How to Remove Cheesecake from a Springform Pan?

Baking a perfect cheesecake at home is a dessert lover’s dream.

Removing it from the springform pan, however, can be a nightmare.

That’s because cheesecakes are very delicate and they crack easily. Without the correct removal method, you might end up with a crumbled cheesecake.

To prevent this fate, you must learn how to remove cheesecake from the springform pan.

In this article, I will show you some effective ways to remove the cheesecake from the springform pan easily, without cracks or any of it left sticking to the pan.

How to Remove Cheesecake from a Springform Pan?

Springform pans with detachable sides are the perfect choice for cheesecakes. It allows you to transfer the baked treat into the serving plate with ease.

Wilton Excelle Elite Non-Stick Springform Pan 10-Inch, Steel

You must, however, use a parchment paper, a knife, or a spatula to make this transition.

We have shortlisted a few easy ways to remove a cheesecake from a springform pan.

Most of them need everyday kitchen utensils to get the job done. So you can select the removal technique that is convenient for you.

Use Parchment Paper to Bake the Cheesecake

If you haven’t baked your cheesecake, then you should prepare your pan with parchment paper.

The extra layer simplifies the removal process. It also makes it easier to transfer the cheesecake from the pan once it’s baked.

Here’s how this works:

  1. Cut the baking paper into the shape of the springform pan’s base. The cut-out should be slightly bigger than the pan’s bottom.
  2. Prepare the pan by pressing the parchment paper into the bottom of the pan.
  3. Line the sides of the pan by cutting out a thick strip of paper.
  4. Follow the instructions in your cheesecake recipe to bake the cake.
  5. Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight (or 2-3 hours) before removal.
  6. Unlatch the sides of your pan. Then gently peel off the parchment paper from the sides of the cheesecake.
  7. You must see some of the parchment paper underneath the cheesecake. Pull the edge of the paper to slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate.
  8. Strategically place the plate next to the pan. This ensures you don’t drop the cake when removing it.

Alternatively, you can use the edges of the parchment to lift off the cheesecake from the springform pan.

It’s essential to handle the cheesecake with great care. Or else, it might break away when you’re shifting it from the pan to the plate.

Use a Knife to Remove the Cheesecake from a Springform Pan

Is your cheesecake sticking to the sides of the pan?

Then you can use a sharp knife to remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

First, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight or at least 2-3 hours before removing it from the pan. Then use a sharp knife for this removal method.

It’s essential to keep a steady grip during this removal process. Otherwise, the cheesecake might slip away from your hands when flipping it.

You should also handle the cake gently because it is very delicate. One wrong move could cause it to crumble and crack if you’re not careful.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing the cheesecake from a springform pan with a knife:

  1. Take a sharp knife and dip it in hot water.
  2. Gently run the knife around the inside edge of the springform pan. Use the knife to release the sides of the cheesecake clinging to the pan.
  3. Repeat step 2 if you think the cheesecake is still sticking to the pan.
  4. Once the cheesecake is released, you can unlatch and remove the sides of the pan.
  5. Now place a paper plate on top of your cheesecake.
  6. Slowly flip the cheesecake onto the paper plate.
  7. Remove the bottom of the pan. Gently peel off the parchment paper if you used it for baking the cheesecake. Try your best to keep the crust intact when taking off the parchment paper.
  8. Place your serving dish on top of the upside-down cheesecake.
  9. Slowly flip the cheesecake over again. Then remove the paper plate.
  10. Slice and serve.

That’s it! You can now enjoy your tasty treat without any trouble.

What if the hot knife doesn’t work out?

Then you can use the blowtorch method before using the knife.

This trick requires you to blowtorch the bottom of the pan gently. The heat from the flame softens the cheesecake.

You must, however, avoid overheating the pan as it can cause the dessert to melt. Once the pan is heated, you can follow steps 2-10 from the method above.

Use Three Spatulas to Remove the Cheesecake from a Springform Pan

The last removal method requires three spatulas and a helping hand. You need the other person to carefully lift off the cheesecake with the spatulas.

