If your cake has a weird taste due to baking powder or baking soda, there are several steps you can take to address the issue and improve the flavor of your cake:
Use fresh leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda can lose their potency over time. If you suspect that your leavening agents are old or expired, replace them with fresh ones. To test if they are still active, you can mix a small amount of baking powder or baking soda with water; if it fizzes vigorously, it's still active.
Measure accurately: Too much baking powder or baking soda can result in an off-taste and may also cause the cake to rise too much and then collapse. Ensure that you measure the leavening agents accurately as per the recipe.
Balance the flavors: If the weird taste is not too overpowering, you may be able to balance it with other flavors. You can try adding more sugar, a pinch of salt, or additional flavorings like vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to mask the undesirable taste.
Acidic ingredients: Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient to properly react and leaven the cake. If the recipe doesn't include enough acidic ingredients (e.g., buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice), you can try adding a bit more to help neutralize the baking soda's taste.
Double-acting baking powder: If you're using baking powder, consider using a double-acting one, which releases gas both when it's mixed with wet ingredients and when exposed to heat during baking. This can help ensure a more even rise and prevent any lingering aftertaste.
Bake at the right temperature: Baking at the correct temperature for the appropriate time is crucial. Overbaking can lead to off-flavors and a dry texture, so make sure to follow the recipe's baking instructions closely.
Sift dry ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients, including the baking powder/soda and flour, can help distribute them more evenly throughout the batter, reducing the risk of clumps and potential bitter spots in the cake.
Experiment with different recipes: If you consistently encounter a weird taste with a particular recipe, consider trying a different cake recipe altogether to see if it yields a more desirable result.
Remember that slight adjustments in ingredients and techniques can have a significant impact on the final taste and texture of your cake. Through some experimentation and careful attention to details, you can find the right balance to make your cake delicious and free of any unwanted aftertastes.