Deflated cake tops - anyone else have this problem?

Hi Ali! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe! Agreed on all of the above that Lori said, and also for this cake it's very important to get the egg whites whipped as stiff as possible (but just before it gets to overbeaten). It's a delicate balance for sure, please let me know how it goes if you try again!

The number one leading reason for a cake to sink in the middle while cooling is because it was underbaked. You cannot bake anything by the clock alone, you really do need to test the center of your cake before declaring it to be done. The center part of a cake is the last to bake through, and if it is not completely done, it cannot hold shape as the air escapes during cooling. So it sinks. Another problem may have been your decision to use 8 inch round pans, so the batter was spread in a thinner layer in them. Finally, check the viability of your leavener, to be sure it is still alive and active. An old bit of baking soda or baking powder can certainly undo good work. Other things which can play a small part- accurate measurements of all ingredients, accurate oven temperature, and not having batter sit for long before baking. Just a few things to consider - but most likely, you underbaked.