Cake help

[Iwanttenofthose]

I followed a recipe for a dairy free chocolate cake I've used before, using Stork block as I always have before.

It came out really dense, even though when I've made it before and it's been lovely and had a normal texture.

Making a replacement this morning and want to get it right! Can you think of any obvious reasons why a recipe that's previously worked well would suddenly come out dense?

I used an electric mixer but happy to make it by hand if that would help. Possibly over-mixed as kids were helping spoon the flour in! Also my fan oven element is broken so I used the non-fan which I don't normally use, should I have done anything different other than change the temp?

Could be-

-over mixed
-oven temp too low (could you check with a thermometer?)

• old baking powder/SR flour

@BennieAndBert

Could be-

-over mixed
-oven temp too low (could you check with a thermometer?)

• old baking powder/SR flour

Thanks! Other things I've cooked in that oven have done as expected so I think it could be a combination of the other things you mentioned. I don't bake often as you can tell so am going to nip to the corner shop and replace my flour and baking powder!