Troubleshooting Butter and Oil Cakes

Problem: The cake has a cracked or peaked surface or large tunnels.

Solution: The oven is too hot, or the batter is overmixed, or there is too much leavening, or a cake strip was not used. Bake at a lower temperature, do not overmix, use less leavening, or use a cake strip.

Problem: The cake has a coarse grain and sunken center.

Solution: The oven is too cold, or the batter is undermixed, or there is too much leavening. Increase the oven temperature, mix the batter until well combined, or use less leavening.