How to Tell When Your Baked Goods Are Done

Are you struggling to tell when your baked goods are finished baking? Well, you're in the right place. I am going to teach you how to perfectly bake your desserts every time by looking for certain visual cues. I have found these tips very helpful in my personal baking journey and hope they will help you too!

General Tips:

• When you are trying to figure out how long you should have your baked goods in the oven, you should always start at the bottom of the time range given in the recipe. For example, if a recipe says cookies should be baked for 10-12 minutes, you should start with 10 minutes and check them when that time is up. If they still aren't done, increase the bake time by 1-2 minutes at a time.

• Try not to open your oven until the end of your bake time. I know it is tempting to open the oven and check your baked goods to check on their progress, but you SHOULD NOT. Opening the oven lets out hot air and can lower the internal temperature of the oven. This will increase the time your baked goods have to be in the oven.

Cookies: You will be able to tell when your cookies are done baking by looking at the edges. The edges of your cookies should be slightly golden brown and firmer than the middle of the cookie. One way to test the firmness of the cookie edge is by tapping it with the edge of a thin-edged spatula. It should not easily dent but still have a tiny bit of give to it.

Brownies: When you take brownies out of the oven really depends on the type of brownie you prefer. If you like your brownies on the fudgier side, you should take your brownies out at the bottom of the time range given in the recipe. The longer you leave your brownies in the oven, the more cakey in texture they will get. If you want brownies on the more cakey side, you should leave the brownies in your oven for the max time given in the recipe.

Cupcakes: Cupcakes are usually pretty easy. You want to take your cupcakes out of the oven when the tops are firm and when they pass the toothpick test. The toothpick test is a way to test the doneness of cupcakes and cakes. Basically, you take a toothpick and stick it into the middle of your cake. The toothpick should come out clean, which means there is no wet batter or excessive wet crumbs left on the toothpick.

Cakes: Cakes are pretty much the same as cupcakes. It should still pass the toothpick test and be firm on the top. However, when you do the toothpick test, you should test the cake in multiple places rather than just 1. You can also tell if the cake is done by lightly wiggling the cake pan. The cake should be set in the middle and not move when you do this.

Macarons: Macarons are super tricky. The oven temperature and bake time have to be just right. At first, I would try baking them based on the recommended time that your recipe gives and adjust based on your oven. You will know when your macarons are done when you can gently tap the feet with an offset spatula. The feet should be firm and not crumble under the pressure. You can also try and slightly lift the macaroni shell off of your baking sheet. If it easily pops off, the macarons are done. If part of the shell sticks to the mat, your shells need a few more minutes.