The process of cooling a cake after baking typically involves removing it from the oven and letting it sit at room temperature. The cooling time can vary depending on the size and type of cake, but a general guideline is to let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-20 minutes.
During this time, the cake will continue to set and firm up, making it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart. After the initial cooling period, you should then carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This final cooling process may take an additional 1 to 2 hours, depending on the cake's size and thickness.
Keep in mind that if you leave the cake in the oven while it's cooling, the residual heat from the oven can cause the cake to continue baking, which may result in overcooking or drying out the cake. It's essential to remove the cake from the oven as soon as it's done baking and follow the cooling guidelines mentioned above for the best results.