"Cupcakes are a deceptively easy bake. While you might think that they're easier to make than a layer cake, which calls for perfectly even sponges and a frosting job that looks like it was done by a professional, your cupcakes can get away with looking a little more ... rustic. That said, there are many potential mistakes you can easily avoid when baking cupcakes, including forgetting to preheat the oven."
"Preheating is an important cooking step because if you leave your batter in the oven waiting for it to reach temperature, you'll risk drying it out. The other factor is that the right consistent heat will act on the leavening agents in the batter immediately, and if the oven's not hot enough, your batter probably won't rise well, meaning dense, flat cupcakes."
"For one, you should make sure that your oven is calibrated to the temperature you set. Although it might be easy to just go by the one that you set it at, there are many reasons why an oven's temperature might be slightly off, including a faulty temperature sensor, issues with the door hinge, or an oven door that's in need of some TLC."
Preheating the oven is essential because batter left in a cold oven can dry out and leavening agents will not activate properly, producing dense, flat cupcakes. Consistent high heat allows leavening to act immediately and promotes proper rise. Ovens can run hotter or cooler than their settings due to faulty sensors, door hinges, or poor seals. An oven thermometer helps verify the actual temperature and correct for discrepancies. Identifying oven hotspots allows strategic placement of pans for even baking; a simple parchment-paper test can reveal hot zones so trays can be positioned for uniform results.
Read at Tasting Table
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