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Knowing When Cakes, Muffins, and Quick Breads are Done

Here are our two methods of determining when cakes, muffins, and quick breads are done.

There are two ways to judge doneness in cakes, muffins, and quick breads.

1. Fully baked items should feel springy and resilient when the center is gently pressed. If your finger leaves an impression—or the center jiggles—the item is not done.

2. A skewer or toothpick should emerge fairly clean, with perhaps just a few crumbs attached. If you see moist batter, the item needs to bake longer.

Check the center of the cake first, it should feel springy and resilient.

A skewer inserted into the center of the cake should appear mostly clean when removed.

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