Hi there.
I have not come across this "Gordo Tek" so I don't know what the instructions are. Do you have a link to a post? Or do you mind copying and pasting your procedure?
Yeah, crystals grow over time. They are not instantaneous. The longer you allow them to sit, the more DMT will precipitate and the larger the crystals will be. But.... when you say "cake" what do you mean? Since I am unfamiliar with the tek, if the "cake" contains the root bark and base mixtures, then it's likely just crystals of whichever base you used.
Due to the unknown procedure, I dunno which part may have been a complication.
Take Care,
ACY