How to Test the Doneness in Every Kind of Cake

Because cipher is worse than an over (or under!) baked cake.

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If I had to choose only one dessert to enjoy for the rest of my life, it would have to be block. This sweetness treat can be lite and airy, night and decadent, fruity, spongy or smothered in frosting, similar this Maple Walnut beaut. As far as I'yard concerned, there's a cake fit for every repast and occasion. And eating a slice (or 2!) is easy.

But when information technology comes to baking a cake, you demand to know what you're doing. Otherwise, you could end up making a whole host of cake mistakes—including the dreaded overbake. (Or underbake—nobody likes a soggy lesser!)

Today, we're going to show you lot 3 foolproof methods for testing cake doneness. These tips volition ensure your treats turn out perfect every unmarried time.

How to Examination a Layer Cake

If you're a frequent cake baker, this is likely your go-to method for testing doneness. You'll need a toothpick, a metal tester ($8) or—in a compression—even a strand of uncooked spaghetti.

As your cake nears the cease line, requite information technology a poke in the heart with your tester of option. If the tester comes out with crumbs or wet batter, the cake needs more than time to broil. Just if the tester comes out make clean, your cake is gear up to pull from the oven.

Another manner to check for doneness is to pay attention to the block's edges. The batter will begin to pull away from the pan as it finishes baking.

Our Favorite Layer Cake Recipes

Taste of Home

Sandy's Chocolate Cake

Years ago, I collection four-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole style. Just it paid off. One seize with teeth and yous'll see why this velvety dazzler was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Get Recipe

Majestic Pecan Block

This recipe truly lives up to its name. The pecan-dotted cake is stacked in three layers, and made-from-scratch frosting is the crowning touch.—Karen R. Jones, Claypool, Indiana

Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake

If you want a St. Patrick'southward 24-hour interval dessert that will take the cake, await no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt season that's perfectly complemented by the Irish gaelic cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Bailiwick of jersey

Best Red Velvet Block

It's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvet block recipes I've had; the icing is as low-cal equally snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina

Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel Icing

I plant this recipe back in the tardily '80s and knew information technology was a special block. The caramel icing tin be a little tricky because you have to work chop-chop, merely information technology'due south so worth it! —Mariann James, Ferguson, Missouri

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte

Most cake recipes feed a crowd. Then we came upward with this elegant little cake that serves six. That'due south enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Gustatory modality of Domicile Test Kitchen

Black Walnut Layer Cake

My sister gave me the recipe for this beautiful cake years ago. The thin layer of frosting spread on the outside gives it a chic modern look. —Lynn Coat, Warren, Ohio

Moist Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe with java reminds me of my grandmother considering it was i of her specialties. I broil it often for family parties, and information technology ever brings back fond memories. The cake is low-cal and blusterous with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

Butter Pecan Layer Block

Pecans and butter give this cake the aforementioned irresistible flavor as the popular butter pecan ice cream flavour. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida

Scarlet Nut Block

My grandmother made up this recipe for her children. Using Ozark-grown cherries and walnuts, she invented ane they all liked. Granny always used cream from the dairy farm well-nigh her abode, but the half-and half works well and is easier to find. —Diana Jennings, Lebanon, Missouri

Favorite Coconut Cake

When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Don't let the number of steps in this recipe fool you —it'due south easy to assemble. The block bakes upward loftier and fluffy, and the berries add a fresh fruity flavour. Cream cheese is a practiced substitute if y'all don't have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois

Marvelous Marble Cake

Pound cake and chocolate make the best marble block. — Ellen Riley, Birmingham, Alabama

Chocolate Bavarian Torte

Whenever I take this center-catching torte to a potluck, I get then many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin

Pink Lemonade Stand Cake

If yous honey a moist and creamy cake, this is it. Lemon juice and lemonade requite the layers a tangy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Carrot Block with Pecan Frosting

My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is even so tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting

I one time sent this rich chocolate cake to my kids' teachers, and it vanished, and so I had to brand some other one. (Who swipes a whole cake?) —Megan Moelbert, Springville, NY

Lemon Ricotta Cake

This recipe is a family unit gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you lot want to print. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington

Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Block

The combination of mocha and peanut butter volition satisfy every sweet tooth at your tabular array. The garnish is a picayune extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska

Kokosnoot Italian Cream Block

I'd never tasted an Italian cream cake before moving to Colorado. Now I broil for people in the area, and this beauty is one of my most requested treats. —Ann Bush-league, Colorado Metropolis, Colorado

Frosted Chocolate Block

This recipe is my mother's oldest and almost popular chocolate cake recipe. I always thought it should have a fancier name, only this is what she called it. Mom would say a fancy name would not make it taste better. —Beth Bristow West Plains, Missouri

Pineapple Carrot Cake

This moist cake with foam cheese frosting is the best I've ever eaten. It'south so simple, too, because it uses two jars of baby nutrient instead of fresh carrots that demand to be grated. —Jeanette McKenna, Vero Embankment, Florida

Cranberry Layer Cake

I adjusted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer block. Cranberries, walnuts and bootleg frosting make it taste so delicious that y'all'd never guess it starts with a convenient block mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio

Mama's Spice Cake

Whenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I brand this block. Keen cooks in my family accept been baking it for generations, and their families have been enjoying the wonderful spice flavor and rich frosting. —Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida

Come up-Home-to-Mama Chocolate Cake

You'll spend less than a one-half hour whipping upward this cure-all cake that starts with a mix. Sour foam and chocolate pudding make it rich and moist, and chocolate, chocolate and more than chocolate arrive decadent comfort food at its finest. —Gustatory modality of Home Exam Kitchen

Lemon Layer Block

This citrusy block with a luscious cream cheese frosting volition garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sugariness and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia

Hummingbird Cake

This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad's favorite, so I always make information technology for his altogether. Information technology makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summertime meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Bailiwick of jersey

Spiced Devil'south Food Block

I of my mom's friends gave her this recipe when I was a child and information technology has been a family favorite ever since. When your "chocolate sweet molar" acts upwardly, this actually hits the spot! —Linda Yeamans, Ashland, Oregon

Pumpkin Pie Block

No 1 will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire

Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake

This decadent triple-layer dazzler is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final associates; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri

Southern Lane Cake

I just dear this southern-style dessert, and so practise dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much amend! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington

Blue Ribbon Carmine Velvet Cake

This ii-layer beauty features a striking cerise interior. It calls for more than baking cocoa than most red velvet cakes, making information technology extra chocolaty. Feel costless to change the color of the food coloring to suit the occasion. I'm proud to say that this recipe won a blue ribbon in the holiday cake division at the 2006 Alaska State Fair. I call back this award-winning red velvet cake recipe will exist a winner in your house, besides! —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska

Contest-Winning Chocolate Murphy Cake

I won one thousand champion honors in a murphy festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe tin can be doubled for real sweet tooths. A great-grandma, I've spent over 85 years on the farm.

Maple Walnut Cake

This maple-flavored block with candy-coated walnuts honors my grandpa, who used to brand maple syrup. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York

Cherry-red Cola Cake

Ruby-red cola and marshmallows brand a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina

Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Frosting

My mom made this for me, and one seize with teeth can completely accept me back to my childhood. Yous tin can easily catechumen information technology into a great carrot block recipe: just use grated carrots in place of pumpkin and add raisins. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Butterscotch Cake

I get lots of compliments and recipe requests whenever I make this heart-catching block. The filling is similar to German chocolate cake. —Judy Lamon, Louisville, Tennessee

Cookies-and-Foam Cake

If y'all like cookies-and-foam ice cream, you'll dear this block. Chocolate sandwich cookies are mixed into the batter and pressed into the sweet and creamy frosting for a fun await. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Coconut Chiffon Cake

Toasted coconut adds visual appeal to this tall and impressive block. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it'due south a lovely end to meals throughout the year.

Brooklyn Blackout Cake

If you lot love chocolate, you will Beloved this cake. I establish this recipe when looking for a special cake to make my chocolate-loving daughter-in-law'southward birthday. Be certain to give the pudding and the cake enough time to absurd or the end results will exist disappointing. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

How to Test a Sponge Cake

For foam or sponge cakes, the only tool you demand to test for doneness is your hand. Y'all tin can tell when a sponge cake has finished baking by gently pressing the top of the cake. When the sponge springs back, information technology's washed. If the indentation remains, give the cake a few more minutes in the oven.

