If your cake is still jiggly in the center after you take it out of the oven, it usually indicates that the cake is not fully baked. When a cake is not properly baked, the center remains undercooked and does not set properly, resulting in a jiggly or wobbly texture.
There could be several reasons why the cake is still jiggly in the center:
Underbaking: The most common reason is that the cake simply needs more time in the oven to bake fully. Oven temperatures can vary, and sometimes the baking time stated in a recipe may not be accurate for your particular oven. You can try putting the cake back in the oven and continue baking for a few more minutes until the center is set.
Oven temperature: Your oven might not be calibrated correctly, leading to uneven heating and inaccurate temperatures. You can use an oven thermometer to check if your oven is heating to the correct temperature.
Pan size and type: Using a different pan size or type than what the recipe calls for can affect baking times. If you use a smaller or deeper pan, the cake's center may take longer to cook.
Opening the oven door during baking: Opening the oven door frequently while the cake is baking can cause fluctuations in temperature, which can affect the cake's baking process.
Improper ingredient measurements: Using incorrect measurements of ingredients, especially wet ingredients like eggs, milk, or oil, can impact the cake's texture and baking time.
To remedy the situation, you can follow these steps:
Check for doneness: If the cake's edges are already cooked and the center is still jiggly, gently press the center with your finger. If it springs back, it's likely done. Alternatively, you can insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Continue baking: If the cake is visibly undercooked or your tests indicate it's not done yet, place it back in the oven and continue baking. Check it regularly until it's fully cooked.
Prevent over-browning: If the cake's top is getting too brown while the center is still jiggly, you can cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the center cooks.
Remember that baking times can vary depending on your oven, altitude, and other factors, so it's essential to rely on visual and physical cues to determine the cake's doneness rather than strictly following a specified baking time.