How to Tell If a Cake Is Done Baking

Many bakers have difficulty telling if a cake is done. Several tests give important clues to determine if a cake is thoroughly baked. Use these tests to avoid overbaking or underbaking your cakes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the cake in the oven before opening the door. Look for a golden brown color on a white or yellow cake. Watch for jiggling. Gently tap the oven. If the cake jiggles when the oven is moved, do not open the door. Opening the door too soon may cause the cake to fall. Let it bake longer.

2. If the cake looks done and doesn’t jiggle, open the oven door. Look at the edges of the cake. The edges should be beginning to pull away from the pan without being overly brown and hard.

3. Use a toothpick or long skewer to test the cake. Poke the toothpick or skewer into the thickest part of the cake. If it does not come out clean, the cake needs to bake longer.

4. If the toothpick comes out clean but you’re still not sure, move on to the next test. Gently press your finger into the top of the cake. If it springs back right away, it is done. If it does not spring back or takes a while to pop back up, it needs more baking time.

5. Repeat each of the steps if the cake wasn't done the first time. Continue the tests until the cake passes.

[Mindee94]

on 8/13/2009 Great tips which will definitely be put to good use. Thanks!

[vintage]

on 8/13/2009 good tips, sometimes i can't tell 5*