Why is my cake so hard?

Could you elaborate on the specific details surrounding the preparation and baking of your cake? Did you follow a recipe? If so, were there any deviations from the original instructions? Did you measure the ingredients precisely? Were all the necessary tools, like an accurate oven thermometer and proper baking pans, utilized? Furthermore, was the cake fully baked according to the recommended quote time? It's crucial to ensure that the cake is not over- or under-baked, as this can significantly impact its texture. Additionally, was the cake stored correctly after baking, avoiding direct sunlight or moisture that could cause hardening? These are some potential areas to investigate to help you determine why your cake may have turned out harder than expected.