If your cake is cooked in the middle but not on the outside, it typically indicates that the oven temperature is too low or that the baking time was not sufficient. This can lead to uneven baking and result in an undercooked or raw exterior while the center cooks properly.
Here are some possible reasons and solutions:
Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly and that you're setting it to the right temperature as mentioned in the recipe. An oven thermometer can help you verify the actual temperature inside your oven.
Oven hot spots: Some ovens may have hot spots, meaning certain areas are hotter than others. To ensure even baking, rotate the cake halfway through the baking time or use a baking stone or sheet to distribute heat more evenly.
Incorrect pan size: Using a different pan size than the one specified in the recipe can affect baking time and temperature distribution. If you use a larger pan, the cake may cook faster on the outside and take longer to cook in the center. Conversely, a smaller pan can cause the center to cook faster than the outer edges.
Oven door opening: Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, especially in the early stages. This can cause temperature fluctuations, affecting the cake's even baking.
Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to uneven distribution of ingredients, causing the cake to cook unevenly. Mix the batter until just combined.
Improper placement: Make sure you place the cake pan in the center of the oven, allowing for even heat distribution.
Use of dark pans: Dark-colored pans absorb more heat and may cause the edges to cook faster than the center. Consider using light-colored pans or reducing the oven temperature slightly when using dark pans.
Cake batter too thick: If the cake batter is too thick, it may hinder even baking. Ensure that the batter is of the right consistency as specified in the recipe.
To improve the even baking of your cake, check the oven temperature, use the correct pan size, and follow the baking time specified in the recipe. If you've already baked the cake but encountered this issue, you can try returning the cake to the oven and covering the outer edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.