Let it Cool

Unless instructed otherwise, baked items should be left to cool completely before wrapping or decorating. Covering whilst there is residual warmth creates steam and makes for a damp, soggy texture - something you may want to harness in a gingerbread, say, but not usually desirable. A few hours’ resting time also helps flavours develop and the crumb on a cake become less fragile. Try to decorate a warm cake and the icing or cream will slump right off as unjust punishment. Patience is in order!