Fixes for Common Baking Mistakes

Baking disasters happen to the best of us, but the good news is that most mistakes are fixable. Whether your cake sank or your cookies spread too much, there’s a way to save the day. Here are some tried-and-true solutions to common baking mishaps.

1. Sunken Cakes

If your cake has a dip in the centre, it’s likely due to underbaking or opening the oven door too soon. Fix it by trimming off the uneven part and frosting to level it out. Next time, avoid peeking too early, and ensure your batter isn’t overmixed.

2. Dry, Crumbly Bakes

This often happens when you’ve added too much flour or overbaked. Try brushing your cake with a simple syrup to add moisture. To prevent this, always spoon and level your flour when measuring.

3. Cookies Spread Too Much

If your cookies have merged into one big blob, the butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your baking sheet isn’t warm from the previous batch.

4. Dense or Gummy Texture

Overmixing your batter or using too much liquid can lead to dense cakes. To fix a gummy cake, slice it thinly and toast it for a bread-pudding-style treat. Next time, mix just until combined, and measure liquids accurately.

5. Burnt Edges, Undercooked Centre

Your oven temperature may be too high. Lower the temperature and cover the baking dish with foil to cook evenly. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

6. Cracked Cheesecakes

Temperature changes can cause cheesecake to crack. Allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar. If it still cracks, hide it under a layer of fruit compote or ganache.

7. Flat Breads and Pastries

If your bread didn’t rise, it might be due to old yeast or insufficient kneading. Try proofing your yeast first to ensure it’s active, and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.

8. Soggy Pie Crust

Blind-bake your crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess. A layer of egg wash brushed onto the crust before baking can also create a moisture barrier.

9. Sticky or Stale Baked Goods

Humidity can make baked items sticky. Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Reheat slightly to restore freshness.

10. Baking That Tastes Flat

If your cake lacks flavour, you might have under-salted or missed an acid component. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt can balance sweetness. In future bakes, taste your batter (if safe to do so) before baking.