Cake tester

A cake tester is a slender probe, usually a thin metal wire or skewer, that bakers push into the center of a cake to check whether it is done. A wooden toothpick works the same way.

Extension baking guides give two simple doneness checks. Lightly touch a finger to the center of the cake, and if it is done, it will spring back. Or stick a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean the cake is done. If it is not, bake it a few more minutes. They add that a finished cake should also pull away from the edges of the pan.

Test near the center, since the middle is the last part to set. A few moist crumbs on the tester are usually fine for a tender cake, but wet batter means the cake needs more time. Wipe the tester clean between checks.