There can be several reasons why a cake may turn out uneven from the top after baking. Here are a few possible explanations:
Uneven oven temperature: If your oven has hot spots or uneven heat distribution, it can cause the cake to bake unevenly. This means that certain areas of the cake may cook faster than others, resulting in an uneven rise.
Opening the oven door too early: Opening the oven door too early in the baking process can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which can lead to uneven baking. It's best to avoid opening the oven door until the cake is close to being fully baked.
Incorrect oven rack position: Placing the cake on an incorrect oven rack position can affect the heat distribution. Make sure to follow the recipe's instructions regarding the oven rack placement.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to excess gluten development, resulting in a dense and unevenly baked cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid this issue.
Improperly leveled batter: If the cake batter is not evenly spread in the pan before baking, it can cause the cake to rise unevenly. Make sure to level the batter in the pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon before putting it in the oven.
Pan size and shape: Using the wrong pan size or shape can affect the baking time and result in uneven baking. Ensure that you are using the recommended pan size mentioned in the recipe.
To improve the evenness of your cakes, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature, avoiding unnecessary opening of the oven door during baking, and following the recipe instructions accurately.