottom?

One possible reason your cake is wet at the bottom is that it has not been cooked long enough. If the cake is undercooked, it will remain wet and gooey at the bottom.

“Where there is cake, there is hope. And there is always cake.”

— Dean Koontz, American Author

Additionally, if the oven is not hot enough, or the cake is not cooked for the full baking time, it can result in the cake being wet and undercooked at the bottom.

To avoid this, always check the cake periodically while baking with a toothpick or skewer to ensure it is cooked through.

Find out how to avoid burning the bottom of cinnamon rolls here.

Signs Of Undercooked Cake

• The cake is gummy or spongy in the center.
• It is pale in color.
• The cake is not rising.
• The cake tastes raw or doughy.
• The cake has not yet been set.
• The sides of the cake may be crispy while the center is still soft.
• A skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a batter-like substance.

What To Do If Your Cake Is Undercooked In The Middle

First, try covering the cake with aluminum foil and baking it for 5-10 minutes. This will help trap the heat and help the cake cook more evenly.

If the cake still doesn’t seem done, try cutting away the undercooked portions and topping the cake with frosting or another topping of your choice.

This can help hide imperfections and make your cake look as good as new. But why does the middle of your banana bread sink?

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It is important to remember that baking is a science, and it is important to understand the basics of baking to get the perfect cake.

If your cake is not cooking in the middle, it could be due to various factors, such as the temperature of the oven, the size of the cake pan, or the amount of batter used.

By understanding the science of baking, you can make adjustments to ensure that your cake cooks properly.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/cake-baking-mistakes/
2. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/common-cake-problems-solved