Experienced Bakers...come in please

Right...so all the signs of my baking indicate that my cakes and quick breads are going to be wonderful! I follow all the directions, bake them for the recommended time, check to see that the centre is set, stick a skewer in. My oven is brand new top of the line oven...but my cakes are very dense and moist. They seem cooked, but they are not light and fluffy at all. Don't get me wrong, they are still delish and very edible...but just not 100%...

Anyone know what I am doing wrong? Any tips???

Message edited 12/25/2006 10:27:40 AM.

Re: Experienced Bakers...come in please

there could be a deviation in the type of oven (electric vs gas) will cook differently, positioning of the rack, type of pan used (glass vs. dark colored non stick, etc.)

Re: Experienced Bakers...come in please

did you use self raising flour and then some more leavening agent? my DH does this all the time and same thing happens.

or did you mistake the baking powder for baking soda or vice versa?

Re: Experienced Bakers...come in please

maybe try cake flour instead of regular flour...that might help.

Re: Experienced Bakers...come in please

Also, don't over beat the mixture. Some recipes you just want to use as little strokes as possible when mixing. Especially for a doughy batter, it can become too dense (from the gluten/protiens??) if it is over mixed.

Message edited 12/26/2006 8:21:09 AM.