You lot tin can also look at the acme of the cake. It should experience dry to the affect—especially around any cracked areas.

Our Favorite Sponge Cake Recipes

Taste of Home

Moist Lemon Chiffon Block

This fluffy sponge cake dessert is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah Get Recipe We love these lemon desserts, too.

Marble Chiffon Block

This confection'due south a proven winner—information technology earned me a blue ribbon and was named Division Champion at the county fair! It'south our favorite. I'm the tertiary generation in the family to make it. —LuAnn Heikkila, Floodwood, Minnesota

Coconut Chiffon Cake

Toasted coconut adds visual entreatment to this tall and impressive sponge block dessert. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavour, information technology'south a lovely end to meals throughout the year.

Crazy for coconut? Try these sweet dessert recipes.

Chocolate Chiffon Cake

If you want to offer family and friends a dessert that really stands out from the rest, this is the cake to make. The cute high, rich sponge cake is drizzled with a succulent chocolate glaze. —Erma Fox, Memphis, Missouri

Orange Cream Chiffon Cake

Light and luscious, this sponge cake dessert is bursting with orange flavor. It'due south the perfect dessert to serve later on a filling meal, or with afternoon tea or java.—Faith Sommers, Bangor, California

Classic Tres Leches Cake

Tres leches means "three milks." This cake gets its proper name because it uses iii kinds of milk—evaporated, condensed and cream. This block'southward light and airy texture has made it a classic in Mexican kitchens for generations. —Gustatory modality of Dwelling Examination Kitchen

Lemon Chiffon Cake

This moist, airy lemon chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm non much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington

Berry Pinwheel Cake

Perfect for special meals, this lovely sponge block dessert is a overnice change from strawberry pie or shortcake. Don't be agape t attempt this jelly-coil-style dessert...information technology's like shooting fish in a barrel to brand. Plus, the waxed paper-lined pan helps brand cleanup a breeze! —Becky Ruff, McGregor, Iowa

These strawberry desserts are perfect for spring.

Blackberry-Topped Sponge Cakes

The recipe for my blackberry cakes is easy to play with. You can supercede the sponge block with angel food, pound cake or ladyfingers. And any fruit that has liquor with the same flavor tin can be used. —Karen Robinson, Woodbury, Connecticut

Layered Orange Sponge Cake

This recipe's been handed downwardly in my family unit for xl years, from a relative who was a French baker. It's light, delicate and delicious, just like a swell cake should be. —Joyce Speerbrecher, Grafton, Wisconsin

For more vintage treats, cheque out grandma'south best dessert recipes.

How to Examination a Cheesecake

Cheesecake is hands downward the nearly difficult cake to exam for doneness. Even when information technology's fully baked, the batter still jiggles—only the key is how information technology jiggles. (If y'all're still nervous, read up on these other tips for making the best cheesecake).

To test, open up the oven door and gently simply firmly tap the side of the cheesecake pan with a spoon. A cheesecake that isn't fully washed volition ripple—similar to how a pond reacts when a stone is tossed in. Alternately, a perfectly baked cheesecake will wobble as one unit, swaying back and forth earlier settling dorsum into position.

Our Favorite Cheesecake Recipes

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

I'1000 originally from Paraguay, and dulce de leche reminds me of where I came from. If you can't notice information technology at your grocery shop, try caramel ice cream topping instead. It tastes different, but this corrupt dessert volition still be amazing. —Sonia Lipham, Ranburne, Alabama

New to making cheesecake? Bank check out our ultimate guide for how to make cheesecake.

