How To Fix Undercooked Cake? [Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them]
Baking a cake can be a delightful and satisfying experience, but it’s disheartening when you cut into it only to discover it’s undercooked. It can be tempting to throw the cake away and start over, but don’t give up just yet!
With a few easy fixes, you can turn your undercooked cake into a mouth-watering masterpiece. Let us go over some practical tips and tricks on how to fix undercooked cake and get it right every time.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, keep reading to discover how to transform your undercooked cake into a delicious and impressive dessert.
Signs Of An Undercooked Cake
A new baker may find it difficult to tell whether a cake is actually underbaked. The first thing we need to do is understand the signs of undercooked cakes so that we don’t end up overbaking your cake and ruining it.
- There is no sponginess to the cake – A perfectly cooked cake should have a spongy texture. Give it a gentle press with your fingertips after it comes out of the oven. Still jiggling? It’s not done.
- The cake isn’t sizzling – is it suddenly a steak? Cake does not sizzle when it’s baking, but you may be surprised to discover that it makes a sizzling noise while it’s baking. Initially, it produces a loud sizzle sound and then gradually disappears. Let it fade until it is barely visible but still there.
- The edges haven’t pulled away – The edges haven’t pulled away from the sides of the pan is a clear indication that your cake is done baking. It isn’t always accurate, so don’t rely on it unless you’re an expert baker.
- Toothpicks don’t come out clean – When in doubt, rely on the old-fashioned toothpick test. Make sure the cake is centered by sticking a toothpick into it. The test is complete if the results are clean.
I hate to break it to you, but if you notice any of the signs above, your cake is undercooked. When you catch it early, you have a better chance of saving it. Here are some tips for fixing an undercooked cake.
Here’s What To Do With An Underbaked Cake
Those lucky enough to catch their mistakes early can fix them with these tips.
If Your Cake Has Cooled Down
However, if you have sliced into the cake only to find a liquid center or the cake has been cooled enough to be warm to the touch, you should replace the slice, return it to the pan, and bake it in the oven (about 300 degrees F or 150 degrees C) until it has cooked through.
Slowly cooking it through without drying it out will prevent it from getting too dry. Before frosting any cracks or slices, test again to ensure they are done before cooling completely.
It is best to use an oven thermometer and to check the time in the oven in order to avoid under- or overbaking anything.
If Your Cake Is Still Hot
It is okay to pop your cake back into the oven if you discover you have underbaked it soon after taking it out of the oven and it is still hot. Bake it for 10 or 15 minutes more if you determine you have underbaked it.
Make sure you check the doneness of the dish before removing it from the oven and letting it cool. You can cover the top with foil if it has already browned to prevent it from overbrowning.
Have a look at the table below to understand the causes of unevenly undercooked cakes.
| Condition | Possible Causes | Solutions |
| Overall Undercooked | Oven temperature too low | Increase oven temperature |
| Inaccurate measuring of ingredients | Use a kitchen scale for accuracy | |
| Oven door opened too frequently | Use oven light to check on the cake | |
| Not enough baking time | Bake for additional minutes | |
| Middle Undercooked | Oven temperature too low | Increase oven temperature |
| Pan too small | Use a larger pan for even baking | |
| Oven rack placement incorrect | Place cake on center oven rack | |
| Not enough baking time | Bake for additional minutes | |
| Bottom Undercooked | Oven temperature too low | Increase oven temperature |
| Incorrect oven placement | Place cake in center of oven | |
| Not enough batter in the pan | Use an appropriate amount of batter | |
| Cover the cake with foil to avoid burning the top | Bake for additional time and cover with foil |
How To Tell When Cake Is Done Properly
You need to know what to do if your cake is undercooked – either at the center, bottom, or overall. The last thing you want is to waste ingredients on undercooked cakes.
Here’s how to know if your cake is done baking with a toothpick or a cake tester:
In the center of the cake, insert a toothpick or a cake tester, and then remove it. It isn’t done if the batter still coats the tester, so put it back in and bake for another few minutes.
A brownie or a cake with a few moist crumbs on top can be cooked through by the carryover heat, so remove it from the oven and let it cool. The cake is done if it emerges clean, so let it cool immediately before continuing to bake.
If, though, in your eagerness to eat cake, you forget the all-important step and remove the cake before it is completely baked, you will have a lava cake instead of a sky-high chocolate layer. This isn’t the kind of cake you want to serve.
What Does Undercooked Cake Taste Like?
When it comes to flavor, an undercooked cake will taste similar to a fully cooked cake in terms of sweetness and flavor, whether you’ve made a chocolate or vanilla cake.
However, the texture of the cake will be different, as underbaking will affect its consistency.
An underbaked cake tends to have a mushy or gummy texture, which is different from a fully baked cake that has a light and fluffy crumb. While it’s good to have a moist cake, underbaking it can make it sticky and unappetizing.
There are several ways to determine if your cake is undercooked. One method is to use a toothpick to test for doneness. If the toothpick comes out with batter or crumbs, the cake still needs more time in the oven.
You can also check the edges of the pan to see if the cake has pulled away from them, as this is an indication that it’s done baking.
A fully baked cake will also spring back when gently touched, and the top and edges should be golden brown or matte in the case of a chocolate cake.
If you realize that your cake is undercooked when you take it out of the oven, you can put it back in to bake it for longer. However, once the cake has cooled down and you realize that it’s underbaked, it’s too late to fix it.
The leavening agents won’t be active anymore, making it impossible for the cake to bake properly.
Can I Cover The Cake With Foil While Baking?
The crust and browning of the cake will be lacking if you start with a covered cake. If you want your cake to cook thoroughly, you can cover it halfway with foil halfway through baking.
Why Is My Cake Soggy In The Middle?
It’s usually just a matter of the cake not being cooked long enough. Follow the recipe closely. Make sure your oven is set at the right temperature, place the cake in the middle, and don’t remove it before it’s done.
What Does An Undercooked Cake Look Like?
The appearance of an undercooked cake will be moist or watery, and it will be jiggly instead of firm.
Make sure you look for other signs and check the inside of the cake with a toothpick if you can’t tell if a cake is undercooked simply by looking at it.
Can You Rebake A Cake If It’s Undercooked?
If you catch an undercooked cake in time, you can rebake it. It is unfortunately not possible to rebake a cake once it has cooled completely. As soon as the cake is cooled, it becomes dry and does not fluff up as it should.
How To Fix Undercooked Fruit Cake?
If you find yourself with an undercooked fruitcake, one way to fix it is by covering the top with either parchment paper or aluminum foil.
However, it’s important to note that this method will only help the middle of the cake to continue cooking, while the exterior remains the same.
How To Fix An Undercooked Cake With Icing?
If you happen to have an undercooked cake that is beyond repair, one option is to fill the middle of the cake with icing.
This can help salvage the cake and make it more enjoyable to eat. However, it’s important to note that this is only a temporary fix and won’t change the fact that the cake is undercooked.
Conclusion
Fixing an undercooked cake is not rocket science, but it does require some know-how and a bit of patience. With the tips and tricks we’ve shared in this article, you can easily salvage your cake and turn it into a delicious and beautiful dessert that you’ll be proud to serve.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out as expected. Keep trying and experimenting until you find the method that works best for you.
