master-cooks | The Worst Mistakes Causing Your Sponge Cake To Sink, According To Paul Hollywood

Paul Hollywood, a renowned baker and judge on "The Great British Bake Off," shares insights into common mistakes that can cause a sponge cake to sink. One major error is over-mixing the batter, which knocks out the air needed for the cake to rise properly. This overworking can lead to a dense texture and a collapsed cake. Another frequent mistake is inaccurate measurements, particularly with flour, which can disrupt the balance of the ingredients. Using too much or too little flour affects the cake's structure, leading to sinking. Hollywood also emphasizes the importance of the correct oven temperature and baking time. An oven that's too hot can cause the cake to rise rapidly and then collapse, while an oven that's too cold may not provide the necessary lift. Opening the oven door too early in the baking process is another pitfall; this can cause a sudden drop in temperature, making the cake sink. Lastly, Hollywood advises against using stale or expired baking powder, as its reduced potency can hinder the cake's ability to rise. By avoiding these mistakes, bakers can achieve a light, fluffy sponge cake with a perfect rise.

Test your oven temp and weigh your ingredients

If a cake sinks after being removed from the oven, it’s likely that the temperature was set too high. "It cooks on the outside while remaining soft inside," he explains. This results in the cake collapsing in the center rather than forming a nice, rounded dome on top. "Be sure to verify that your temperature is accurate," he advises. He recommends using a probe thermometer to check if the oven's actual temperature matches the set temperature. Another tip he offers is to keep the oven clean. "A dirty oven can lead to temperature fluctuations."

A cake can also fall while still baking in the oven. "This is usually due to an excess of baking powder or rising agent," Hollywood clarifies. If too much baking powder is used, the cake may rise too quickly before it’s fully cooked, leading to a collapse. The fix is straightforward: weigh your ingredients. To avoid receiving Hollywood's notorious steely glare, ensure your sponge is a lovely golden brown. A Hollywood handshake might be asking for too much.

The Worst Mistakes Causing Your Sponge Cake To Sink, According To Paul Hollywood

Test your oven temp and weigh your ingredients

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