How Long Does It Take for A Cake to Cool?

Did you know that professional bakers insist on properly cooling a cake before frosting? Because frosting or decorating a warm cake is not a good idea, it can melt in the heat. So, if you don’t cool the cake properly, you’ll end up with a dry, cracked cake!

But, how long does it take for a cake to cool? Okay, it depends on the type of cake you are baking. Baking a perfectly baked cake is definitely not an easy task. For this, you have to follow some rules. The most important of these are particular elements, temperature, and time.

As you know, the fun part of baking is cake decorating. You may think the cake is ready for icing once it is out of the oven.

Don’t make this blunder, or else you’ll regret it. It is crucial to wait for a while (at least 30 minutes) before icing a cake.

We’ve tried our best to make this confusing process easier and more understandable for you. So, if you are searching for an accurate description guide, we suggest you read the blog properly.

So, let’s start!

How Long Does It Take for a Cake to Cool?

Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on factors. We suggest cooling the cake perfectly as you can handle it fearlessly without breaking it.

Once you bake the cake, take it out of the oven and let it cool down. Keep it on the counter for at least 30 minutes.

How Long Does It Take for A Cake to Cool

If you are not in a rush, you can let it sit for one or two hours. After then, the cake should be ready for frosting.

This durable is enough to let the heat out of the cake. Waiting for this long would make the cake more suitable for putting the icing. The duration of an hour or two is appropriate for any type of cake.

But when you’re in a hurry, you can minimize this time with the help of a refrigerator or freezer.

a. Use A Refrigerator to Cool the Cake Within 1 Hour

The cake takes about 1 hour to cool in the refrigerator. This is an easy way, but at the same time, it has some bad sites if you do not go through the exact process.

The refrigerator helps to cool the cake quickly

If you freeze your cake in the refrigerator, be careful before doing so. When you openly put your cake in the fridge, the cake will dry out. It will lose moisture and softness.

For this, first, remove the cake from the pan. Then cover it with aluminum foil or an airtight box, then leave it in the refrigerator for an hour.

b. Use A Freezer to Cool the Cake within 30 Min

A freezer is another practical option to freeze your cake in 30 minutes. But you follow the same procedure as the refrigerator. Otherwise, it will make your cake dull and dry.

The cake takes only 30 minutes to cool in the freezer

Why Does the Cake Need to be Proper Cooled?

Obviously, there are many important reasons for that! When the cake is hot, it is fragile. It would be difficult for you to touch and put icing over it. Hence, the cake should be cool to decorate as you want.

Temperature is a somewhat determining factor for a perfectly baked and fluffy cake. A cake is mainly baked at a temperature of 325oF for about 15-20 minutes and sometimes longer.

Why Does the Cake Need to be Proper Cooled

It holds that temperature when you take the cake out of the oven. So, you can’t touch the cake comfortably at this time.

Besides, the temperature is so hot that it can ruin any ingredient you put over it. It will melt the icing, and the frosting will not stick to the cake. You possibly won’t like a runny cake, isn’t it?

Moreover, a freshly baked cake needs some time to settle. It can crack if you forcefully try to get it out of the pan. Instead of getting a perfect cake, you’ll have many messy crumbs. All your crucial hard work will go in vain.

How to Cool a Cake Quickly?

There are two most useful methods of cooling a cake: fast and the other takes a few hours. One is to keep the cake in the refrigerator. And another method is letting it sit on the cooling rack.

1. Cooling on a Cooling Rack

The cooling rack helps the cake to cool quickly and uniformly. Since the cooling rack has a large mesh, allowing the air to circulate beneath the cake. It helps to prevent compression that could possibly make the cake bottom wet.

So, choose a wire rack that can easily fit in the dishwasher. Place the cake pan directly on the cooling rack after removing it from the oven. Keep it for about 10 to 15 minutes to set. By this time, the cake should be cool enough to touch.

Now release the cake from the pan using a butter knife or sharp knife. In the meantime, spray cooking oil over the cooling rack. Carefully transfer the cake to the rack. Finally, let it cool thoroughly for one to two hours.

Points to be Noted:

  • You shouldn’t keep it on the cooling rack if it’s a cheesecake. Cream cheesecakes are very delicate. For an angel food cake, don’t keep it on the stand; instead, put it directly on the counter.
  • For a four-quarter cake, don’t chill the cake. Remove it as soon as possible. While chilling an angel cake, wait for 3 hours to cool the cake.

2. Cooling in the Refrigerator

Sometimes you may have to bake multiple cakes. Then, you can keep your cake in the fridge to keep the cooling process going.

When the cake is baked well, take it out of the oven. Let it sit on the kitchen counter for 5-10 minutes. Then refrigerate it for another 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, the cake should be cool to the touch.

After the cake has cooled briefly, wrap it in plastic and seal the top. There is no need to cover the cake if the cake is turned upside down.

Finally, place the cake for another hour or two. For angel cakes or four-quarter cakes, refrigerate for one hour. For a cheesecake, keep it for two hours.

Points to be Noted:

  • There are some considerations for certain types of cakes. If it’s an angel food cake, turn it upside down.
  • Also, it is advisable to remove the cake from the mold for a four-quarter or Bundt cake.

3. And, Finally, Icing Your Cake

So, your cake is now thoroughly chilled; it’s time for frosting. Since it is no longer a warm cake, there is no risk of the frosting melting. Before starting frosting, place it on a cake stand or flat surface.

how do you cool down a cake quickly

Make sure it stays firm when you start spreading frosting. Spread frosting evenly on each side of the cake.

Use a spatula to avoid distorting the cake. Once you have icing, refrigerate to set the icing.

How to Know If the Cake is Properly Cooled?

how much time a cake take to cool
  1. You can try a toothpick test to know if the cake has cooled adequately. Take a toothpick and carefully stick it into the cake. Wait for a few seconds and take it out. The cake hasn’t appropriately cooled if the toothpick stick feels warm after taking it out.
  2. Moreover, you can use a toothpick to check whether the cake has been thoroughly cooked. You should be careful while doing this.
  3. Use a wooden BBQ stick if there is no toothpick available in your house. The process is the same.
  4. Also, if you notice the cake carefully, you will see the changes in the cake layer. For example, the side of a perfectly baked cake will be pulled. There must be a gap between the cake’s edge and the Bundt pan’s side.
  5. Gently press your finger in the middle of the cake. If the cake is baked well, it will be soft and tender.

Wrapping Up!

It is well known that a cake needs to be completely cooled before frosting or sorting. Because icing sugar and buttercream will melt these ingredients in the heat!

But waiting a few hours for the cake to cool seems annoying. But trust me, when you see a good result, you will say that all the effort is worth it.

From now on, it’ll be easier for you as you know how much time you should have in your hand to cool down the cake.

We also shared how you can cool the cake very quickly if needed. So, if you sincerely read our blog, you must have no hesitation.

Follow this time duration the next time you bake a cake. We are sure you can now make a picture-perfect and tasty cake.

Happy Baking!

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