What indicates that bread is fully baked?

Bread is considered fully baked when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This is an indication that the internal structure of the bread has set properly, allowing for a good crust formation and an adequate cooking of the dough. The hollow sound signifies that moisture has evaporated and the bread is light, not dense or undercooked.

While other characteristics can provide clues about the baking process, they are not definitive indicators of doneness. For instance, soft bread may indicate underbaking or that it's still warm and hasn't fully set. A dark brown color can be a result of caramelization or Maillard reaction but it does not guarantee that the inside is properly cooked through. Lastly, a wet surface often suggests that the bread is not baked enough, as fully baked bread should have a dry and crusty exterior. Therefore, the hollow sound when tapped serves as the most reliable test for determining that bread has been baked all the way through.