How To Get A Nice Flat Cake

Decorating By TashaFin Updated 2 May 2013 , 7:36am by kazita

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TashaFin Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 10:37am
post #1 of 10

Hi Guys,

 

I've tried to not over-beat my cake mix, but the cake is still coming out with the centre raised, resulting in me having to cut away quite a bit of the cake - very frustrating.

 

Does anyone have tips on what I'm doing wrong and what I can do right to get a nice flat surfaced cake.  If anyone has a really nice chocolate cake recipe, that would also be nice :-)

 

Thanks,

Tash

9 replies
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bigdad Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 11:39am
post #2 of 10

you can lower the temp by 25 degrees and raise the rack up one level you will have to bake the cake a little longer just check on it maybe 20-30 min.  what I normally do is when the cake comes out take a pot holder and gently push down on the part of the cake that has risen up. also just remember to flip the cake over and use the bottom for the top it's always nice and flat.
 

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SecretAgentCakeBaker Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 12:27pm
post #3 of 10

AThere are two things I do which help to keep the cake from doming much. I barely have to do any leveling. First I spin the cake pan before putting it in the oven. This helps push some of the batter to the edges and the center is lower. When it bakes and the middle domes, it is not as high. After the cake comes out of the oven, I put a piece of parchment or waxed paper on top, then gently press down on the cake with a smaller cake pan.

Some recipes will dome a lot more than others, so this may not work with every recipe.

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Goreti Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 12:33pm
post #4 of 10

I use bake even strips from Wilton.  It has made a huge difference.  If you don't want to buy them, you can make your own.  http://threadedtogether.com/tag/even-baking-strips/

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baking-mama Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 1:01pm
post #5 of 10

APour cake batter into pan, and leave it out at room temp for 20 min before putting into oven! ;)

Maybe reduce temp by 20 degrees too.

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meriem Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 1:25pm
post #6 of 10

ABake even strips will make a massive difference. I made my own with an old tea towel, just soak it and pin around the slide of the cake pan

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yortma Posted 30 Apr 2013 , 1:41pm
post #7 of 10

Some recipes dome more than others, and it is party finding the right recipe.  I agree with lower oven temp, bake even strips, and I use heat core nails for larger cakes, but would consider them in any cake that domes.  I do not smash down my cakes (shudder) as I have looked long and hard for light fluffy recipes and don't want to make them any denser!. If you have a domed cake and simply flip it over, that does give you a flat surface, but also runs the risk of having the cake bend downward around the outside edge and breaking.  Bottom line- most of the time there is some leveling to do.  

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soledad Posted 2 May 2013 , 6:50am
post #8 of 10

Hi everyone!

 

I never (so far) do any leveling.  I do all my baking at 325 and depending on the size of cake is the time I set  on timer

 

While I am waiting for the cake to be cook I  ready the following : a cheese cloth, a cake board the same size as cake being bake,

 

As soon as I take the cake out  I put the cloth over the cake, put the cake board over the cloth and press firmly and  evenly, this gives me a very level flat cake.  

 

This is what I do, and works for me!

 

 

CIAO!

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Rommy Posted 2 May 2013 , 7:10am
post #9 of 10

ABake even strips!!! I agree, spin the pan, place in the center of the oven, an bake 25 degrees lower than the recommended temperature.

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kazita Posted 2 May 2013 , 7:36am
post #10 of 10

AI've read that this is a great recipe. Its very rich.

www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Double-Chocolate-Layer-Cake-101275

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