Can You Bake a Cake in a Convection Oven

Are you looking to bake your favorite cake recipe in a convection oven but aren’t sure if it’s the right way to go? While a “regular” conventional oven is the ideal choice, it’s still possible to create a beautiful and delicious cake in a convection oven. The trick is knowing how to do it.

Hi! My name’s Michelle, and cakes are some of my favorite things. I love the fluffy texture and all of the different flavors and flavor combinations. That said, I have made cakes in everything you can imagine, from convection and conventional ovens to air fryers and crockpots.

If you’re wondering if you can bake a cake in a convection oven, you’ve come to the right place. This article is sharing why it might not be the best choice. It will also share how you can be successful at it. 

Who’s ready to bake a cake in a convection oven?

What is a Convection Oven?

Before we get started, let’s look into some facts. After all, knowing what a convection oven is and how it works will give you a better understanding of why it’s not the prime option for baking cakes.

A convection oven is a type of oven that operates with a fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air throughout the entire oven, leaving no side untouched. It helps foods to cook quicker and evenly with perfect browning. That said, it’s perfect for roasting vegetables and baking pizzas.

Due to the way convection ovens operate, they run at a higher temperature than “normal” conventional ovens – around 25F hotter. 

Can You Bake a Cake in a Convection Oven?

The simple answer, yes, you can bake a cake in a convection oven. But it is far trickier than baking in a conventional oven. This is mostly because cake batters are light, and the circulation of hot air can flatten air bubbles and create a short, flat, and dense result.

All hope is not lost, though. If you want to try your hand at baking a cake in a convection oven or simply don’t have the option to go the conventional route, you can still be successful. You will have to alter the way you bake your cake, though. 

This next section will show you how it’s done.

How to Bake a Cake in a Convection Oven

When it comes to baking, being adaptable to your situation is key, and anything is possible. With that in mind, you can successfully bake a cake in a convection oven – you just have to be extra careful about your steps. 

1. Preheat the Convection Oven

Just like any other cake recipe, you always want to start by preheating the oven. That way, the oven will be nice and hot and ready for your cake batter. The key here is to remember that convection ovens run hotter than conventional. 

Reduce the temperature by 25F. If you’re baking extra-large cakes, you will want to reduce the temperature by an extra five or ten degrees – just to be on the safe side.

2. Mix, Pour, and Place in the Oven

There are no alterations necessary for mixing and pouring. Follow the recipe as you normally would and pour the batter into the pan. However, when placing the pan into the oven, do not cover the cake with tinfoil (even if the recipe calls for it).

Note: If you’re baking more than one cake, make sure you leave a 2-inch gap on all sides of each pan to ensure the heat can circulate properly.

3. Bake with the Door Closed

A lot of people (myself included) check on their cakes far more often than they should. Well, for the convection oven with plenty of circulating heat, this can be detrimental to your cake. When using a convection oven, be extra careful to avoid opening the oven door too regularly.

4. Check for Doneness and Remove it from the Oven

The absolute earliest you should check on your cake is around ten minutes before it’s supposed to be done. If you’re concerned about your cake, use the oven light instead. Keep in mind that smaller cakes cook faster. Larger cakes may need to bake for the final ten minutes.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, then the cake is done. If there is batter on the toothpick, let the cake continue to bake until the time is up.

Benefits of Baking Cake in a Convection Oven

When it comes to baking a cake in a convection oven, a lot of bakers will swear it’s doom and gloom. But this isn’t necessarily true. While it is far more challenging to bake a good cake in convection compared to conventional, there are a few benefits:

• You can bake several cakes at once without fear of one cake baking quicker than the other.
• Crusts can turn out crispier and flakier.
• You don’t have to worry about your cake being unevenly cooked.

FAQs

Convection cake baking is possible, but it isn’t the best choice. If you still have some prying questions about whether or not you can bake a cake in a convection oven, check out these frequently asked questions below.

Is it better to bake a cake in a convection oven?

No, it’s much better to bake a cake in a traditional conventional oven than in a convection oven. Conventional ovens are better suited for denser batters that need to rise and create a fluffy texture without crisping and browning.

What temperature do you bake a cake in a convection oven?

Since convection ovens run hotter than their conventional counterparts, it is important to reduce the temperature by at least 25F when baking a cake. When baking larger cakes, you may want to reduce the temperature by an extra five to ten degrees.

How long does it take to cook a cake in a convection oven?

Cakes may have a shorter baking time in a convection oven than in a conventional oven, even when reducing the temperature by 25F. That is why it’s important to check your cake ten minutes before it is supposed to be done. Some small cakes will be baked by then.

Can I bake a cake in convection mode?

Many conventional ovens have a convection mode, which is great for many recipes like pizzas and vegetables. However, it is not the ideal choice for a lightly-battered cake. It’s possible, but I recommend sticking with regular convention mode for the best results.

When should you not use a convection oven?

It’s best to say “no” to convection when baking any type of treat that needs to rise, such as cakes. Some pastries that work well with a flaky crust can bake well in a convection oven, though. It’s best to follow the recipe to know the best route for your baked goods.

Final Thoughts

Convection ovens are useful for many things, but they are not great for cakes with a light batter. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use convection for baking a cake. If you’re using convection, lower the temp, keep the cake uncovered, and check ten minutes before.

Do you ever use a convection oven for baking a cake? How did it turn out? Share your convection oven baking stories with us below!

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.