By Lindy Van Schalkwyk, last updated on October 3, 2024
Did you know that removing cheesecake from a springform pan isn’t completely straightforward? This guide will help you avoid common mistakes!
Today, we will explore the main reasons why you shouldn’t leave cheesecake inside of its pan and what the risks are in removing it. Luckily, our guide will help you avoid common mistakes people make and explore the best alternatives. Now, you never have to struggle with this process again!
Removing Cheesecake From a Springform Pan – Why It’s a Good Idea
If you aren’t familiar with a springform cake pan, essentially it is a special pan that is almost always used to make cheesecakes.
This is because cheesecakes cannot be flipped over to be removed from the pan (like a cake is). Furthermore, a cheesecake is very difficult to lift out of a regular cake pan using baking paper.
So, that is where the springform cake pan comes in. This pan has been specially designed to unclasp the sides so that it can be expanded and safely removed – without having to move the cheesecake. Then, the cheesecake can be moved off of the base and placed on a cake stand or cake board.
The main reason you should be removing a cheesecake from a springform pan is that it is nearly impossible to slice the cake and remove the slices. Furthermore, the cake will eventually start discoloring the white pale skin of your cheesecake. And, it could potentially leave a metallic flavor on it too.
So, there are more benefits to removing the cheesecake than to leaving it in! The only possible reason to leave it is could be because the cheesecake hasn’t set or doesn’t want to set. But, then there are other ways to deal with that.
Do you have to remove the cheesecake from the pan?
You don’t have to remove a cheesecake from the pan, but as we have mentioned above, it is highly recommended. If the pan is still there, your biggest problem will be removing the slices from it.
But, if you have a cheesecake that didn’t set, it is perfectly fine to leave it in. It’s better than trying to scoop up all the runny parts!
The Best Technique for Removing Cheesecake From a Springform Pan
Removing cheesecake from a springform pan is surprisingly easy. But, you still have to take great care when doing so. Our method is by far the easiest you will ever come across and doesn’t need any special equipment or skills.
Step 1: Test if your cheesecake is set
Before attempting removing cheesecake from a springform pan, make sure that the filling has completely set. And trust us, you will immediately see if it is set or not when you give it a jiggle.
If the entire cheesecake jiggles a ton and is very runny, then it should be left in the pan or further baked.
You can also do the toothpick test by inserting it into the center. When pulled out, it should come out completely clean of any batter.
Step 2: Remove the sides of the pan
Once you have determined that your cheesecake is set, you will first have to separate the edges of the cheesecake from the pan. To do this, gently heat a sharp thin knife blade in hot water. then, slide it along the side of the entire cake.
If, for any reason, you do remove the knife from the cake before having separated the entire edge, make sure to wipe it down and reheat it before you continue.
Once the edges are completely separated, carefully undo the clasp on the side of the pan. Then, allow the side to completely expand before removing the edges completely.
Step 3: Loosen the cheesecake from the bottom
Now, this is really the trickiest part of the entire process. We always recommend baking a cheesecake with non-stick baking paper on the bottom. Make the disc slightly larger than the pan so that you can pull on the sides to slide the cheesecake off the base.
Alternatively, you will have to slide a few spatulas under the cake. Then, with your buddy, simultaneously lift the cheesecake and transfer it to the cake board or cake stand.
Step 4: Remove the base and store the cake
Once you have been able to remove the base from the cheesecake, you can place it on another cake stand or cake board. Always make sure you can store it afterward.
The best way to store your cheesecake is inside an airtight container. It always has to be placed back inside the fridge to help prevent it from going bad quickly.
Tips and Tricks for Removing Cheesecake From a Springform Pan
- Removing cheesecake from a springform pan is always easiest when it is made with a pre-baked crust. If the crust has a firmness to it, the pliable set filling will hold much better, especially when lifting it off of the base.
- We recommend removing the base from the cheesecake by baking it with a sheet of non-stick baking paper underneath. This makes it much easier to simply slide the cheesecake off of the base and onto another surface. You can also do this for an unbaked cheesecake.
- Before removing cheesecake from a springform pan, you should allow it to completely cool inside it first. In fact, it should even be set in the fridge while it’s still in the springform pan. This will simply give it extra protection from other objects and help keep it together as it sets.
- You can use a cold knife to remove the edges of the cheesecake from the side of the pan. But, it won’t make clean slices. Instead, it will pull on some parts of the cake, misforming the sides completely. This is especially likely with baked cheesecakes. So, always opt for the heated knife technique.
Wrapping Things Up – The Best Way to Go About Removing Cheesecake From a Springform Pan
We hope that you have enjoyed this in-depth informative article on removing cheesecake from a springform pan. If you still have any questions for us, feel free to leave a comment down below.
Read more about Ultimate Guide on Individual Cheesecake Pans – 4 Easy Steps
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Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.