How to Know When a Cake is Done?

Did your cake just come out underbaked or overbaked? Is it different from the fluffy, light sponge you expected to find? And now you’re wondering how to know when a cake is done.

Well, don’t worry because there are surest ways to tell if the cake is ready to take out from the oven. They are simple, easy, and 100% accurate (I have been using them for years!). So, you can trust them with all your heart <3

The Golden Method: Toothpick

A toothpick or wooden skewer is excellent for testing the doneness of a cake. Since it’s made of wood – a porous and slightly absorbent material, it can pick up small amounts of moisture or batter.

So, when you insert the toothpick into the cake, it should come out perfectly clean. There should be no crumbs attached to the wood, which indicates that the cake is done and ready to take out from the oven.

Most baking professionals usually go for this method because of its reliability. But also because wood is non-conductive, so it doesn’t interfere with the cake’s baking process by conducting heat into the cake’s center.

Important Notes

• When testing a cake’s doneness with a toothpick, make sure to poke the center. Don’t just poke into the sides and conclude that the cake is done because the sides cook faster than the center.
• For fudge brownies and moist cakes, a few dry crumbs on the toothpick are normal. A completely clean toothpick indicates overbaking.
• If you poke the cake center with a toothpick and it creates a larger hole than it’s supposed to, your cake is too dense. Here’s what may have caused this problem!

How to Tell If a Cake is Done without Toothpick?

Got no toothpicks or wooden sticks? Don’t panic because there are 5 other tried-and-tested ways to know whether a cake is done or not. They include:

1. Use a Knife

A kitchen knife is a handy alternative to a toothpick for testing cake doneness. Insert the knife’s blade into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, your cake is done.

The knife works similarly to a toothpick but is sturdier and available in every kitchen. Just be careful not to make too large a hole, as this could affect the cake’s appearance.

2. The Spring Test

The spring test is a simple way to check if your cake is ready. Gently press the center of the cake with your finger. If the cake springs back quickly without leaving an indentation, it’s done.

This method works well because a fully baked cake will have a firm structure, allowing it to bounce back. If your finger leaves a mark, the cake likely needs more time in the oven. This is a great method to use when you want to avoid poking holes in your cake.

3. Look at the Color

A fully baked cake should have an even, golden-brown color across the top. The edges may be slightly darker, but avoid overbaking, which can cause excessive browning or burning.

The color change indicates that the sugars in the cake have caramelized, which is a sign that the cake is ready. Remember, the color might vary depending on the type of cake, so use this method in combination with others for the best results.

4. Check the Edges

The edges of a cake can tell you a lot about its doneness. When a cake is fully baked, the edges should start pulling away from the sides of the pan. This happens because the cake contracts slightly as it cools, creating a gap between the cake and the pan.

If you notice this separation, it’s a good sign that your cake is done. However, don’t rely solely on this method, as some cakes may not pull away as noticeably, depending on their ingredients and texture.

5. Sniff, Sniff

Your nose can be a reliable guide when checking if a cake is done. As the cake bakes, it releases a delightful aroma that intensifies as it nears completion. When your kitchen is filled with the rich, sweet smell of cake, it’s often a sign that it’s ready.

This method is especially helpful if you’re baking a familiar recipe, as you’ll recognize the specific scent that indicates doneness. However, combine this method with others to be sure, as some cakes may have subtle smells that are harder to detect.

What Temperature Should a Cake Be When Done?

If you really don’t want to leave anything on guesses, use a thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for a fully baked cake is between 200°F to 210°F (93°C to 99°C). To check this, you can use a kitchen thermometer by inserting it into the center of the cake.

If the temperature falls within this range, your cake is done and ready to come out of the oven. Just be sure to avoid touching the bottom of the pan with the thermometer, as it can give a false reading.

Here’s What I Prefer!

Alright, so now that we have talked about different ways to check when a cake is done. Let me tell you what I prefer to make sure my cakes are perfectly baked every time. I use both the toothpick and spring tests!

When the cake’s baking time is up, I open the oven door slightly and poke the toothpick in the center. I poke it on the sides too – just to make sure the crumb is fully set everywhere. Then, I gently press the center of the cake.

You can use your fingers or a utensil. If the cake springs back up, it’s a testament that it’s ready. Take the cake out and enjoy!