In this video over on the Christopher Kimball Blog, Kimball is full of great tips on figuring out when your cake is donezo. First, know your oven. Is it lying? When it says 400°F, does it mean it? He also recommends buying an oven thermometer—a worthy investment at $8. And as far as cake pans go, stick with Pyrex and the non-stick. Watch the video, after the jump.

How to Tell When Your Cake Is Done

Now that you're full of cake-baking wisdom, pre-heat that oven!

Cake Recipe Inspiration

Mexican Chocolate Cake
Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Sheet Cake
Parsnip Spice Cake
Olive Oil Citrus Cake
Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake
Lavender Honey Spice Cake
Blackberry Upside-Down Cake