How to Get Cake Out Of the Pan When Stuck?

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How to Get Cake Out Of the Pan When Stuck

Whether you do it professionally or as a home cook, baking is always a fun activity!

From searching for the ideal cake recipe and lining up all the ingredients to mixing and pouring the batter, waiting for it to turn golden brown.

There’s no denying that a lot of effort goes into baking a cake. However, the delicious baking smell makes the effort totally worth it!

The feeling of dread hits you when you try to get your cake out of the pan and it’s stuck. It feels like all the time, sweat and hard work you put into baking is going down the drain!

However, you don’t need to fret too much. If you ever find yourself in such a spot, there are a few ways for you to salvage your efforts.

Moreover, you can also take certain steps to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan in the first place.

In this article, we will share some simple methods you can try to get the cake out of the pan when it’s stuck. If one of the methods doesn’t work for you, try some other one.

How to Get Cake Out of the Pan When Stuck?

Here are a few tried and tested techniques to help you get your cake out of a pan smoothly and successfully (especially when it’s stuck).

Let the Cake Cool

The golden rule to getting your cake out in one piece is to let it cool down.

It doesn’t matter what kind of cake pan you are using or the kind of cake you have baked, you have to let your cake come down to room temperature.

Your cake will break into pieces if you try to take it out when it’s still warm or hot. Moreover, you will also risk most of your cake remaining stuck to the pan.

So, the rule of thumb is to allow your pan to cool down for at least 30 minutes. Also, you might have to wait a little longer if you are baking a large cake.

Apart from letting your cake rest on the countertop, here are two ways to help speed up the cooling process.

Use a Cooling Rack

A cooling rack is a great way to help your cake cool faster while it’s still in the pan.

It helps the air-flow around the pan, including the bottom, keeping your cake from sticking.

Many good quality cooling racks can handle really high temperatures, making them versatile.

Cool in the Fridge

Another way to let your cake cool down a little faster is to store it in the fridge. This technique is most suitable when you are in a rush to get your cake out.

You can allow the pan to cool down in the fridge for about 15 minutes and wait until it’s no longer hot.

Then you can put the pan in the fridge again for another 15 minutes to let cool completely.

This will help your cake cool down enough that it can be removed from the pan without breaking. Moreover, you can also use the cooling method in warmer months.

Place the Cake in the Freezer

In this method, you will have to allow your cake to cool down completely.

Then proceed to use a non-serrated knife to cut around the edges of the cake, but let it remain in the pan.

Place the pan into the freezer, letting it be for an hour or two.

When you remove the pan from the freezer, make sure to run a knife around the edges once more.

Then you should turn the pan upside down and give the top and sides a slight nudge. Your scrumptious cake will slide out nicely!

Loosen the Cake

You can use a knife to loosen the cake from the pan. This method is effective only when it’s executed very carefully.

You will have to slide in the knife meticulously between cake and the pan. Then you’ll have to move it very slowly around the edge to carve the cake out.

The key is to keep the knife right against the pan to avoid cutting into the cake. Moreover, a palette or non-serrated knife is the ideal knife to use for this process.

Once the cake has loosened up, you can flip the pan upside down and gently slide it onto a cooling rack or plate.

The Tapping Method

The tapping method is another popular way to get a cake out when it’s stuck. Firstly, place the plate in which you’re planning to serve your cake over the pan.

While holding the plate in place, you can flip the pan upside down. Then you can tap and shake the pan a little to give the cake a nudge to come out in one piece.

One thing you need to make sure of is that the plate remains firmly in its place when flipping.

Turn the Pan Upside Down

In this method, you need to turn the cake pan upside down on a plate.

Moreover, instead of tapping the pan, you need to let the cake rest in that position for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Then you can try to remove the pan gently. Resting the pan in this position allows the shortening to grease the sides of the pan, helping release the cake smoothly.

Use a Dishcloth

Sliding your cake out of the pan and onto a plate isn’t an easy job. Another effective method to get your cake out is by using a dishcloth.

You can start by soaking the cloth in hot water and then squeezing out the excess water.

Then you will have to wrap the cloth around the bottom of the pan and let it rest for around 15 minutes.

This method helps warm up your pan, causing it to expand a little, making it easier to release the cake.

The Microwave Method

The microwave method is considered a rather effective way to get a stuck cake out of the pan. This technique uses steam to force a stubborn cake out of the pan in one piece.

You can start by pouring boiled water in a cup or a mug. You will then have to place the cup in the microwave with the cake pan placed on top.

Leave this in the microwave for a few minutes without turning it on. This method allows the trapped steam to loosen up the edges of the cake from the pan.

Moreover, you can use any other enclosed space to perform this technique in case you don’t have a microwave.

Use a Warm Oven

This technique entails allowing your cake to cool down while preheating the oven to 250°F.

Once the cake is at room temperature, you should put it back into the oven for around 5 minutes.

After removing the cake from the oven, you should turn the pan upside down and let it rest on a cooling rack.

This will help the cake glide smoothly out of the pan. One thing to note is that this method is super-effective for bundt pans.

Ice Out The Cake

If your cake won’t budge out of the pan, you can try the icing technique. However, remember that it is most suitable for flat and round pans.

You can start by turning the pan upside down on a plate or cooling rack. Fill a bowl with ice cubes and place it on the bottom of the pan.

You will be able to remove the cake easily in one piece after letting it rest for a few minutes.

Also read: How to Get Toffee Out of a Glass Pan

How to Prevent Cake from Sticking to a Pan?

All the above techniques can help you get a cake out of a pan. However, there are certain steps you can take to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan in the first place.

Here are a few ways to keep your cake from getting stuck in a pan.

Greasing the Pan

Greasing your pan is baking 101! If you want your cake to glide out smoothly and in one piece then make sure to grease the baking pan properly.

You can either use a pastry brush or paper towel to apply shortening to the bottom and sides of the pan. You will have to make sure that you don’t miss a spot when doing so!

Also read: How to Grease a Bundt Pan

Sprinkle the Pan with Flour

Once you have covered your pan with shortening, sprinkle some flour on the bottom of the pan.

Hold one side of the pan while tapping the other side to ensure the even distribution of flour.

Also, make sure that you get the floor everywhere in the pan. If there’s any extra flour that hasn’t stuck to the shortening, you can turn the pan over and tap it.

Line with Parchment Paper

If you don’t want to put too much effort into greasing the pan, parchment paper is your answer!

You can line your baking pan with parchment paper to help get your cake out easily. However, this method is only effective for pans that have straight edges and a flat bottom.

You can start by placing your pan over parchment paper and tracing it out with a pencil.

Then, cut the paper and place it inside the pan, ensuring that it fits in properly. Smoothen out the paper to ensure that there are no wrinkles or bubbles.

Grease and Flour Parchment Paper

This is the best way for you to take extra precautions with your cake.

Cover the parchment paper with grease and flour to make sure that your cake makes it out smoothly.

Use Baking Spray

Baking sprays are an inventive and convenient way to help grease your pan. They are less messy and also help you save a lot of time.

Moreover, you can easily find a massive variety of baking sprays in the market.

You will need to spray it over the pan to ensure that all the sides and bottom of the pan are covered.

Wrapping Up

When you put so much effort into baking a cake, it’s natural that you want it to come out perfectly.

The above methods can help you get your cake out if you’ve forgotten to grease or line your pan before pouring the batter.

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