Why does preparing the cake pan make a difference?
One of the easiest and overlooked steps in creating a perfect cake is skip proper pan preparation. Avoid a cake-tastrophe before you have even pre-heated the oven. The most obvious reason for preparing the pan is to ensure a clean release and flawless appearance, but it also contributes to the cake's crumb, texture, and crust.
Always check your recipe - the person behind the recipe should include a method to prepare the pans. My Chocolate Cake with Dr. Pepper needs parchment and a well greased and floured pan to release a clean cake layer. An Angel Food cake is one of the exceptions. This batter needs to cling to the ungreased sides to rise correctly.
What is the best way to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan?
It is all about the pan prep!
- Make sure the pan is clean and dry: Unless otherwise specified, cakes bake best in metal pans. I love Magic Line baking pans. Avoid glass, silicone, or ceramic for baking your cakes. Even if you have non-stick cake pans, believe me whan I say, prep your non-stick pan!
- Use the right tool(s): Classic Method: Use your fingertips (with or without gloves), a soft pastry brush, a butter wrapper, or a folded paper towel to lightly and evenly coat the inside of the pan with solid vegetable shortening, such as Crisco. Make sure there are no bare spots, especially in the corners of the pan. A silicone pastry brush works well in pans that have an intricate pattern like fancy Bundt pans.
Modern Method: Use non-stick spray on the bottom and sides of the pan. Place the parchment in the pan and spray the parchment. - Sprinkle a tablespoon of all-purpose into the pan: Gently shake, tap, and tilt the pan until all of the shortening is covered in a dusting of flour. Double check the sides and corners. Flip the pan over the sink and gently tap out any excess flour.
- Clean up as you go: Whether you prep the pan with pan spray or shortening, soak the pan in warm soapy water just as soon as you’ve removed the cake, while the pan is still warm. Make sure to soak any remaining cake crumbs on the sides. Pan spray bonds to nonstick pans, forming a sticky residue that builds up over time. It’s a real pain to scrub off that stickiness without damaging the pan’s surface — so clean up as you go!
- Pro-tip: Dry your pans in the oven. If your oven is still warm, place you pans back in the oven to dry out all the nooks and cranies. This works for metal cookie cutters too.
