Discovering Baking: A constant learning experience!

So last night I wanted some dessert. I scower my cupboards and fridge and think upon what I can make with the minuscule ingredients I have. I have the basics, but none of the fluff. Then I dawns on me! Gooey Butter Cake! Here's the link to the recipe: http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/gooey_butter_cake

Of course (if you know me well), I have a box of funfetti cake mix in the cupboard. So that's what I used. I preheat the oven and dive in to creating yumminess. I follow all the instructions to the letter because I have learned that, in baking, you can't make your own rules. It's science! I substitute almond for vanilla extract because it's more sophisticated in my funfetti cake. HAHA! So anyway, I put it all together, pop it in the oven, and set it for 40 minutes (the bottom of the baking time frame).



Whole Gooey Butter Cake



With 55 seconds to go I really start smelling the cake. I know it's done. It comes out and here's what I have...

Looks perfect! Well, it's not!

What I discover is that the bottom of the cake is much too brown :o( At first I thought maybe it was the sprinkles from the funfetti mix. But then I thought further into the science of baking and realized something! I should have reduced the oven temp to 325 from 350 to compensate for my glass 9x13 pan. Stupid Stupid!

So you believe me, here's the proof:

As you can see, the bottom of the cake is very brown. I do believe the top layer is cooked correctly, but it is not oozing like the photograph in the recipe (see link).



Piece of Gooey Butter Cake



I have no idea if the oozing effect would be accomplished by reducing the oven temp or if that's some food designer trick. I am not sure the texture of ooze would even be to my liking. All in all the cake is VERY sweet and I am thinking it would taste better with something more savory, like peanut butter OR more acidic like lemon.

Bottom Line: I discovered I need to think BEFORE I bake: about how my bake ware will effect the process as much as one would think upon the ingredients. Also, I should probably invest in proper bake ware and stay away from the glass pryex I use for everything! Goal: Think and buy some nice bake ware when I have money (Goal time frame: infinity, maybe never, maybe if my mom lets me inherit hers someday).