Yes, it is common for a cake to emit a pleasant aroma while it is being baked in the oven. As the cake bakes, the various ingredients, such as flour, sugar, butter, and flavorings, undergo chemical reactions that release volatile compounds into the air. These compounds contribute to the delightful smell that fills your kitchen.
The aromatic compounds produced during baking vary depending on the type of cake and its ingredients. For example, vanilla cakes emit a sweet and comforting scent, while chocolate cakes release a rich and chocolaty aroma.
The delightful smell of a baking cake is not only a pleasure for your olfactory senses but also a sign that the cake is progressing nicely in the oven. As the cake reaches its final stages of baking, the aroma may become even more pronounced.
However, once the cake is fully baked, cooled, and removed from the oven, the intense aroma may dissipate somewhat, but it will still retain a lovely scent. The pleasant smell of a freshly baked cake is part of the joy of baking and adds to the overall experience of enjoying a delicious homemade treat.