Dessert Fails

Problem: Frosting melted off the cake

Reason: The cake wasn't cooled completely before frosting. The primary ingredient in frosting is fat, which melts when it's warm.

Fix: Refrigerate before you frost!

1. Let your cake cool on the counter.
2. Wrap the layers in plastic.
3. Put them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
4. Frost the cake.

Problem: Sunken cupcakes

Reason: Unevenly scooped cupcakes and undercooked.

Fix:

1. Measure even amounts of batter for each cupcake. Use an ice cream scoop to make sure each cup has the same amount.
2. Rotate your baking tray halfway though the baking time. Most ovens have hot spots, so rotating will ensure everything cooks evenly.
3. You can't fix an already sunken cupcake, so cover it up with icing!