Last Updated on March 17, 2023
Do you know what to do with undercooked cake? The problem may seem overwhelming. But we have some amazing fixes and solutions for you!
In this jam-packed article, we will look at ways you can fix an underbaked cake as well as how to use baked parts. Our techniques are easy and all work very well, especially when you’re in a pinch!
What Is Undercooked Cake?
Undercooked cake can mean a couple of things. All of them seem obvious once we explain them, yet there is more than one way a cake can be undercooked. Knowing which way your is will help you accurately determine what to do with undercooked cake. So, let’s explore.
First, you can have an entire cake that has been undercooked. When this happens, it is more than just a specific area that isn’t cooked, but the whole thing.
Then, you can also have a cake that is slightly undercooked in certain parts. For example, often the center of the cake hasn’t been cooked yet. Or, the bottom is still raw while the rest of the cake is firm.
All three of these examples have similar causes. It either happens because your oven isn’t hot enough, has hot spots, or your cake hasn’t baked for long enough. The trick is to figure out which one of these reasons it is.
Then, you also have to decide what to do with undercooked cake. By this, we mean deciding whether or not you want to fix it or utilize it in another way.
Are there any dangers to eating undercooked cake?
You should never eat undercooked cake. In fact, you shouldn’t ever eat anything that is undercooked! Why?
Because flour and eggs (two main ingredients in a cake batter) carry a high risk of dangerous bacteria which can lead to serious food poisoning. Flour shouldn’t be eaten raw or undercooked. It always has to be cooked at a high temperature to not cause stomach problems.
And eggs, as we all know by now, can carry salmonella bacteria. To kill the bacteria, the eggs have to be heated at a high enough temperature for a long enough time. Otherwise, in the case of the undercooked cake, they could multiply and make you sick.
In any case, you don’t have to be tempted by semi-cooked cake batter! Because we have some fantastic fixes for you!
How To Determine What To Do With Undercooked Cake?
Now, as we have mentioned, you first have to determine what to do with undercooked cake. Do you want to fix the entire cake, or do you want to utilize it for a different purpose?
If your entire cake is half-baked, you should rather continue baking it until it’s done.
But, if certain parts are undercooked while others are starting to overcook, continuing the baking process won’t help. It will not allow the raw parts to fully cook without burning the fully baked parts.
So, in that case, we’d recommend using the partially cooked cake differently.
What To Do With Undercooked Cake – How To Fix It
So, here are some ways you can fix the undercooked cake. As we have mentioned, it is best to only continue baking a completely undercooked cake. However, you can still salvage the whole cake if it is partially baked. Here’s how.
Problem 1: The entire cake is undercooked
This is caused by a cake that hasn’t been baked at a high enough temperature or for long enough.
To fix this cake, simply place it back inside your oven. If your baking temperature is below 320ºF (160ºC), increase the temperature to at least that. Then, keep baking the cake for another 10-15 minutes without any covering.
Check the cake’s progress every 5 minutes to prevent overbaking the cake.
Problem 2: The cake is wet in the center
A wet cake center could be caused by a too low oven temperature, the wrong cake pan being used (too big), or a short baking time.
Again, the fix is quite easy. But, because some parts are partially cooked, you need to cover the cake pan with foil. This will trap the heat without over-browning the baked parts.
Allow the cake to bake another 10-15 minutes while checking the cake every 5 minutes. Once the toothpick comes out clean, the cake has finished baking.
Problem 3: The bottom of the cake is undercooked
This happens due to hot spots of the cake being baked on the wrong rack.
If you didn’t bake the cake on the middle rack, then move it accordingly. But, if you did, the oven temperature is likely inaccurate.
The best way to fix this problem is to first determine whether or not your oven has an accurate temperature. Use an oven thermometer to test the back and front of the oven. If you find a hot spot or cold spot, move the cake pan away from it and keep baking the cake.
What To Do With Undercooked Cake – Ways To Use It
If your cake has already cooled before you realize it’s undercooked, you shouldn’t bake it again. And, if you simply don’t want to bake it at all even after seeing it’s undercooked in the oven, here are some ways you can utilize it.
Trust us, there are quite a few answers to what to do with undercooked cake!
Again, don’t eat the raw parts. But, you can cut away the baked parts of your cake and create another dish from them.
If they are large enough pieces, you can still make small individual cakes from them. It is a great way to still serve cake but in an even more unique way.
Otherwise, you can use offcuts of baked cake to make cake pops, cake and butter pudding, cake crumble, trifle, or toasted cake slices. You can have a look here at some other ideas for leftover cake pieces.
Final Words
Many people panic when it comes to what to do with undercooked cake. But hopefully, you now know the fix is easier than you thought. And if it isn’t possible to continue baking the cake, well at least you don’t have to toss the entire thing away!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to share it with your fellow bakers. And, let us know how you like to use your undercooked or leftover cake pieces!
FAQs
What can I do with an undercooked cake?
Depending on whether or not you have cooled the cake, you may still be able to finish baking it. if you haven't cooled it yet, just add it to the oven for longer. But, if the cake has already cooled, you should cut away the cooked parts and utilize them in another way.
Can you bake a cake that is undercooked?
You can only continue baking a cake than hasn't been cooled yet. Once it has cooled, the texture has changed and shouldn't be rebaked again. This will cause other problems that ruin the cake in a different way. Instead, read our guide to learn exactly what to do with under baked cake.
What happens if eat raw cake?
Raw cake carries a high risk of causing food poisoning or at the very least, stomach problems. Eggs could carry salmonella, an often deadly bacteria. If the eggs are cooked for long enough, the bacteria won't be killed. Then, flour should also not be ingested unless cooked. Otherwise, it too can cause cramps, constipation, and vomiting.
Can I microwave an undercooked cake?
You can only microwave undercooked cake if it just came out of the oven and is still hot. This way, no temperature changes have occurred and the cake will retain its texture and flavor. But, in that case, you may as well just continue baking it inside the oven.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.