How to Stop a Cake from Browning Too Much

Reviewed by Maria Short

Last Updated: January 28, 2023 References

A cake that over-browns can spoil the appearance and taste. Preventing this from happening means averting the possibility up front. Here's how.

Steps

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A shallow pan carries more risk of browning than a deep one.
Use two layers of brown paper and two layers of baking paper.^{[1]
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Research source} Allow this paper to extend above the pan about 5 centimeter (2.0 in) to 7 centimeter (2.8 in). This paper "wall" will help to protect the cake top from browning.

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A flatter surface made by a spatula or knife can help to prevent uneven browning.^{[2]
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The shelf used should not place the cake too close to the heat source. Bake the cake in the lower half of the oven.
If it appears to be browning unevenly, turn it in quarters several times during baking.^{[3]
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Halfway through baking, you can place a layer of kitchen foil over the top of the cake to prevent browning, especially where it has a fruit or caramelized top.^{[4]
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What makes a cake get burnt when it is not fully baked through yet?

Riley Next

Community Answer

Sometimes it is because you have the temperature too high. Other times it is because you didn't flour and oil the pan.

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My cake burnt on outside but was on the correct temperature, why was this?

Community Answer

Stop using metal pans. Metal absorbs the heat causing the cake to take the heat from the oven and pan, causing it to burn. If this doesn't help, try a lower heat and add more eggs and milk, this will thin the batter and cause it to cook more slowly.

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What can stop the cake edges from being crusty?

Nathan Wu

Community Answer

Try to moisturize the edges of the cake pan. This can be done with a sugar coat or an oil coat.

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Tips

Keep an eye on the oven temperature. Try lowering it to see if that makes a difference to the cake; this means it'll take a little longer to cook but might solve your over-browning problems.

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Nut toppings an help prevent browning.

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