Cupcakes Rising To A Peak

Our answer

Nigella's Cupcake recipe (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) is a Victoria sponge base that is baked at 200c/400F. This is the temperature for a conventional oven and if you have a fan oven then you will need to adjust the oven temperature following the instructions in the manufacturer's handbook (usually you reduce the temperature by 20c/50F).

If cakes are peaking during baking it is usually because the oven temperature is a bit too high. The outside edges of the cakes bake quickly, forcing the centre upwards and into a peak. As ovens vary you may find that you need to turn your oven down a little more, especially if it is a fan oven with a strong fan. If you have a conventional oven then it may be running a little hot and you may prefer to bake the cupcakes at 180c/350F for 20 to 25 minutes instead. This should help them to rise more evenly.