Please, help me .  I am following all directions to a "T".  Precise measurements, sifting, mixing, everything just as my recipes direct and yet my cakes look like this 90% of the time.  They are done and they taste fine - they just look awful.

This was my recipe today:  http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/bestof/toprecipes/bestcakerecipes/recipes/food/views/Double-Chocolate-Layer-Cake-101275

It has also happened to me using this similar recipe: http://www.wedding-cakes-for-you.com/chocolatecakerecipe.html