How to Transfer a Cake From a Pan in Order to Decorate

Removing a cake from the pan requires a little finesse.

Before decorating a cake, remove it from the pan and allow it to cool. Also, create a level surface to allow the cake to lay flat while you decorate it. Do this before removing the cake from the pan. You will generally decorate the bottom of the cake, after turning it upside-down. This presents the most level surface, resulting in a cleaner finished product.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking rack
• 2 serving boards
• Long knife
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Cut off the rounded top portion, which may have risen from the center of the cake during baking. Using a long knife will help keep the surface even and offer the cake a steady surface to sit on when you turn it over.

2. Lay the cooking rack over the top of the pan, and against the cake. Turn the pan over while maintaining pressure between the rack and the pan. Lay the cooling rack on the counter and gently ease the pan off of the cake. Brush off any small crumbs.

3. Allow the cake to cool for at least one hour.

4. Place a serving board over the cake. Grab the rack and maintain pressure between the board and the rack, but do not crush the cake. Flip the combination over and remove the rack.

5. Repeat this process with another serving board, so that the cake rests on the serving board with the bottom side facing up. You can now decorate the bottom, which offers a nice, flat surface on which to work.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear oven mitts when handling hot pans.

References

• Sugar Craft: Learn To Decorate -- Basic Decorating Lessons