How to Remove Parchment Paper from a Cake and How to Avoid It

I’ve cooked hundreds of cakes over my baking career, giving me the expertise I needed to cope with any complications that arose throughout the cake baking process. I’ve had parchment paper attached to the bottom of my cakes several times over the years, and after much study, I’ve discovered the easiest technique to remove the parchment paper without destroying them.

Remove the cake from the pan and place it on a cooling rack to cool. Sprinkle the parchment paper’s bottom with water and let it aside for a few minutes. When the water has been absorbed by the paper, carefully take it off the bottom of the cake while wiping it dry with a napkin.

Baking cakes, regardless of skill level, is a difficult undertaking. Several things may go wrong during baking, which is why I prefer to thoroughly investigate everything that goes wrong. Having parchment paper adhered to my cakes taught me the proper method to remove it without leaving any paper behind.

This is why I have a few extra suggestions for you to avoid chewing on any remaining parchment paper.

Getting Rid of Sticky Parchment Paper from a Cake

Here’s a handy way to removing stuck parchment paper from your cake:

1. Remove the stuck cake out of the pan
2. Turn the cake onto a cooling rack
3. Spray the bottom of the parchment paper with water
4. Let the water absorb for a few minutes
5. Slowly peel off the parchment paper
6. Use a knife to help peel off the paper
7. Peel the paper from the middle to the center
8. Pat the cake dry with a napkin
9. Let the cake sit out for a few minutes to air dry

Be cautious not to overdo it while sprinkling the bottom of the parchment paper with water! Depending on the spray bottle, I spray a maximum of 3-4 times.

Too much water sprayed on the bottom of your cake will result in a mushy cake as the water absorbed. Take your time during this mild procedure.

When the water has absorbed into the paper, start removing the parchment paper from the sides of the cake and work your way towards the center of the cake.

So, how do you pull the parchment paper off a cake without tearing it? You may also use a flat-edged knife to guide the peeling process of the parchment paper. This prevents the paper from ripping into little bits that end up on the bottom of the cake.

*By the way, if you’re curious about The True Difference Between Foil, Parchment Paper, Wax Paper, and Freezer Paper, I created an in-depth post outlining the similarities and differences between each one, which you can read here!

As the parchment paper gets damp, it will have a propensity to tear easily while you are peeling it. Even if you use the knife, a few bits of paper may remain on the cake. Don’t be concerned if this occurs!

Apply gentle pressure to any residual pieces of paper and rub them together so they roll up and fall off the cake.

• *Make sure to be careful while using the knife and your fingers to remove the paper because you might also create a hole in your cake

Up to 12 inch 3-layer cakes may be stored in this container. This container was ideal for transporting my enormous cakes. This Cake Storage Jar is available on Amazon! * By the way, I’ve always wanted to be able to properly preserve my cakes, but I’ve never found a nice container that could accommodate my enormous cakes. I did, however, come across an Extra Large Cake Carrier lately.

Speaking from experience, I always endeavor to keep the integrity of my cakes intact. Who wants to deal with a hole in their cake?

What’s the deal with my cake clinging to the parchment paper?

Condensation occurs in the pan as a result of the evaporating moisture of the cake batter. After a time, this glues the parchment paper and the cake together. If the parchment paper is not properly oiled, the cake batter might burn and adhere to it.

These are the two most prevalent causes of my cakes sticking to the parchment paper that I’ve encountered.

Another possibility, while less often, is that the parchment paper remains on the cake throughout the cooling process. The cooling cake batter may attract the parchment paper, acting as a glue.

Condensation in the oven is a difficult component to regulate; nevertheless, if done properly, you may avoid parchment paper adhering entirely.

How do you keep the parchment paper from sticking to the cake?

Before putting the cake batter into the pan, oil the top of the parchment paper with cooking spray. To prevent burning the cake batter on the parchment paper, don’t leave the cake in the oven for too long. Finally, after taking the cake out of the oven, remove the parchment paper.

My first piece of advice for keeping the parchment paper from adhering to the cake is to spray it with cooking spray. This will assist the cake mix remain separate from the parchment paper throughout the baking process.

You may also properly oil your pan before putting the parchment paper in it. This will make it easier to remove your cake from the pan. I just published an article on Greasing a Glass Baking Pan. This article may be found here!

My second recommendation is to keep a close eye on your cake in the oven! If you leave the cake in the oven for too long, the bottom of the cake batter will burn into the parchment paper, causing them to cling together.

My final piece of advice is to attempt to remove the parchment paper as soon as you transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Condensation between the cooling cake and the parchment paper creates a suction action, attracting the paper and the cake together.

In conclusion

Knowing how to remove stuck-on parchment paper from my cake has been very beneficial to me throughout my baking career! I grappled with this issue regularly in the start of my baking career, which is why I wish to pass on this useful knowledge to you!