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How to Cool a Cake: Best Tips to Cool Cake Fast

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Last Updated on February 23, 2023

Do you know how to cool a cake? Please learn that to achieve a fantastic cake, you must take the time to let it cool. Also, it is best if you do so before you frost it. Yes, it may seem like a small task to do. However, waiting till the cake cools down will save you from cake mistakes. Not only that but also, it will make all your efforts appear lovely and tasty.

Remember, by the time you remove the cake from your oven after baking, set it aside for ten minutes. This process is to begin the cooling of your yummy cake fast. Also, place it at an open window. Likewise, you can put it in front of a fan. Afterward, make sure to transfer the cake to the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.

Best Way to Cool a Cake

For the most part, you can let a cake sit out at room temperature. Because of this, it will allow your cake to lose enough heat so that the frosting does not slide off. It is indeed an effortless task. However, it can go wrong in many ways, like it becomes crumbly and soggy. In addition to that, the cake layers will break apart. That is why it is essential to know the best way to cool a cake.

How to Cool a Cake Quickly

In most cases, you will not have sufficient time to cool a cake for hours, or even overnight. If this ever happens to you, no need to worry. The reason is that there are many ways you can cool the cake as quickly as possible.

For starters, be sure to remove the cake from the cake pan. Keep in mind that you should do this after you have left the cake sitting for ten minutes. Then, please put it directly onto a cooling tray.

Also, make sure to slice the cake. With this, always remember that more layers mean more air. As a result, it will force your cake to cool faster. Also, bear in mind that you need to be careful when doing this. Likewise, ensure that the cake has had sufficient time to sit outside of the pan. Because of this, be sure you cool it for approximately ten minutes.

Moreover, you can always put your cake in the refrigerator or freezer. It is indeed the best way to cool a cake. Not only that, but also it is the easiest method.

how long to let the cake cool

How Long Does it Usually Take For a Cake Too Cool?

It would be best to cool the cake for about two to three hours. Afterward, make sure to add a crumb coat. Then, ensure to store it in the fridge for approximately thirty minutes. After that, the cake is ready for you to apply your favorite frostings.

Again, it is essential to know how long to let the cake cool because cool cakes are easier to decorate. In addition to that, cakes, when still hot, are undoubtedly fragile. That is why spreading the frosting is most likely to result in breakage. Not only that but also there will be many crumbs. Because of this, it will ruin your desired smooth finish.

Furthermore, when the cake is still hot, the frosting will not stay put on the cake. As a consequence, it will indeed melt into the cake. Also, nobody wants a runny cake.

How to Frost a Cooled Cake Properly

Before anything else, it is best if you have prepared the frosting in advance. With this, be sure that the frosting is at room temperature before you begin. Remember, by this time; you should have chilled the cake layers for about two hours. Likewise, it would be best if you let it cool overnight. All of these you should do before you try spreading the frosting onto the cake. Also, keep in mind that warm cake layers are a recipe for a sloppy disaster.

Furthermore, it is best to purchase a big offset spatula and several parchment papers. These are indeed small investments that will pay dividends in the long run. Besides that, you will need a long serrated knife. Because of this, you can utilize it for trimming the cake layers. Not only that but also to slice them in half. On the other hand, if you usually create cupcakes, be sure to choose a small offset spatula.

Moreover, if you commonly bake because you enjoy baking, consider purchasing a rotating cake turntable. Though it is not as crucial as the earlier equipment, it will help create a satiny outcome. Talk about an easy and quick finish! Also, make sure to buy a cake carrier since it will help you conveniently transport the cake to the party.

Read more about How Long To Let A Cake Cool Before Frosting?

how to cool a cake quickly

Tips and Tricks: How to Cool a Cake 

Remember, to keep the cake from sticking to the cooling rack, put one layer of paper towel. Be sure to place it between the cooling rack and the cake. You can also brush plain simple syrup onto each cake layer’s top. Likewise, you can use flavored simple syrup. Doing so will add extra sweetness and flavor.

In most cases, if the cake layers are thick, the longest serrated knife will do the trick. Remember, you should only do this when you want to create a four-layered cake. Plus, it is pretty challenging to do this. So with that, it would be best to take your time.

In addition to that, you should first score a level horizontal line around the layer’s perimeter. Doing so will guide you as you cut. After that, put one hand on the cake’s top. Then, cut across your scored line. With this, be sure to use less pressure. Also, it would help to apply the back-and-forth sawing motion of the knife. Do this, especially when you slice your cake.

Moreover, be sure that the cake plate fits perfectly inside the cake carrier. Do this when you plan to carry the cake in a cake carrier. Also, make sure to ice the cake on a cake board round. With that, ensure that it is about one to two inches bigger in diameter than the cake.

Read more about How To Store A Fondant Cake Overnight

How to Cool a Cake Without a Cooling Rack

When it comes to cooling down a cake, the easiest way to do so is by using a cooling rack. However, you may not have one and need another alternative. If this is the case, then look no further! Here are some ideas to use if you don’t have a cooling rack.

  • Baking Pan and Parchment Paper. Turn your baking pan upside down and place a piece of parchment paper on top of the pan. Then place your baked goods on top of the parchment paper. Leave to cool as you would with a cooling or wire rack.
  • Use Foil. Grab some aluminum foil and make small balls from it. Place into a baking pan to create a makeshift cooling rack. They shouldn’t be too close, but close enough that your baked goods won’t fall. Then place your baked goods on top of the foil balls and leave to cool.
  • Make Your Own Cooling Rack. All you’ll need is a chopping board and a metal grate. First, lay your metal grate, and place your chopping board on top. It should allow for airflow all around the baked goods. Then add your baked goods to your chopping board and leave to cool.
  • Plates. As long as you have a large heatproof plate, simply place your baked goods onto the plate and leave them to cool.

How Long to Let Cake Cool Before Wrapping

If you’re wondering how long to leave a cake to cool before wrapping, then we’re here to help. There’s a method you should follow before you wrap your cakes in plastic wrap. Let’s take a look.

First, you’ll need to remove your cake from the oven and leave it in the pan it’s in for around 20 minutes. Carefully remove your cake from the pan, using a knife if needed. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack and leave for around an hour to allow your cake to come to room temperature and cool completely.

Cut a piece of plastic wrap that’s big enough to entirely cover your cake and lightly coat the wrap with butter or shortening. You should do this on the inside of the plastic wrap. Place the wrap in the fridge and chill for a few minutes.

Remove the plastic wrap from the fridge and wrap your cake as tight as possible, without damaging the cake. Place your cake back in the refrigerator to chill.

Do You Flip a Cake When It’s Hot or Cold?

You should absolutely not turn a cake over before it’s slightly cooled. Cakes that are baked in Bundt pans will need to be turned over, but you should wait at least 10-15 minutes before inverting the cake. Invert the cake and then leave it to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped to answer the question of how to cool a cake. And also gives you an idea of some effective ways to cool your cake layers quickly. It’s super easy to do, but it’s a very important step. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to cooling a cake? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

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