Unmolding a Spongecake

The cake is done when a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean and the top springs back when pressed gently. If you baked the spongecake in a springform or layer pan lined with foil or baking parchment, follow this procedure: let the cake rest for five minutes so moisture can escape and the cake can settle a bit. Take a sharp knife and make a clean cut all the way around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake. If you are using a springform pan, unbuckle it. Line a cake rack with buttered and floured foil or wax paper (otherwise the top of the cake will stick on to the rack). Place the rack on top of the cake and invert the cake with the rack.

Remove the pan and immediately peel of the exposed foil or parchment on the bottom of the cake. You may now either turn the cake right-side up on another rack, or let it cool in the inverted position. If the cake is better shaped – flatter, with squarer sides – on the bottom, you can leave it inverted and serve it that way.

Cool the cake thoroughly before serving, or let the cake rest overnight if you plan to cut it through for one or more layers.

Unmolding a Biskuitrolle (Jelly Roll)

Filling with Preserves. After testing to see if the cake is baked, reverse the baking sheet immediately onto a flat surface and peel off the foil or paper. Spread a thin layer of preserves on it. Roll it up, trying not to crack the cake. Place on a serving platter with the seam on the bottom. When the jelly roll has cooled, dust with confectioners sugar.

Filling with Custard, Butter, or Whipped Cream. Since these fillings cannot be placed into a hot cake, the cake must be rolled when hot, then cooled and finally unrolled and filled.

Place a large clean linen towel (not terry cloth) on a flat surface. Unmold the cake onto the towel and peel off the foil or paper. Carefully roll up the cake and the towel together and cool with the seam on the bottom. When the cake is cold, gently unroll it. It is impossible to flatten it completely without cracking it, but you will be able to open it enough to spread in the filling.

Note: It is easy to freeze the cake and towel together to fill and serve it at later time.