Yogurt-Ricotta Cheesecake

I accept always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, merely they take too much sugar for me. I fabricated a diabetic version, and my family couldn't fifty-fifty tell! I serve mine with saccharide-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio

Blood-red Velvet Cheesecake

Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb chaff. —Karen Dively, Chapin, Southward Carolina

Contest-Winning Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake

This is my favorite blueberry cheesecake recipe, which I often make for family unit go-togethers. —Cathy Medley, Clyde, Ohio

Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

I idea cheesecake and pumpkin pie would be amazing together. This creamy combo won a prize in our local pie contest, then I approximate the judges agreed! —Noel Ferry, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Frozen Chocolate Cheesecake Tart

I first made this irresistible dessert for some dinner guests. They were overwhelmed by its rich flavor and appearance. My husband commented that it was the best dessert he had e'er eaten in his whole life. —Heather Bennett, Dunbar, Westward Virginia

Mocha Truffle Cheesecake

I went through a phase when I couldn't go enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-similar chaff and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for go-togethers considering information technology tin can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Cracking Falls, Montana

Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake

An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this flossy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

I created this recipe to combine two of my all-time favorites: cheesecake for the grown-up in me and chocolate fleck cookie dough for the little daughter in me. Sour cream offsets the sweetness and adds a squeamish tang. Everyone who tries this scrumptious cookie dough cheesecake loves it. —Julie Craig, Kewaskum, Wisconsin

S'more Cheesecake

This luscious dessert is but as wonderfully tasty every bit the campfire snack that inspired it. It'due south a not bad way to savor a summer archetype anytime of year. Our 4-year-onetime daughter likes it and then much that she's requested it for her next altogether! —Robin Andrews, Cary, North Carolina

Pineapple Pie with Coconut Cream

Yous'll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, and so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Love Pecan Cheesecake

Birthdays and holidays are great times for cheesecake. In our annual church bake-off, information technology won get-go place! —Tish Frish, Hampden, Maine

Creamy Tiramisu Cheesecake

The Italian give-and-take "tiramisu" means "option-me-up" and refers to a dessert of ladyfinger sponge cake dipped in coffee. Work that in with cream cheese, and you accept a guaranteed picker-upper that redefines a classic. —Mrs. Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Pistachio Cardamom Cheesecake

Cardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add together to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. —Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

I always get compliments when I whip up this rich piffling cheesecake. With layers of caramel, chocolate and vanilla, it'southward an instant archetype. —Erin Byrd, Springfield, Missouri

No-Bake Chocolate Bit Cannoli Cheesecake

I make this cannoli cheesecake in the summer for a flavorful and refreshing care for. I love the added bonus of non having to turn on the oven in hot atmospheric condition. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Chocolate Malt Cheesecake

My mother-in-law loved chocolate malts—and cheesecakes, too. Can you guess who passed this recipe on to me? Sometimes, I substitute pretzel crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs. They make a surprisingly good chaff! —Anita Moffett, Rewey, Wisconsin

Roasted Assistant & Pecan Cheesecake

We go on bananas on manus, but with just two of u.s.a. in the house, they ripen faster than we can eat them. That makes them perfect for roasting and baking into this cheesecake with a nutty chaff. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

If you delight in the sense of taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive nevertheless not hard to prepare—I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy care for for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine

Kokosnoot Cheesecake & Rhubarb Compote

I took my daughter's love of cheesecake plus my mom'southward beloved of coconut and rhubarb and ran with information technology. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

Salted Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake

After spending years living in Seattle, I've become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a fourth dimension, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me upwardly on days when I felt blue about leaving i of the world'south amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

Spiced Apple Cheesecake

When you live in apple land, you get the privilege of selecting the apples and recipes you want for year-circular enjoyment. Granny Smith apples are tart and well-baked. Combined with cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg, they make a delightful topping for a cheesecake of the Pacific Northwest. —Grace Hughes, Oroville, Washington

Luscious Almond Cheesecake

I received this recipe along with a ready of springform pans from a cousin at my hymeneals shower 11 years ago. Information technology makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants information technology again for his altogether cake this yr. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas

Caramel Fudge Cheesecake

It's hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia

Winning Cranberry Cheesecake

The holidays wouldn't exist complete without cranberries and eggnog. I use them both in this flavorful cheesecake that's the perfect finale for a special dinner. Set it out at the start of the meal, not but to solicit "oohs" and "aahs," just to remind folks to save room for dessert! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Courtroom Business firm, New Bailiwick of jersey

Next, cheque out the most mutual mistakes people make when baking a layer block.

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cake-doneness-tests/

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