What causes a just baked cake to split after the frosting is put on?

This is the second time I have made a cake and after putting the frosting on and covering in a cake holder a few minutes later I look and the cake is split down the middle. The cakes have been slightly warm this time the frosting was room temp. The first time the frosting was warm and so was the cake. Also the first cake was 3 layers and this time it was 2 layers.


The first cake was a home made german chocolate I have made it a few times since doing the same and it didn't crack.What causes a just baked cake to split after the frosting is put on?
As others have told you, your cake layers need to be stone cold before you try to frost them. They may also not be level. If you are trying to work with layers that are pretty humped in the middle, stacking one on top of the other will cause the top layer to break in half. Try to make your layers more even or use a long, thin bread knife to even them off before you frost them. (Put the cut side down or you will never get the frosting on crumb free!)What causes a just baked cake to split after the frosting is put on?
wait until it's cool!


maybe cuz it's too hot
The cake is too fresh if it's splitting or not holding it's shape when you frost it. I always freeze my cakes before I frost them so they will be cool and firm rather than warm and loose. This is a must especially if you're working with layers.
you need to let cakes COMPLETELY cool before adding frosting
wait till the cake is cool, not warm. the frosting should also be cool. that way you won't get compression when the cake cools. also, don't press too hard when applying the frosting. if the frosting is hard, add a little water or even a little brandy or rum and mix well.
You aren't letting the cake cool off long enough. After you take the cake out of the pan let it sit on the cooling for 35-45 minutes or longer when you frost the cake it should be cool when you touch it.
You need to let the cake completely cool before frosting it. Maybe that will help. Poke a few hole on top to let it cool a little faster an hopefully that will help the cak not to split. You could also try putting the cake in the freezer, cover it with saran wrap. German Chocolate Cakes are moist so it may help to freeze it a little bit. It definitely would make it a lot easier to frost.
Before frosting, always cool the cake completely. Maybe the cake was too warm?