I need to make a sheet cake for an event but have a problem - I only have a small oven.

I do have a veggie roasting tray (12x18 inches) which is exactly the size and shape of a sheet cake pan. The veggie tray is made to fit into the small oven right from side to side.

If I make a sheet cake in such a small oven, will there be problems with air circulation or cooking times? Should I let the cake cook longer or shorter?

Also, I was planning to just use the chocolate zucchini cake recipe that I know best. Are "sheet cake" recipes tailored in some way, or can I just toss any old batter into the pan?

Finally, this is a REALLY long shot, but worth trying... it's not possible to make Ikea-style Almondy cake as a sheet cake, is it? I assume not... but it would be great!

Thanks so much!

Welcome to CakeCentral!

Every oven is different. Every baker is different. Many people here on CC say never open the oven door till 5 mins before the cake is done. But that doesn't work for me.

I have baked almost every cake I've made in the past 23 years in the same small electric oven. My 12x18 half sheet fits, just barely, with about 3/4" space on all sides. I guess I have adapted.

When I first began baking in this oven, one side of the cake would always be higher. Then I've learned to rotate the cake pan every 11-12 minutes, and the cake rises evenly and well and gets done in about 25-28 mins. I've never had a cake "fall" from opening the door. Test for doneness after 20 mins or so, to get an idea how far you have to go. In my oven, I test after 22 mins, at the 2nd rotation of the pan. If it's gooey, I add 5 mins. If barely wet, I add 2 mins. Then test again. Add more time if needed.

Also, try to make sure the temp is accurate by using a separate thermometer to test it.

Sheet cake recipes are the same as other cake recipes, just more batter. Altho I do like to use a firmer cake when stacking.

Good luck!

Thank you so much, that's exactly the advice I needed!

will the flower nail trick help at all with this?

SugarFrosted
Thank you for the information. I too, have problems with my cakes being higher on one side. Definately going to try this trick. I love CC and all the good advice.

It's my pleasure to help
After all, that is why we are here, isn't it...to help each other?

I'm going to try this when I bake my sheet cake tomorrow. I HATE my oven's size (but like the oven itself). It's brand new. We bought the same size as our broken oven but the inside dimensions are much smaller.