Achieving even baking and preventing burnt sides while ensuring the cake is fully cooked in the center can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to help you achieve better results:
Use the right pan: Ensure you are using the correct size and type of cake pan. If the pan is too dark or thin, it may lead to uneven heating. A light-colored, heavy-duty aluminum or non-stick pan often works well.
Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven before putting the cake in. This helps create a stable and consistent temperature from the start of baking.
Avoid opening the oven frequently: Opening the oven during baking can cause fluctuations in temperature, which can affect the cake's baking process. Only check on the cake when you think it's close to being done.
Check for doneness using a toothpick or skewer: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there's raw batter sticking to it, the cake needs more time.
Bake at a lower temperature: Consider baking the cake at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time. This allows the heat to penetrate more evenly, reducing the risk of burnt edges while ensuring the center is properly cooked. Keep an eye on the cake during the extended baking time.
Use a baking strip or cake strips: Baking strips (also known as cake strips) are fabric or silicone strips that you wrap around the cake pan before baking. They insulate the sides of the pan, helping the cake bake more evenly and reducing the risk of overcooking the edges.
Rotate the cake: If you notice uneven baking, try rotating the cake halfway through the baking process. This helps distribute heat more evenly around the cake.
Test your oven's temperature: Home ovens can sometimes have temperature discrepancies. It's a good idea to use an oven thermometer to check if the oven temperature matches the set temperature.
Avoid overmixing: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to uneven baking. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing excessive gluten, which can cause a dense cake.
Reduce sugar content: Excess sugar can cause the edges of the cake to brown and even burn. You can try reducing the sugar slightly in the recipe.
By following these tips and making adjustments to your baking process, you should be able to achieve a cake that is evenly cooked all around, with no burnt sides and a fully cooked center. Remember that every oven is slightly different, so some experimentation may be needed to find the perfect baking time and temperature for your specific setup.