Lol, Need Help With Cake That Goes Flop!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's experience with baking a cake for a chocolate show, specifically addressing challenges with a Baked Alaska recipe that did not hold its shape. Participants share their personal experiences, alternative cake ideas, and tips for improving the stability of the cake.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with a Baked Alaska cake that fell over but tasted good, seeking advice on how to improve its stability.
  • Another participant shares a recipe for a chocolate cherry cake that can be made in the microwave, suggesting it as an alternative.
  • One participant suggests using a rectangular or round stone for dessert pizzas instead of the Baked Alaska, noting the lack of a fluted pan.
  • A participant recounts their experience with a wobbly Baked Alaska cake that was still moist and delicious, mentioning the importance of trimming the cake for better stability.
  • Another participant provides tips from another board, emphasizing the need for flat cake layers and refrigerating the cake to help it set.
  • One participant mentions that after refrigerating their cake overnight, it became less wobbly and considers trying a lemon croissant pudding as an alternative dessert.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods for stabilizing the Baked Alaska cake, with some participants sharing tips while others suggest alternative desserts. No clear consensus emerges on a single solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal baking experiences and challenges, focusing on the limitations of available equipment and ingredients.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for baking tips, alternative dessert ideas, or personal experiences related to cake stability and preparation may find this discussion relevant.

Muppetgal
Silver Member
Messages
170
I'm doing a chocolate show on Friday for a friend.

We decided I'm make some fudge to bring and would make a cake before coming and then do the "baked alaska" cake for the show.

I've just practiced tonight and the thing fell over like the leaning tower of Pisa!

My husband is in histerics...thing is it tastes GREAT it just looks ridiculous. How can I turn the ingredients for this cake into something more manageable?

Or, does someone have some other ideas for me....her oven and stove are shot at the moment...she does have a microwave though.

other thing is I really only have my basic kit along with a large micro cooker, rectangular stone, bamboo set and that's about it!
 
I haven't ever tried it in the batter bowl (I assume that is what you are baking in) but, I love to do a 1-2-3 chocolate cherry cake. You probably should try it at home first. you use one box of chocolate cake mix, 2 cups of cherry pie filling and 3 eggs. I usually put the extra pie filling in the bottom of the pan, before I add the batter. Mix everything together and put it in the microwave. In the fluted pan it takes about 12 minutes, I would start at about 10 and check it. It is done when it looks just a little moist still, but is starting to pull away from the sides when you tip it. As if it didn't taste good enough already I do the quick ganache which is 1/2 cup cool whip and 1/2 cup chocolate chips, microwave for about a minute, stip well and pour over the top of the cake. This makes a really fudgy yummy frosting.
 
That micro cake recipe IS great but I don't think she mentioned having the fluted pan. How about making something on your rectangle stone or large round stone instead of the Baked Alaska? Maybe one of the dessert pizzas?
I've never made the Baked Alaska but will ask on another board and see what they say.
 
I made the baked Alaska recipe for my son's birthday cake. When I took it out, it was quite wobbly, even when it had cooled. But it was the airiest (lol--is that even a real word?), most moist cake I had EVER eaten! After I flipped the cake out of the bowl, I trimmed the bottom so it would sit better. I don't know how well it would have held up if I had sliced it and filled it like the recipe calls for... I just frosted the thing like a pumpkin. I'll have to try sometime.
 
Okay, here are the answers I got from the other board. Hope they help some :)


I have done the baked alaska cake....LOVE it! My advice: Make sure the cake pieces are flat. When you add the 2nd and 3rd layers of cake over the filling, press down slightly to kind of adhere it to the filling. Also....not sure if she did this, but make sure you trim the top of the cake when you take it out of the batter bowl, so when you turn it over, the bottom is flat. (does that make sense?!? LOL )

and the next:


I only do two layers of filling rather than the 3. Stays more stable that way. Totally agree about making sure the layers are flat. If you cut it a bit crooked, then just add more filling to that side. I also put it in the refrigerator to let it stiffen up.

I've made this twice and the second time was much easier!


and finally:


Thee most important tip here is...

EAT ALL THE TRIMMINGS!! LOL Hey, there'll be less to clean up, right?? And I'm all over fast, easy clean up!! LOL
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Have to say after letting it sit in the fridge all night it's not so wobbly....

thankfully the host is a friend of mine who invited people without telling them it was a chocolate night (just that there would be a sweet) so I'm going to try something else I think....the lemon croissant pudding in the vanilla glazed stone sounds like it might be a very good plan because the vanilla stone is what is on special this month anyway!

the cake is gorgeous though, will have to try again sometime and get it right!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reasons for a cake to flop?

A cake can flop for several reasons, including using expired ingredients, incorrect oven temperature, overmixing the batter, or not properly preparing the baking pan. Ensuring that all ingredients are fresh and measuring them accurately can help prevent flops.

How can I ensure my cake rises properly?

To ensure your cake rises properly, make sure to use the right leavening agents, such as baking powder or baking soda, and check their expiration dates. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Following the recipe closely and preheating your oven to the correct temperature are also crucial steps.

What should I do if my cake has sunk in the middle?

If your cake has sunk in the middle, it may be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early. To salvage it, you can try to cover it with frosting or whipped cream, or serve it as a trifle with layers of cream and fruit. For future cakes, ensure they are fully baked before removing them from the oven.

Can I use a different pan size for my cake recipe?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but you will need to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will require less baking time, while a smaller pan will need more time. Keep an eye on the cake and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

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