I just started my Wilton Course I class last week and this week I need an unfrosted cake baked to take. Well, I baked my cake and I let it cool for about 15-20 min like the box said. When I turned it upside down and pulled the pan off the sides of the cake crumbled. Did I not let it cool long enough? Should I let the pan cool the whole way before I flip the cake out? Help please! I have my 2nd cake in the oven now.

Before you tip it out, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges.
Then I tap the tip rim of the pan to help loosen the cake.

It also helps to use parchment paper in the bottom of the pan. nothing sticks.

I ran a knife along the edges and it didn't seem to be sticking. When I flipped the pan it didn't seem like the bottom was sticking either. BUt somehow the sides crumbled.

I ALWAYS set my timer for 10 min and dont let the cake cool any longer than that. it comes out perfect everytime

Leaving the cake in the pan too long can cause sticking as well. I think 10 minutes is about all I do and I let them cool on a rack away from the oven heat. Did you grease and flour the pan or use a spray?

i had that happen to me a lot when i first started doing cakes no matter how much i greased and floured the pans. then someone told me to use parchment or waxed paper rounds in the bottom of the pan. i've never had one fall apart yet! i just use the bottom of the pan as a template, and i usually use waxed paper because its cheaper.

Ditto with leaving it in the pan too long. I leave them about 10 minutes, no longer.

Thank you for all of your responses. I will take it out after 10 minutes and see what happens. Thanks again!

I mix up a combination of 1/2 cup crisco, 1/2 cup oil, and 1/2 cup flour. Then, using a pastry brush, brush the inside of the pan with the mixture (doesnt take much, just evenly coat it). Pour the batter in and bake it. I only let my cake cool for about 5-10 minutes before taking it out of the pan and ive never had a problem with sticking unless i miss spots when coating the pan. (put the extra mixture in a sealed container and put in the fridge for later use). Hope this helps, good luck!

Thank you to everyone! I just took out my 2nd cake, let it cool for about 8 minutes and flipped it and it came out fine. There is only a tiny piece that stuck to the bottom but I was able to patch it up and the icing will cover it. I think I let the last one in the pan to cool too long. Thanks for all your responses, it was a huge help!

I agree, leaving it to cool to long can create a problem.

I also have starting using the recipe of: grease, oil & flour and comes out with a beautiful tan color every time. It appears to me that it also makes the cake more firm on the bottom and sides. Before I found this recipe, I used parchment paper and it also was great.

Glad to hear your 2nd cake was fine and enjoy your classes, I surely did.