I must be consistent with what I'm doing because my carrot cake is always sinking in the middle. My problem is, it didn't sink before... I've always made it the same way and I don't know why this is happening now!
I use the Carrot Cake recipe III but now I can't find it here or on Epicurious...
Thanks for nay advice.
Sheila

Have you checked your oven temp with an oven thermometer? Also check the expiration date on your baking soda/powder.

It could be a number of things, but my first thought is that the cake is not being baked long enough. I'd lower the oven temp 25 degrees and bake it for a little longer.

i bake my carrot cakes at 325 degress F. and at this , tempt,. it takes a little longer.. when it is just about time to be done.. i keep check every couple minutes or so. and i watch the middle.. when i do think it is done.. i take it out and use the small skewer to check in the middle.. if not just like i want it.. i put it back a lilttle longer.. watching it carefully.. i usually have very good luck with my carrot cake layers.. hth

I don't own an oven thermometer but I should get one... The weird thing is the cake sinks while it's still in the oven (I can actiually see it happening with the oven light on). I will lower the temp next time and see what happens.
Thanks!
Sheila

Hmmmmmm...........maybe you could post the ingredients, it could be the recipe if it happens every time and while in the oven. The batter could be too heavy (wet) for the amount of leavening called for.

I agree with dkelly. It could be too wet, just a guess....

Sheila, is this the one you use?

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Carrot-Cake-III/Detail.aspx

I have used this recipe numerous times and it always comes out great. I love carrot cake, so this one is perfect to me.

YES! This is the recipe I use. First time was perfect! I've tried doubling and the same happens... Any help is appreciated, all my friends are fans of this cake. Nobody knows it sinks but it bothers me!

I used the same recipe and the same thing happened to me!  This is the first time I used this recipe and I used (2) 8" round pans.  I figured it would take less time to bake than a 9" by 13", so I put it in for 30 mins and checked on it through the window often.  As it baked it rose nicely, but near the last 10 minutes it started in sink in the middle.  I did not open the oven at all while it was baking.  I tested them with a toothpick and it came out clean so I took them out of the oven.

The next time I use this recipe I will try baking it at a lower temp, but could there be something else that I did wrong?

You mention that it didn't sink before...by chance have you recently moved to a different altitude?
 

Try reducing the baking soda by a smidge, to much can cause them to fall.

AIs it possible you overmixed?