How to Tell if Your Cake is Done

          Baking a cake from scratch can sometimes be tricky, especially if you are trying out a new recipe. Usually, the baking time given in a recipe is the time that has worked perfectly for the creator of that certain recipe. However, this baking time might differ from the baking time you need. There are multiple factors involved here: the type of oven,  the type of pan, and even the altitude of your current location can mess up with that baking time.

        Here is what you can do to tell if your cake is done, or it needs to spend a few more minutes in the oven.

          1.  When the sides pull away

     Your cake is done when its edges pull away from the sides of the pan. The edges should be dried out, and you should see a little gap forming between the edges of the cake and the pan.

          2. When the middle of bouncy

     The middle of your cake should feel bouncy (springy) as you gently press your finger against it. A wobbly or a firm middle that doesn't bounce indicates that your cake is not done yet. 

          3.  Take the skewer test

     You can use a toothpick to test your cake for doneness. If you insert it into the center of your cake and it comes out clean, your cake is done. Remember that a few small crumbs are ok to be there.
     If your toothpick has a wet cake mixture, it means that it needs more time to bake.
     You can also use a cake tester or even a piece of uncooked spaghetti. 
          4.  Use a thermometer

     Whenever you are in doubt, you can simply use an internal thermometer. Your cake is done when its internal temperature reaches around 9℃ (around 210℉).
     When you are using an Instant Read Thermometer, always be careful not to touch the bottom of the pan; otherwise, you will get an inaccurate reading.
          Bonus tips:

•  Set your timer for 5 minutes before the stated time in the recipe. This will surely help you avoid overbaking your cake. 
• Testing the cake for doneness should be done as infrequently as possible. If you open the oven door too many times, the temperature will drop, and it may cause your cake to fall in the middle.     
• After you checked the cake and decided that it needs more time in the oven, make sure that you put the cake back in the oven quickly.
• You should write down how long it took for your cake to be done. In this way, the next time you will bake the same cake, you will know more exactly how much time it needs to stay in the oven.
• Remember that it's always important to check your cake for doneness. It only takes a few minutes for you to be late, and overbake or even burn your cake.

          I really hope that I managed to make baking more easy for you. I am confident that these tips on how to tell if your cake is done will come handy one day. Don't forget to save them for later, and share them with your friends and family.

     Happy Baking!