Paul Hollywood’s simple way to know if cupcakes are ready

Popular baker Paul Hollywood has shared his go-to way to know whether or not a cupcake is thouroughly baked through without having to poke it with a toothpick or fork.

Baking can be difficult. While following a recipe might sound simple, sometimes things just don’t go the way you’ve planned it.

While muffins and cupcakes are often seen as a simple treat to bake, it can often be difficult to know when they’ve had enough time in the oven, as each oven may have different results.

To help, the Great British Bake Off judge and well-known baker Paul Hollywood has shared his simple method of knowing if your cupcakes have been baked through completely.

In a video posted onto his personal TikTok account, Paul shows off a tray of freshly-made cupcakes still in the baking tray as he explained the signs to know if they’re done.

“That’s the colour that you’re looking for. You’re looking for that golden brown, when you touch it, it’s slightly crispy and it’s firm,” he said as he poked the baked goods. “It bounces back.”

He went on to explain that there’s usually a clear sign whether or not your cupcakes have baked through in the middle, and you don’t need to poke it with a toothpick or a fork to figure it out.

The baker also went on to explain the signs that will show that your cupcakes or muffins still need a bit more time in the oven.

“If it leaves a fingerprint, you know it hasn’t baked right in the middle of it,” he said.

He went on to explain: “You know it’s baked because it’s got some, it’s got some tension there on the top.”

Paul Hollywood, the beloved TV chef, has recently seen his star rise in the US as American audiences get a taste of Bake Off on Netflix, where it’s more commonly known as The Great British Baking Show.