You can ask them for assistance when you’re running a knife around the cake or blowtorching it.

Like the other methods, you should refrigerate the cake for a few hours before removal.

This ensures that the cheesecake looks firm and upright when you’re serving it.

Here’s what you need to do after your cheesecake has set:

  1. Use steps 1-3 from the previous removal method to loosen up the sides of the cake. These steps aren’t required if you’ve lined the sides with parchment paper.
  2. Unlatch the sides of your detachable springform pan.
  3. Then re-dip the knife in hot water. Use it to smooth out any visible cracks and rough edges on the creamy cake.
  4. Next, select three flat and thick spatulas to remove the cake from the pan. The size of the spatula depends on the size of your cheesecake.
  5. Slide the spatulas under the cake as far as you can. The goal is to cover the bottom layer of the cake completely to support the cake.
  6. Make sure that the three spatulas don’t overlap and that the entire cake is supported.
  7. Ask someone to assist you during this step. You can hold two spatulas, while they hold the third spatula.
  8. Use the spatulas to lift the cheesecake from the pan and place it onto the serving platter. Both of you must lift the cake at the same moment and speed to maintain the balance.
  9. Slowly slide the spatulas away from the cheesecake. Make sure that the cheesecake doesn’t crumble when you’re doing that.
  10. Slice and serve the cheesecake once this is done.

The spatula method might seem more challenging than other removal methods. It, however, has lesser risks compared to them.

Pro Tip:

There is a chance that the cheesecake won’t budge because it is stuck to the bottom.

In that case, you should blowtorch the bottom of the pan before removing the cake. If you don’t have a blowtorch, then hold the pan on top of a low flame.

Place the pan above the lit stove for 10 seconds in brief intervals. The heat softens the cheesecake and allows it to come out quickly.

Once the cheesecake is soft, you can continue with the spatula method to remove the cheesecake.

Also Read: How to Remove Flan from a Pan Without Breaking It?

How to Prevent Your Cheesecake from Sticking to the Pan?

Many times, taking out the cheesecake becomes challenging because of the mistakes you made during the baking process.

These things can cause your cheesecake to stick to the pan’s sides and bottom.

You already know that you must refrigerate the cake before removal. That means keeping the cheesecake in the fridge overnight (minimum 12 hours).

If that isn’t possible, you should refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours.

Otherwise, the unset cake might melt or crumble when you take it out of the pan.

Here are a few other tips that prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan:

Grease Your Springform Pan

Don’t just line the springform pan with parchment paper. You should consider greasing the inside of the pan before pouring in the batter.

The greasy layer allows the crust to slide off with ease.

You can spray the pan with a few drops of oil (preferably plant-based). Or rub the inside and bottom of the pan with melted butter.

Rest Your Cheesecake

You must remember to set the cheesecake aside to rest pre-baking and post-refrigeration.

This tactic minimizes the risk of air bubbles forming. It also prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.

The idea is to let your batter rest for 15-20 minutes before pouring it into the prepared pan. The resting period removes air bubbles trapped inside the cheesecake batter.

That way, the cheesecake won’t get distorted during the baking process. It also keeps the cake firm and easy to handle when it comes out of the pan.

Apart from this, you should set the pan aside for a couple of minutes after you pop it out of the refrigerator.

Resting at room temperature allows the cake to loosen up before removal.

Pre-Refrigeration Hack

Another great trick is to run the knife along with the cheesecake once it’s out of the oven. This time around, the blade should be at room temperature.

Pressing the knife against the sides of the cheesecake decrease the chances of sticking.

It also prevents cracks and holes from forming on the cake when it starts to set.

These three tips ensure that nothing goes amiss when removing the cheesecake from the pan.

Also read: Does a Cheesecake Have To Be Made In a Springform Pan?

It’s a Wrap

Once you have learned how to remove the cheesecake from a springform pan, it’s time to act.

You must remember to keep your grip steady and gentle while handling the cheesecake.

Also, if you start seeing cracks, then don’t worry. A dollop of whip cream and fruit garnish can hide those blemishes away.

Best of luck!

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