Cooling time is not just a random waiting game; it's a science. When you remove your cake from the oven, it's still undergoing a thermal evolution, where the heat is still distributing evenly throughout the cake. If you remove it too soon, you risk damaging the structure and texture of your cake.
So, how long should you let your cake cool in the pan? The general rule of thumb is to let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it. But, let's be real, every cake is different, and the cooling time may vary depending on the type of cake, its size, and the temperature of your kitchen.