master-cooks | The Simple Swap You Need When Your Cooling Rack Is Out Of Commission

When your cooling rack is out of commission, finding an effective alternative is crucial to ensure your baked goods cool properly without becoming soggy. One of the simplest swaps involves using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Elevate the baking sheet by placing it on top of a few overturned muffin tins or small bowls to allow air circulation underneath. This setup mimics the airflow of a cooling rack, helping your baked goods cool more evenly and maintain their texture. Additionally, you can use the oven rack itself as a makeshift cooling surface, provided it is clean and free of any residual grease or food particles. Simply remove the rack from the oven and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface. For smaller items such as cookies or pastries, a clean, folded dish towel can also serve as a temporary cooling area. The fabric will absorb some of the heat and moisture, preventing items from becoming overly moist. With these easy alternatives, you can ensure your baked goods retain their intended texture and flavor even when your cooling rack is unavailable.

An upside-down muffin tin serves as a cooling rack

Many kitchen tools can serve multiple purposes, like a bundt pan. However, when it comes to substituting a cooling rack, it's important to find an option that provides sufficient elevation between the countertop and the food. Muffin tins are a staple in most kitchens and work perfectly for this task. When positioned right side up, the individual cups are approximately 2 inches deep, and flipping the tin creates that same distance between the food and the surface below. The ample surface area of the muffin cups allows the food to rest while air circulates underneath, effectively mimicking the function of a cooling rack.

Additionally, cooling racks can be utilized in the oven to enhance airflow during roasting, and since muffin tins are oven-safe, they can serve this purpose as well. Just be sure to place the muffin tin upside down in a roasting pan (or any pan with high edges) to catch any moisture that may drip during cooking.

What to use if you don't have a muffin tin

While muffin tins can serve as a handy substitute for a cooling rack, you may not have one readily available if baking isn't your forte. Fortunately, any kitchen item that is elevated and features holes or wires for airflow can work as an alternative cooling rack in a pinch. If you have a wire rack from your oven, consider using that instead. Just remember to plan ahead; most ovens come with at least two wire racks, so be sure to remove one before preheating to avoid it being too hot when you place your food on it to cool.

Toaster ovens typically come with wire racks as well; although they are smaller than standard oven racks, they can effectively accommodate a single piece of meat or a small batch of cookies that need to cool. Similarly, an air fryer basket often has small legs that elevate it, preventing it from touching the bottom of the fryer. This can also serve as a makeshift cooling rack if you're in a bind. As long as it allows for airflow, there are likely several items in your kitchen that can substitute for a cooling rack when necessary.

The Simple Swap You Need When Your Cooling Rack Is Out Of Commission

An upside-down muffin tin serves as a cooling rack

What to use if you don't have a muffin tin

Recommended

Next up