If you don't preheat the oven before baking your cake, several things can potentially happen that may negatively affect the outcome of your cake:
Uneven Baking: Preheating the oven ensures that the entire oven cavity reaches the desired temperature before you place the cake inside. Without preheating, the cake may start baking in a cooler oven, leading to uneven baking. The outside of the cake may not set properly before the center finishes baking, resulting in a lopsided or undercooked cake.
Poor Texture: Proper preheating helps the cake batter start baking and setting immediately, which contributes to a proper rise and crumb structure. Without preheating, the cake may not rise as well, resulting in a denser and less airy texture.
Longer Baking Time: If you skip preheating, the cake will take longer to cook because the oven needs time to reach the desired temperature. Extended baking time can cause the cake to dry out or become overcooked on the outside while the center remains undercooked.
Reduced Leavening Effect: Some cake recipes rely on chemical leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda) to create a light and fluffy texture. Preheating the oven activates these leavening agents as soon as the cake batter is placed in the oven, leading to a better rise. Without preheating, the leavening agents may not be as effective, resulting in a denser cake.
Possible Collapse: Cakes that are not exposed to the right temperature from the start may not set properly, leading to a collapse in the center during or after baking.
To achieve the best results and a well-baked cake, it's essential to follow the recipe instructions, which typically include preheating the oven to the specified temperature before baking. Preheating ensures a consistent and controlled environment for baking, which is crucial for successful cake-making. Always allow your oven to fully preheat before putting your cake inside to achieve the best possible outcome.