Why do cake mixes have high elevation instructions? Atmospheric volume is less at higher elevations. Atmospheric pressure is less at higher elevations. Atmospheric volume is greater at higher elevations. Atmospheric pressure is greater at higher elevations.

Cake mixes have high elevation instructions because atmospheric pressure is less at higher elevations. Lower atmospheric pressure affects the way cakes rise and bake, often causing them to rise too quickly and then collapse or become dry. To compensate for these changes, adjustments in baking time, temperature, and ingredient proportions are necessary, which is why specific instructions are provided for high-altitude baking.