Why does a cake flop?

1. Incorrect Ingredient Ratios: If the proportions of ingredients are not accurate, the cake batter may not have the proper structure and rise.

2. Over-Mixing: Over-mixing the cake batter can lead to too much gluten development, resulting in a dense and compact texture.

3. Inadequate Leavening Agents: If there's not enough baking powder or baking soda, the cake won't rise properly and may end up flat.

4. Old Baking Powder or Baking Soda: Expired leavening agents lose their potency, affecting the cake's ability to rise.

5. Oven Temperature: If the oven temperature is too low or too high, the cake may not bake properly and may collapse.

6. Opening the Oven Door: Opening the oven door during baking can release heat and disrupt the cake's rising process, causing it to fall.

7. Incorrect Pan Size or Shape: Using a pan that is too large or too small can affect the cake's structure and rising.

8. Sudden Temperature Change: Moving the cake from a hot oven to a cold environment too quickly can cause the cake to collapse.

9. Incomplete Mixing: If the ingredients are not properly combined, the batter may be inconsistent and unable to provide adequate structure for the cake.

10. Stale Ingredients: Using old or stale ingredients can result in a poor-quality cake that is more prone to flopping.

11. Too Much Moisture: Adding too much liquid to the cake batter can make the cake dense and heavy.

12. Unleveled Batter: If the batter is not evenly distributed in the pan, the cake may bake unevenly and collapse on one side.

13. Unbalanced Recipe: If the recipe contains too much sugar, fat, or other ingredients, the cake may become too dense and heavy, leading to flopping.

14. Improper Cooling: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for too long or moving it to a cooling rack before it has fully baked can cause it to collapse.

15. Adding Heavy Ingredients Too Early: If dense ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit are added too early, they can weigh the batter down and prevent it from rising properly.