Angel food cakes, pound cakes, sponge cakes and other light and fluffy cakes can cool in the refrigerator in about 1-2 hours. [1] X Research source This method may not be the best choice for a cheesecake, as quick changes of temperature can upset the structure of the cake, causing cracks. For rich, creamy cakes that are served chilled, this method may take you up to 4 hours. [2] X Research source If you are cooling a traditional cake, this method will take you about 2-3 hours.
If you are working with a cheesecake, or other creamy cake, it is recommended that you turn off the heat and let your cake cool in the oven for about an hour before transferring your cake to the refrigerator. If you don’t have the time, you can put your cake in the refrigerator although it may crack slightly. [3] X Research source If you are working with cheesecake, run a butter knife along the edge of the cake and the pan while the cake is still warm, this will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan later. You may want to place your cake pan on a wooden surface like a cutting board to protect your countertop from heat damage.
If you are cooling a sponge or angel food cake, it is recommended that you cool the cake upside down. [4] X Research source This can be done by turning the pan upside down and setting the tube part over the neck of a stable bottle. Turning it upside down for cooling helps prevent it from collapsing as it cools. If you are cooling a pound cake, it is recommended that you take it out of the pan to cool it. Cooling a pound cake for too long in a pan can cause it to become overly damp and stick to the pan. [5] X Research source Transfer it to a wire rack and place it in the refrigerator.
If you have removed your cake from the pan or placed it upside down, you don’t need to wrap it up.
Be sure to keep your knife vertical so you don’t accidentally cut into the sides of your cake.
If your cake is especially delicate, gently tap the bottom of the pan a few times until you feel your cake release. Now that your cake is cool, you are free to frost and decorate however you wish!
Pick a wire rack that is easy to fit in your dishwasher and in the area you plan to store it. Cooling racks work by allowing air to circulate under your cake, which helps prevent condensation which could make the bottom soggy.
Pick a wire rack that is easy to fit in your dishwasher and in the area you plan to store it. Cooling racks work by allowing air to circulate under your cake, which helps prevent condensation which could make the bottom soggy.
If you are cooling a cheesecake, you can simply turn off the oven and leave your cake inside to cool for about an hour. This allows the delicate cake to cool slowly, which will help prevent it from cracking.
The cake pan should be resting on the rack to ensure that the bottom of the cake pan has airflow.
Be sure to keep your knife vertical so you don’t accidentally cut into the sides of your cake. Run the knife around the edges a couple times to loosen your cake from the pan.
Since your cake will still be slightly warm, placing it on a rack with cooking spray will prevent it from sticking to the wire rack.
If you are cooling a cheesecake, you won’t want to attempt to transfer your cake to the wire rack. Cheesecakes are very delicate and this could ruin your cake. If you are cooling a pound cake, removing your cake from the pan sooner will help keep it from getting too soggy. If you are cooling an angel food cake, you may want to skip the wire rack and place it upside down on the counter instead. To cool your cake upside down, turn the pan upside down and set the tube part over the neck of a stable bottle. Turning it upside down for cooling helps prevent it from collapsing as it cools. Remember to use oven mitts when handling the pan. Since the pan hasn’t been out of the oven for very long, it may still be hot enough to burn you.
