If you don't have a low-fat cake base or you didn't use parchment paper first, chances are the cake batter will stick to the pan when it's cooked. As a result, you'll have a hard time removing the cake and serving it flawlessly. If that happens, don't worry. With a little effort and patience, surely the process of releasing the cake will not be as difficult as moving mountains. So, what if the cake really doesn't want to come out of the pan even though you've applied all the suggested methods? If that's the case, try reading tips specifically aimed at dealing with the problem.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Removing the Cake from the Pan
Step 1. Try circling the edges of the cake with a knife
If so, use a palette knife. If not, you can also use a fairly slim butter knife. Then, slide the blade into the space that separates the edge of the cake from the edge of the pan, and move it around the pan very carefully to remove the edge of the cake from the pan. Make sure the knife is firmly attached to the edge of the pan so you don't cut too much of your cake.
- If the cake is to be served at an important celebration, try applying another method first as this method will often result in minor damage to the shape and texture of the cake.
- If the edges of the cake are charred and flaky, try moving the knife up and down slowly to remove the cake from the edges of the pan. Chances are, the cake will come off completely after you do the process four to five times.
Step 2. Slide a flexible nylon spatula into the base of the cake
Push the spatula until it reaches the center of the cake, as you would with a knife, then try to lift it slightly while turning the pan. It should be flexible enough to separate the bottom of the cake from the pan underneath.
- If the cake really doesn't want to come off the pan, don't force it! Instead, immediately switch to another method that is more relevant to the case.
- If you want, you can also use a thin metal spatula or pizza peel. Previously, run the appliance to be used with hot water so that the hot and humid temperature can facilitate the process of removing the cake.
Step 3. Transfer the cake to a serving plate
First of all, you need to place a very large plate on the baking sheet. Hold the plate and pan firmly, then flip it over while gently rocking the pan so that the cake can come off more easily.
- If you want, you can also move the cakes to the care rack. However, make sure you first place a plate or tray under the shelf to catch any crumbs that fall.
- If the texture of the cake crumbles or is damaged, you can immediately read the instructions for repairing the damaged cake in the last section.
Step 4. Tap the bottom of the pan
It should be easier for the cake to come off afterwards. After that, you can flip the pan over on a serving plate, then tilt them at a 45° angle to release the cake. If this doesn't work, flip the pan over so the cake is facing up, then tap the bottom of the pan against the counter until the cake comes off.
Step 5. Turn the pan over on a serving plate, then let the cake cool down completely
If the cake won't come off the pan, try turning the cake upside down on a serving plate and letting it sit until the cake is completely cool. The cake should come off more easily when it's no longer hot.
Step 6. Twist or pry the base of the cake to remove it from the pan (not recommended)
It's best to try a different method first. If you don't have the time or resources needed, then you can try removing the cake using force. However, understand that in general, the texture of the cake will crumble or be damaged by it.
- Hold the cake with your hands or slide a spatula into the bottom while turning the pan.
- and/or Using the same knife, try to pry the base of the cake. In order for the cake to come off more easily, the cross section of the knife should be pointed towards the center of the cake!
Method 2 of 4: Using Hot Temperature, Cold Temperature, or Hot Steam
Step 1. Pour hot water into a deep enough tray
Remember, the tray must be wide enough to fit the cake tin! Then, pour hot water until it fills about 6 mm of the bottom of the tray.
If you don't have a tray that is large enough, try wrapping the bottom of the pan with a kitchen towel that has been soaked in hot water
Step 2. Place the baking sheet on a tray filled with water
Supposedly, the hot water will cause the metal pan to expand slightly so the edges of the cake will come off the surface. Let the pan sit on the tray of water for a few minutes, then try removing the cake again afterward.
Step 3. Steam the cake
The hot steam that builds up will increase the moisture in the cake and make it easier to remove from the pan. To do this, all you have to do is boil water in a saucepan or pitcher and then pour it into a cup. Then, place the cup of boiling water and the cake tin in the microwave, cupboard, or other covered area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try releasing the cake again.
Don't turn on the microwave! Remember, you're only using it to trap the hot steam and transfer it to the cake
Step 4. Place ice cubes on the bottom of the pan
First, turn the pan over on a serving plate, then place a bowl of ice cubes in the bottom of the pan. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try releasing the cake again.
Step 5. Freeze the cake
Let the cake cool completely to room temperature, about an hour, then freeze the cake in the freezer for six hours. This method should be effective in strengthening the shape of the cake so that it can be easily removed from the pan afterwards. Once the cake has frozen, try circling the edges and bottom of the pan with a butter knife, even if you did this before the cake was frozen. Then, flip the pan over and tap the bottom to release the cake.
Method 3 of 4: Repairing the Broken Cake
Step 1. Slice the charred part of the cake
If part of the cake is charred, try slicing it very carefully with a large bread knife or a cake cutter. If the result is not neat, do not try to slice it again so that the cake crumbs do not fall in all directions. Instead, fill in any untidy areas with frosting, as the next section will explain.
Step 2. Take a few pieces of cake, then use the pieces to fill in any holes or uneven areas
If there are crumbs or bits of cake that fall out, try using them to patch up any sloppy cake surfaces or bottoms. If the texture of the cake is soft enough, the crumbs should stick well to the surface of the cake, especially if the cake is still hot.
Step 3. Repair minor damage with frosting
Try making a bowl of frosting, then pouring it all over the cake to cover any holes and/or uneven areas.
It's best not to use icing made of sugar and liquid because the texture is too light and runny
Step 4. Glue the damaged part of the cake with frosting
If the shape of the cake looks shattered or untidy, try using a very gooey frosting to reattach it. For example, you can make frosting from caramel, dulche de leche sauce, or practice these chocolate frosting recipes:
- Mix 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with 3 tsp. cocoa powder and 2 tsp. unsalted butter.
- Cook the frosting mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stop stirring when the texture has thickened and the consistency resembles glue.
- Let the frosting sit at room temperature until it cools down and the texture thickens.
- Arrange the cake pieces until they reach the shape you want, then pour the frosting all over the surface of the cake and the gaps in between to keep the shape.
Method 4 of 4: Serving Cake That Can't Be Removed from the Baking Pan
Step 1. Cut the cake into squares
Do this even if the cake is baking in a round pan. Then, use a wide, flexible spatula to separate the cake pieces from the dough that's still stuck to the bottom.
Keep reading to find out how to take advantage of the cake that sticks to the bottom and edges of the pan
Step 2. Serve the cakes in the pan
The easiest way to serve cakes that really can't be removed from the pan is to freeze them, then serve them straight in the pan. At least, the appearance of the cake will still look attractive when served on the table, although the texture will still crumble when cut.
Step 3. Turn the cake into cake pops
If the shape of the cake is already damaged because you are trying to remove it from the pan, don't be afraid to get creative by turning the cake into cake pops! Read this article to find the full recipe, or try practicing these emergency recipes:
- Place the cake pieces in a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese or buttercream, then all ingredients until the texture resembles a sticky dough.
- Then, round the dough to the size you want.
- Dip dough balls in chocolate sauce and colorful meses (optional).
