Springform Pan Sides: To Remove Or Not?

Removing a cheesecake from a springform pan can be a challenging task, and it is essential to do it correctly to avoid ruining the dessert. The process involves several steps, and it is crucial to be patient and gentle to achieve the best results. One key factor is ensuring that the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled before attempting to remove it from the pan. This allows the cake to firm up and reduces the risk of it falling apart during the removal process.

Use parchment paper to line the pan

Lining a springform pan with parchment paper is a great way to make removing your cheesecake easier. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Release the base

First, unlock the springform pan and separate the base from the sides.

Step 2: Cut the parchment paper

Place the base upside down on a sheet of parchment paper. Cut the paper so that it's about one inch bigger than the base, allowing for some overhang. Then, reassemble the pan by securing the base to the sides with the clasp.

Alternatively, you can cut a circular piece of parchment paper slightly smaller than the base and stick it to the base without separating it from the sides.

Step 3: Cover the sides (optional)

If you want to line the sides of the pan as well, cut a strip of parchment paper long enough to wrap around the inside of the pan and slightly thicker than the depth of the pan. Grease the sides of the pan and stick the paper along the inside. This will prevent your cheesecake from sticking to the sides.

You can also simply grease the sides of the pan without using parchment paper.

Baking and Removal

Once you've lined your pan, you can bake your cheesecake as usual. After it's done baking, be sure to chill the cheesecake overnight before attempting to remove it from the pan.

When you're ready to remove the cheesecake, simply release the clasp and remove the sides of the pan. If you lined the sides with parchment paper, gently pull it away to reveal the cake. Finally, grasp the edge of the parchment paper on the base and slide the cake onto a serving plate.

Chill the cake overnight

Chilling the cheesecake overnight is a crucial step in the process of removing it from a springform pan. This step ensures that the cheesecake is firm and well-set, making it less likely to fall apart or crumble when you attempt to remove it from the pan.

Leaving the cheesecake to cool overnight helps the dessert to set, which is essential for a clean and tidy presentation. It also helps to prevent the soft filling from becoming a sticky mess and stops the crust from crumbling when you try to transfer it.

Ideally, you should chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight. If you're in a rush, you can use a blast chiller, commonly used in commercial kitchens. However, do not attempt to remove the cheesecake from the pan while it is still warm or at room temperature, as it will fall apart.

During the chilling process, cover the springform pan with plastic wrap or aluminium foil to protect the cheesecake. After it has chilled, you can carefully release the latch or clasp on the side of the pan and lift away the outer ring, leaving the cheesecake on the parchment paper base.

Once the cheesecake is free from the springform pan, it's time to transfer it to a serving platter or cake stand. You can use a spatula or cake lifter to support the cheesecake during the transfer. Carefully lift the cheesecake from the parchment paper base and place it on the desired serving plate. Finally, gently slide out the parchment paper from underneath the cheesecake.

Loosen the sides with a knife

To loosen the sides of a cheesecake from a springform pan with a knife, follow these steps:

Before Baking:

• Grease the bottom and sides of the springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and place it inside.
• Secure the sides of the pan tightly to prevent any leakage during baking.

After Baking:

• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the springform pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
• After an hour, run a knife along the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan slightly.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to remove it.
• Take a thin, offset spatula or a butter knife and run it gently along the sides of the pan, separating the cheesecake from the edges.
• Be cautious not to push the spatula too far into the cheesecake to avoid damaging its structure.
• Continue to run the spatula around the cheesecake, ensuring it is evenly loosened.
• Unlock the springform pan by gently releasing the latch or clasp on the side.
• Carefully lift away the outer ring of the pan, leaving the cheesecake on the parchment paper base.
• Make sure the cheesecake is not stuck to the sides or bottom of the pan. If it sticks, use the spatula to release it gently.

Heat the bottom of the pan

Heating the bottom of the pan is an important step in removing a cheesecake from a springform pan. This is because the heat helps to loosen the cake from the base, making it easier to slide out. Here are some tips and methods to achieve this:

• Using a cook's blowtorch: If you have access to a cook's blowtorch, this is an effective way to heat the base of your cheesecake gently. Hold the pan with a potholder and carefully pass the lit blowtorch under the base. This will heat the butter and soften the cheese, making it easier to slide the cake out of the pan. Be careful not to overheat the cheesecake!
• Using a gas burner: If you have a gas burner, you can hold the pan with a potholder and carefully heat the bottom of the cheesecake over the flame. Alternatively, you can use a lighter if you don't have a gas burner. Again, be cautious not to overheat the pan as it will get very hot.
• Using a knife wet with hot water: This method is less preferable as it will affect the texture of the crust. However, if you don't have access to direct heat sources, you can wet a knife with hot water and run it along the edges of the cheesecake against the sides of the pan. This will help loosen the cake. Make sure to rewet the knife as needed to prevent dragging against the cheesecake.
• Using a water bath: Some bakers recommend baking the cheesecake in a water bath, also known as a bain-marie. This method involves placing the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan filled with hot water. The steam and humidity created by the water bath help regulate the temperature, ensuring even and low heat. It also prevents the cheesecake from drying out and cracking.
• Chilling the cheesecake: Before attempting to remove the cheesecake from the pan, it is crucial to chill it overnight or for at least 12 hours. This will allow the cheesecake to firm up, making it less likely to fall apart when you try to remove it from the pan.
• Lining the pan with parchment paper: Lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper before baking can make removal much easier. Cut out a circle of parchment paper slightly larger than the base of your springform pan and press it into the bottom. You can then bake the cheesecake on top of the parchment paper and slide it off easily when it's time to serve.

Slide the cake onto a platter

Sliding a cheesecake onto a platter is the final step in the process of removing a cheesecake from a springform pan. Before you attempt to slide the cake onto a platter, it is important to make sure that the cheesecake is chilled. A cake that is warm or at room temperature will fall apart if you try to remove it from the pan. It must be entirely firm before you attempt to do anything with it.

Once the cake is chilled, you can begin the process of removing it from the pan. First, remove the band from the pan and use a large knife or metal spatula to carefully run it under the bottom of the cheesecake to loosen it. Then, with the help of a friend, use two or three large pancake turners or spatulas to carefully lift the cake over to the platter. Make sure the cake is equally supported by the turners or spatulas so it won't crack.

If you are having trouble removing the cake from the base, gently push it with the flat side of a large knife to encourage it to move off the base. Push the crust, not the soft cheese filling, which is easily dented. Many cooks simply leave the cake on its base instead of attempting to slide it off. Feel free to place the entire cake base on the serving platter. You can hide its edges by decorating around the cake with sliced strawberries or raspberries.

Frequently asked questions