If your cakes are always uncooked inside, there could be several reasons for this issue. Baking can be a bit tricky, and even small errors can lead to undesirable results. Here are some common reasons why cakes may remain uncooked inside:
Incorrect oven temperature: Your oven might not be reaching the correct temperature as indicated on the dial or display. An oven thermometer can help you verify if the temperature is accurate. If the oven is too cold, the cake won't bake properly.
Overfilling the pan: If you put too much batter in the cake pan, the center of the cake may not cook properly. The cake needs space to rise and expand during baking.
Wrong pan size: Using a pan that is too deep or too small for the recipe can lead to uneven baking. The cake may be overcooked on the outside but uncooked on the inside.
Incorrect baking time: Different ovens can have slightly different baking times. Always follow the recommended baking time in the recipe as a starting point, but keep an eye on the cake and use the toothpick test (inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it's done) to determine doneness.
Opening the oven door too frequently: Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking. Every time you open the door, the oven temperature drops, and it can affect the cake's baking process.
Batter consistency: If your cake batter is too dense or heavy, it may not cook evenly. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions and measure your ingredients accurately.
Altitude: High altitude can affect baking times and temperatures. If you live at a high altitude, you may need to make adjustments to the recipe to ensure proper baking.
Oven hot spots: Some ovens have uneven heat distribution, resulting in certain areas being hotter than others. You can rotate the cake halfway through baking to help with this issue.
Use of dark pans: Dark-colored pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges of the cake to overcook while the center remains uncooked. Consider using light-colored pans or adjusting the oven temperature if using dark pans.
To improve your cake baking results, try to identify which of these factors might be causing the issue and make the necessary adjustments. Keep practicing, and don't be discouraged. Baking is a skill that improves with time and experience.