Every holiday is associated with a huge, delicious cake. Most housewives bake their own cakes rather than ordering them from a baker. In this case, ignorance of a few important secrets can lead to several problems that anyone can encounter while making a sponge cake.

One of the most common problems in this case is that the cake rises in the middle. This forces the cake to be significantly lowered in height or even re-baked. In today's article, we'll look at the causes of this problem and what to do to ensure a smooth sponge cake.

Why does the sponge cake rise in a mound when baked?

To avoid this problem, you first need to know what causes it. There are several reasons why a sponge cake can become domed in the middle:

  • You've greased the sides of the pan. When you make this mistake, the cake simply has nothing to cling to and rise evenly. As a result, the sides of the cake remain shallow, and the center becomes mounded. Try greasing only the bottom, and you'll see a huge difference.
  • You didn't smooth out the dough before baking it. At this stage, be sure to use a silicone spatula, then swirl the pan a few times and tap it on the counter. This will release any excess air bubbles.
Why does a sponge cake rise in a mound when baked? - Photo
  • Don't put the dough in the oven right away. Baking a sponge cake requires speed and quick reflexes. Prepare the pan in advance, and preheat the oven. If you delay at this stage, the cake risks not being as fluffy and airy.
  • You've added baking powder or baking soda. These ingredients significantly affect the porosity and height of the cake. Don't skip them, as they play a particularly indispensable role in the recipe. Simply use foil. You'll find detailed instructions for this life hack later in this article.
  • The baking temperature was too high. It's really important to monitor this process closely. The best way to do this is to buy a special kitchen thermometer, which you can then use for other dishes.

What should I do to make sure the sponge cake doesn't get too mounded?

Baking a smooth, level sponge cake in the oven is actually quite easy. You just need to know a few simple tips:

  • If you used baking soda or baking powder in your recipe, cover the pan with foil before baking. Place it matte-side up and secure it tightly around the sides. Then poke holes with a fork and bake in the oven. This will slow down the baking process slightly, but the cake will turn out even and neat.
  • The baking pan should be cold. Furthermore, it needs to be prepared in advance. Line the bottom with parchment paper, grease it, and lightly dust it with flour.
How to make a sponge cake without a mound - photo
  • Don't open the oven to check the cake while it's baking. This will cause the sponge cake to sink too much and won't be as tall.
  • If you've already baked a sponge cake and it has risen unevenly, turn it upside down and place it on a wire rack to cool. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. This will help distribute the moisture within the cake, reducing the size of the mound.

Video: The Secret to a Smooth Biscuit

If you're overly concerned about the shape of your sponge cake, check out this video. It'll give you all the information you need. The author clearly explains how to avoid uneven rising and demonstrates the entire process. Furthermore, this video also includes a detailed sponge cake recipe, so you won't have to search through multiple sources. The clear process, tips, and tricks will help you achieve a stunning result and delight your loved ones with a beautiful, delicious treat.