Crumbling cakes

[Thermesa]

I've made a few batches of cupcakes this week. The never fail cupcakes and a converted and modified to be gluten free Dan Lepard Chocolate custard cupcake. Both are a little on the crumbly side. Is that a sign that i I am over mixing?

[achookwoman]

Don't know what the problem might be,  Does the mix look OK before it is cooked.?
Might be cooked too long.  Could add an extra egg white or a tablespoon of apple sauce.

[CreamPuff63]

You could be over mixing which incorporates too much air into the mix, fold until ingredients are just combined. Maybe leave in the tin abit longer when you take out if the oven. Don't know much about GF cooking but perhaps this has something to do with the crumbly mix due to the protein combination.

[Thermesa]

Do you have key speeds. Eg fold is 2. Beat is 4? Or fold in reverse etc.

[cookie1]

Not sure of the reason for the crumbling and don't know much about GF.

I usually mix my cakes on  function. That way I can stop it as soon as it is mixed. I may even give it a stir with a spatula to get the last bits of flour etc. I think I read somewhere that over mixing develops gluten and you don't want that in cakes. Please correct me if I am wrong someone.

[achookwoman]

I see you have used rice flour.  This is the problem.  Try potato flour or G Free flour. 

[Deniser]

I am experimenting with all sorts of Gluten Free for my daughter in law.  Most recipes say to use Zantham Gum to replace the elasticity lost by taking out the gluten. Have found this in Coles (I think)  1 teaspoon per cup of flour is recommended.  Hope this helps.

[achookwoman]

There is an item in today's Melb Age about substitutes when baking GF.  I have only scanned it but it might be useful.  Also I have posted a recipe for GF bread. Adapted from a Dan Lepard recipe.  

[goldfish]

It's here, Chookie . . . an interesting article!  thanks for pointing it out.

http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/let-them-eat-cake-glutenfree-baking-20130708-2pm1e.html

[achookwoman]

Thanks GF.  I have just re read the article and think it might bevery useful. 
Thanks to whoever put the link in to my recipe. 

[judydawn]

Chookie you can tell who did it if you look right down the bottom of your post 

[Thermesa]

Thanks folks. DHs birthday cake this weekend. It won't be gluten free but might feature a bundt tin.

[goldfish]

For a gluten free cake I think you can't beat the magic bean cake ... I'll link it when I get back to my PC

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=10643.0   It may sound a little weird but it's light moist - and tastes just like a lovely chocolate cake . .try it! you'll like it!! 

[Deniser]

Thanks for the links. This whole GF thing is very confusing so I like to read as much as possible. Also agree - the magic bean cake is fabulous and so easy.

[achookwoman]

Thanks Judy. . I learn something new every day.