Cheesecake is certainly one of the most delectable dishes that you can make. Many people love making cheesecakes for special occasions because of just how tasty they are.
If you’re planning to make a cheesecake sometime soon, then you might be worried about one of the hardest parts of the process. Getting the cheesecake out of the pan without messing it up is actually harder than many people realize.
Have you struggled to remove your cheesecake from the pan in the past? If so, you’re not alone and this isn’t an unusual thing to have a hard time with. Thankfully, there are some tips out there that should make it just a bit easier to get this done.
Read on to learn how to get cheesecake out of a pan reliably so that you can enjoy it while still having it look nice.
1 – Sliding the Cake Off

One of the most popular methods for removing a cheesecake from a pan is to slide the cake off. You might not understand what that means until you’ve read through all the steps, but you can trust that this method works reliably.
The first part of this process is going to involve allowing the cheesecake to cool in the refrigerator overnight. If you don’t allow the cheesecake to cool properly before attempting to slide it out of the pan, then you’re very likely going to have the cheesecake crack.
You also need to ensure that you’re allowing the cheesecake to cool a bit before placing it in the fridge. Ideally, you should let the cheesecake cool naturally on top of the stove until it is at room temperature.
Once this has been achieved, you’re going to want to put it in the fridge to chill it. It might be frustrating to have to wait, but exercising patience is necessary when you want your cheesecake to look nice.
With this done, you can start the process of removing the cheesecake from the pan. Before going further, it’s going to be smart to loosen the sides of your cheesecake using a butter knife.
Run your butter knife under some hot water and then use it to loosen the sides of the cheesecake. It should allow you to loosen the sides while keeping the sides of the cheesecake looking smooth and presentable.

Now, this next step is somewhat optional, but it can make your life easier. Removing the cake from the pan might be a bit tough if the bottom of the cake isn’t hot. You can use a cook’s blowtorch to slightly heat the bottom of the pan to make things easier.
If you don’t have one of these, then use your gas burner to heat up just the bottom of the pan.
You’re now going to remove the sides of the pan. Generally, you’re going to be using springform pans when baking cheesecakes and these have latches on the sides.
Unlatch the sides and then get ready to slide the cheesecake onto a platter. Gently slide your cheesecake onto the platter now and you should be done.
If you happen to have caused any cracks in your cheesecake while doing this, then you can try to smooth them out using a butter knife. This method works out very well and many people do it this way each time they make a cheesecake.
Try it out and see if this is going to be the preferred method for you. It’s fairly simple and it keeps your cheesecake looking nice overall.
2 – The Spatula Lifting Method
There are other ways to try to get your cheesecake out of the pan, of course. The next option that you’re going to learn about involves using spatulas to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.
You’re going to do everything the same as in the section above, except you’re going to use spatulas to lift the cheesecake out of the pan instead of sliding the cheesecake onto a platter. After you unlatch the sides of the pan, you’re going to need to find three spatulas and another person to help you out.
This method is really best done with a partner and you’re going to have to coordinate to pull this off. The cake needs to be supported by three spatulas and you only have two hands.
Failing to use three spatulas will risk having the cake break and you definitely don’t want that after going to all this trouble. Slide the spatulas under the cheesecake and then get ready to lift it out of the pan.
You’re going to be carefully sliding the spatulas under the crust of your cheesecake. Go as deep as you can and then count to three before lifting the cheesecake at the same time as your helper. Failing to lift at the same time could lead to bad results.
As long as you have someone that you can coordinate with, this option should work just as well as the sliding method.
3 – Using Parchment Paper

Another option is to bake the cake on parchment paper. This is a nice little trick that makes getting it out of the pan simpler. You want to cut out a circle of parchment paper that is a little bit larger than the base of your springform pan.
You then bake the cheesecake on top of the parchment instead of having it touching the pan directly.
You could also line the sides of the pan with parchment paper if you want to. Some chefs go this route when baking cheesecakes, but it isn’t completely necessary.
Once you have baked your cheesecake, you’re going to allow it to cool as usual. When things are ready, it’s going to be easier to slide this cheesecake onto a platter and finish the process.
If you prefer to use the sliding method from earlier, then it might be worth adding parchment paper to make your life easier. You can get by without it, but it does make it less likely that you’ll encounter difficulties when sliding the cheesecake out of the pan.
Go over the three options that have been presented and you’ll be able to decide which one will work best for you. Either way, you’re going to be able to enjoy a scrumptious and aesthetically pleasing cheesecake.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.
cyndi
Thursday 21st of September 2023
Hi- currently I make a NY cheesecake that my family and friends are wild about. I do see pictures of some that are alot thicker than mine using 4/8oz blocks of full fat cream cheese and 3 eggs. Is there a trick I'm missing?
Lulu
Thursday 23rd of November 2023
@cyndi, contessa creole has one of the best online NY cheesecake recipes out there, I think it's called Mile High cheesecake I've used it as a jumping off point and altered the flavor slightly and added mix ins (such as cranberry sauce) and it always turns out fabulous. Her recipe uses 4 blocks of cream cheese, 5 eggs and 16 oz of sour cream. Don't forget to strain and let it rest for a bit to get the air out before you pour it in the pan.