My chocolate cake exploded in the oven yesterday and I need to know why

I was making a simple chocolate cake for my neighbor's birthday. Followed the recipe exactly like I always do. Put it in at 350 and about 15 minutes later I heard a pop. Opened the oven and cake batter was dripping down the sides and onto the heating element. Smoke everywhere. I used baking soda not powder by accident but that shouldn't make it explode right? Has anyone else had a cake do this?

2 comments

2 Comments

benwilliams1mo ago

Read somewhere that baking soda can react with acidic ingredients and expand way too fast. Might explain the pop and the mess.

fionaa351mo ago

Yeah that "expand way too fast" thing is real, I just mix it with the dry stuff first now and it's fine.