Not sure about anyone else out in cake land, but I always "sweat" about whether or not my cakes are well cooked to the center. I've never had one that wasn't and I always bake with the nail in the center etc... Today, I had to decorate a very moist carrot cake that I wanted to make sure of, so I took my apple corer out and pulled a "plug" from the center of the cake. Satisfied myself it was ok, replaced the plug, iced the cake and no one will ever know....Thought I'd share that little tip in case others have teh same fears

That's a great idea!

What a cool idea! I always worry about the middle being too "rare" as well--i'm gonna try it! thanks!

That is a really good idea. Thanks for sharing!

Great idea! Thanks!

That is such a good idea. Who woulda known to use that for that. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the tip! What a good one!

I have to try this, thanks for sharing.

The best way to check if a cake is done is to insert a thermometer in the centre & if it reads 195 degrees F,it is fully cooked. Learned this from a culinary instructor.

That's actually a fantastic idea - I tend to worry about the same thing. I've screwed up in the past too wanting to be really sure and the overcooking which is the worst. I'm going to use this idea - thanks so much!

Candy or meat thermometer. Doesn't matter, as long as the temp reached in centre of cake is 195 degrees farenheit. Push the thermometer in at an angle when reading the temp.

Thanks for sharing.

That is such a great idea-I have used a paring knife and cut a little tiny circle about an inch or so deep to check because I couldn't think of a better way to check. Who would have thought an apple corer ? Well, I guess you did. Thanks for the tip. Now, I have to buy myself an apple corer.

Thank you, I had to print it out for my records.

Thanks Lilscakes! Great idea!

Very cool idea. Both of them. I find myself always re-checking the center of my cakes. The only cake I really have this problem with is WASC hopefeully this will help!