My attempt at a birthday cake for my niece turned into a complete disaster

I tried to make a three-layer chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, but the middle layer completely collapsed after I took it out of the oven. I ended up having to run to the grocery store and buy a pre-made cake an hour before the party. Has anyone else had a layer cake just give up on them like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim9631mo ago

Oh man, that sinking feeling when a layer just caves in is the worst. It's like the cake decided it had enough and just quit. Could be the pan size was off, or maybe the batter wasn't mixed just right? Sometimes opening the oven door too early can cause a collapse. Been there, staring at a sunken middle and wondering if you can just fill the hole with extra frosting.

lisak261mo ago

So you just frost over the dip and call it a secret filling?

anna_fox71mo ago

Saw a baking blog once that said a big dip usually means too much leavener. The baking powder or soda makes it rise too fast, then it falls flat. Could also be underbaked in the middle, so the structure never sets. That's why the toothpick test is so important, gotta make sure it comes out clean. Frosting over it is a solid save though, lol.