Well since you have used this recipe for many years, it is not the recipe. So, it either has to be the ingredients or could be your oven. Do you have an oven thermometer? Since I live in apts. and the temp. in ovens varies so greatly, I have an oven therm. and use it all the time. They are inexpensive too.

Oh wait - your pans. Did you use different pans? Glass? Dark metal, shiny metal? These can all make a difference.

I too have very, very old baking powder but it is wrapped up tight in two plastic bags. It is getting to be almost as old as I am I think!

Have you changed any of the things I mentioned or changed something else? I love being a detective. Makes me want to get into your kitchen, take that recipe and bake away to solve the problem.

You may not have the heart to, but the only way to know is to make another batch. If you do, please let us know.

Brig