When using a convection oven to bake cakes and cookies, it is generally best to use the "convection bake" mode, which activates both the top and bottom heating elements along with the convection fan. This mode is specifically designed for baking and ensures even heat distribution throughout the oven cavity.
Here's why "convection bake" mode is preferred for baking cakes and cookies:
Even heat distribution: The convection fan helps circulate the hot air evenly around the food, resulting in consistent heat distribution. This prevents hot spots and ensures that your cakes and cookies bake uniformly, with even browning on all sides.
Faster cooking time: The convection fan expedites the cooking process by reducing the thickness of the insulating air layer around the food. As a result, you might need to reduce the baking time or lower the oven temperature slightly compared to traditional baking recipes.
Crispier texture: The circulating air in the convection oven helps remove moisture from the surface of the cakes and cookies, which can lead to a slightly crispier exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
Reduced risk of undercooking: Using both the top and bottom heating elements ensures that the top and bottom of your baked goods receive adequate heat. This minimizes the risk of undercooking the center while waiting for the top to brown.
It's important to note that convection baking may require some adjustments to your recipes and baking times. When using the convection setting, it's generally a good idea to reduce the oven temperature by about 25°F (around 15°C) or check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
However, if your convection oven has an option for "convection bake with no fan" or "convection bake with top and bottom heat," you can choose that setting for delicate cakes or cookies that might be too sensitive to the strong air circulation of the convection fan. In such cases, you still get the benefits of the bottom and top heating elements without the intense air movement. Always refer to your oven's user manual for specific guidance on using the convection settings for baking.