Help! Cake question

[baggies]

Why does my cake always look like this, raised, with a crack in the middle? It is always light, moist and yummy but not aesthetically pleasing!
Use all in one method, 6oz of sr flour, sugar and marg, 3 eggs.
On tv they always come out the oven smooth and flat!

[baggies]

Posted too soon, photo attached!

[homemadecommunistrussia]

I find it depends on the cake. What kind are you making?

[homemadecommunistrussia]

That looks great. I think it might have something to do with how deep it is, if you made two shallow cakes from the same mix there would be less peaking and cracking.

[englebertsausagedog]

I think it's when they cook too quick. You need to turn your oven down a bit. Or get those cake tin collar things. (I bought some and they seem to even the heat distribution through the cake)

[APurpleSquirrel]

Oven is probably too hot:
[[http://www.maryberry.co.uk/baking-tips
According to]] Mary Berry, of Great British Bake Off fame, cakes crack when the oven temperature is too high (or, similarly, when the pan is placed on an incorrect rack

[ShakespearesSisters]

It definitely comes more if oven is too high. I now bake at 160, takes a bit longer but doesn't rise so quickly so less dome, if any.

[paddingtonbearsmarmalade]

If you want a smooth rose and minimal doming/peaking & to avoid cracking, a low & slow bake is your best bet.

[paddingtonbearsmarmalade]

RISE

[NormaLouiseBates]

In my experience 2 things can cause this... oven too hot as has been said, but also butter too cold can do it too.

[JPduck]

To avoid a dome, I leave a dip in the centre of the mix as I put it in the oven. Seems to work

[baggies]

Interesting replies thank you.
Oven temp is 160 fan middle shelf. Start timer at 25 minutes added extra 2 minutes as cake was squidgy in the middle. It's just a plain cake, I add icing or melted chocolate to the top.

[baggies]

Actually do use spread straight from the fridge. Will get it out beforehand and leave a dip in the middle next time.

[JPduck]

Good luck @baggies
Update us how you get on 😀

[baggies]

Cake baked today with softened spread and dip in the middle when put in oven. Much better rise, slight cracking and also 2 minutes less in the oven.
I also didn't put any baking powder in. Seems better. 2 photos attached comparing bake.

[JPduck]

Looks good 🍰👍🏻