Test a cake for doneness with a cocktail/kebab stick and extend bake if needed
Insert a stick into the cake; if it comes out clean it’s done, if wet bake a little longer.
Near the end of baking, insert a cocktail stick or kebab skewer into the center. A clean, dry stick indicates doneness; if it’s wet, continue baking in short increments (about 5 minutes).
The short version
- Check the center for the most reliable result
What you need
- cocktail stick or skewer
How to do it
- 1
Insert a cocktail stick or skewer into the center of the cake.
Watch this step - 2
If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Watch this step - 3
If it comes out wet, bake for about 5 more minutes and re-test.
Extend in small increments to avoid overbaking.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Not re-testing after adding extra time
Bake in short increments and test again until clean.
Why it works
The center is the last part to set; checking it directly prevents underbaking while avoiding unnecessary overbaking.
Put it to use
Learn next
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Bake until a knife comes out clean to confirm the loaf is cooked through.
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Use the knife-test to check if baked oats (or cake) are done
Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean to confirm the middle is set.