how long should I leave the cake in the pan before I try to remove it? I don't want it to stick. I am absolutely clueless on this cake stuff so ANY suggestions on cake cooling that you can give me is appreciated.

the pans that I will be using are wilton round pans. I will be placing parchment paper in the bottom of the pans to help release them I was given that tip when I made the last cake almost a year ago..

thanks
Angela

Generally, I let my cakes rest about 10 minutes or so before I remove them to a cooling rack.

I dump mine 5-10 mins after coming out of the oven.

I use parchment paper on the bottom of my pans too. For the sides of the pan I use a generous coating of Crisco. I've left cakes (accidentally) in their pans for hours and never had a problem with sticking.

I take mine out as soon as I can touch the pan without burning myself. Normally 10 minutes?

10 minutes. I set a timer.

I take mine out asap. I take it out, then put a piece of foil on the bottom of the inside of the pan, put it back on the cake and flip it back over. then I cover it with foil, set it on the rack and let it cool.
I dont open it again until it is cooled and I am ready to decorate, which is either later that night or the next morning.

I do parchment in the bottom like you also. I set a timer for 10 min then remove and haven't had any problems. Knock on wood. Not sure what happens if you wait longer cause I set a timer so I don't forget about it.

I use Cake Release on my pans. When finished baking, I set my pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. I then dump my cake onto cooling rack with a paper towel on my rack to prevent sticking to my rack.