There’s nothing more disappointing than pulling a cake out of the oven only to find it has sunk in the middle. But don’t worry—this common baking mishap can often be fixed or even prevented next time. Here’s what you can do.
Why Did My Cake Sink?
Several factors can cause a cake to collapse:
- Underbaking – If the center isn’t fully cooked, it can’t hold its structure.
- Overmixing – Too much air in the batter can cause it to rise and then fall.
- Opening the Oven Too Soon – Sudden temperature changes can make the cake sink.
- Too Much Moisture – Excess liquid or leavening agents weaken the cake’s structure.
How to Fix a Sunken Cake
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake it a few more minutes.
- Let It Cool Completely – Sometimes, the cake settles as it cools. Frosting can hide minor sinking.
- Trim and Repurpose – If the center is too gooey, scoop it out and use the rest for cake pops, trifles, or layered desserts.
- Flip It Over – If the top is uneven, flip the cake and frost the flat bottom as the new top.
Preventing Future Sinking
- Use the Right Pan Size – Overfilled pans bake unevenly.
- Avoid Overmixing – Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Don’t Open the Oven Too Early – Wait until at least ¾ of the baking time has passed.
- Check Expiration Dates – Old baking powder or soda won’t work properly.
A sunken cake isn’t the end of the world—with these tips, you can salvage it or bake a perfect one next time!
Also Read: Bakery-Style Cupcakes at Home: 6 Secrets to Perfectly Fluffy & Moist Treats!
My Name is Sanjeev Vekariya, I cover Articles related to Baking, Recipes, Desserts and Cake . I have more than 5 Years of Experience in Writing Food Article.