HELP I AM AT MY WITS END. FOUND THIS GREAT RECEIPE TO DOCTOR UP CAKE MIXES. IT CALLED FOR SOUR CREAM, HEAVY CREAM, AND GRANULATED SUGAR AND A FEW MORE ADD ONS. I HAVE BEEN BAKING FOR OVER 15 YEARS AND LIVE AT HIGH ALTITUDE. THE CAKE STUCK TO THE PAN, SUNK IN THE MIDDLE, BUT TASTED WONDERFUL. I ADDED EXTRA FLOUR, COOKED ON A LOWER TEMP LIKE I ALWAYS DO. I AM AT MY WITS END. HELP

Line the bottom with parchment to avoid any sticking. And bake it longer than you think it needs. Usually, when it sinks in the middle, there are two things in play - overbeating, and underbaking. Good luck.

I agree,maybe it wasn't baked long enough. Also it sounds like it may have been too "heavy" with the heavy cream, sour cream & extra flour. Sometimes I find if I add alot of extra things especially sour cream that the cake sinks in the middle a little.

Someone once told me, it could also be from pouring the batter from the bowl into the pan to fast. making an "air pocket" when the cake cools, it makes a sinkhole.

That happens to me when I'm in a hurry and underbake

I would start by adding 10 minutes to your bake time, and DEFINITELY test for doneness. I've found - just because it's golden brown on the top does not mean it's done in the middle!

I am a fellow high altitude baker and that has happened to me many times. I can mostly avoid it now, even with doctored recipes, by doing a few things.
Adding the extra flour is good. Also add a little extra water. Don't add the extra sugar (too much sugar in high altitude is a cake destroyer). Bake the cake with a flour nail in the center (this helps sooo much).
Also, I always bake 15-25 degrees HOTTER than the recipe suggests for the first 15 minutes or so (for 8 or 9 inch rounds). Then turn the oven down either to the recommended baking temp or even 10 degrees below that for the rest of the baking time. Starting at a higher temp helps the cake rise quickly and the structure set.

Good luck!

Hi Ya'll,

I had the same problem. After trying every idea these wonderful CC members had suggested, I found out it was my oven temp. fluxuating (sp). I still have not gotten a new oven and I am craving cake like crazy.

I hope this helps and that it is something less expensive for you.

Have a great day!