How to Tell if Cake Is Underbaked: Simple Signs and Quick Tests

Baking a cake is satisfying, but figuring out if it’s underbaked can be a real challenge. The easiest way to spot an underbaked cake is by checking if the center looks wet or soggy, and if it doesn’t spring back when you press it lightly. If you notice these signs, the inside just isn’t set yet.

Try poking the cake with a toothpick or a skewer. If you pull it out and it’s covered in wet batter or sticky crumbs, the cake definitely needs more time.

Sometimes, you’ll even hear weird bubbling or boiling sounds from the cake. That’s another hint that it’s not quite done.

Key Signs of Underbaked Cake

You can spot an underbaked cake by paying attention to how it looks, feels, and even smells. Color, texture, and moisture all change when a cake isn’t finished baking.

Visual Clues

Check the surface and edges of your cake. An underbaked cake usually has a shiny, wet center that stands out from the rest.

Sometimes, the cake sinks in the middle as it cools. The edges might look set, but if they don’t pull away from the pan, that’s not a great sign.

You might notice a dense, compact spot at the bottom instead of a nice, crumbly texture.

Stick a toothpick or knife into the center. If it comes out with wet batter, you know it’s still raw inside. For more on this, see How to Tell if a Cake Is Done.

Texture Indicators

When you press the center of the cake gently, it should feel springy. If it feels gummy or dense, it probably needs more time in the oven.

Cutting into the cake can reveal a lot about the texture. A well-baked cake is even and fluffy, but an underbaked one will have a wet or doughy layer—especially near the bottom.

You might want to skip eating underbaked cake. It’s not just unappealing, it can mess with your stomach.

Aroma and Moisture

A fresh cake usually smells amazing. If your cake smells raw or kind of floury, that’s a strong hint it’s not ready.

Underbaked cakes trap extra moisture inside. When you slice into it, you might spot a shiny, wet layer or even places where the batter still looks unset.

All that extra moisture can really throw off the flavor and texture. Paying attention to how it smells and how wet it looks will save you from disappointment.

Best Methods to Check Cake Doneness

Getting your cake just right means knowing when it’s done—not too raw, not overbaked. You can use simple tricks like the toothpick test or just press on the cake with your finger. If you want to be extra sure, measuring the internal temperature is the most exact method.

Toothpick and Skewer Test

Stick a toothpick or thin skewer right into the center. Pull it out and see what’s on it.

• If it’s clean or there are just a couple of dry crumbs, your cake is good to go.
• If you see wet batter or lots of moist crumbs, it needs more time.

This test is quick and doesn’t need any special gear. Always test near the center—edges finish baking faster. People trust this method for a reason. For more details, check 4 Ways To Know If Your Cake Is Done Baking.

Press and Bounce Method

Gently press the center of the cake with your fingers.

• If it springs back quickly, it’s baked through.
• If your finger leaves a dent or it feels soft, leave it in a bit longer.

This method lets you check the cake’s structure without cutting into it. It works for most cakes, honestly. Poking the edges can help, but the center tells you the most. It’s a simple way to avoid overbaking or cracks. You can read more at How to tell when cake is done | King Arthur Baking.

Internal Temperature Check

Grab a digital probe thermometer and check the cake’s inside temperature. Just stick it right into the thickest part of the cake.

• Most cakes finish baking somewhere between 200°F and 210°F.
• Sure, you can poke the surface with a toothpick or press it gently, but only temperature tells you what’s really going on inside.

When you use a thermometer, you don’t have to guess—especially with bigger or denser cakes. You’ll know exactly when to pull the cake out, no second-guessing. If you want more details, check out How to Tell if a Cake is Done.