If you have ever seen a pan with a hole in the middle and been confused about it, then you are not alone.
A lot of people don’t know that these pans are used specifically to make Bundt cakes.
Bundt cake pans are uniquely designed and if you do not know what they are, it’s not a big issue.
Luckily, we will be taking a closer look at them today and understanding how they can be used with ease here:
The Bundt Pan – Cake Pan with Holes in the Middle
Did you know that Bundt is actually the brand name of a company called Nordic Ware that used to make this pan?
Over time, it became synonymous with the cake and to this day, all pans used for making Bundt cakes are known as Bundt cake pans, even if the pans are of a different company.
Additionally, it is only in America that these pans are known for making Bundt cakes.
In other countries like Austria and Germany, Bundt cakes are also popularly eaten, but they are known as Gugelhupf or Bundkuchen and in the Netherlands, these cakes are called tulband.
While the true time at which the cake pan was made is unknown, there is evidence that it was widely used in various cookbooks in the 20th century.
Why are Bundt Cake Pans Good?
One of the main reasons behind the popularity of the Bundt cake pan is that it speeds up the cooking time. They are known for their exceptionally fast cook time.
The design of these cake pans means that it tends to reach a minimum temperature faster than other cake pans.
Moreover, the design also ensures that the center of the cake is cooked evenly and the heat of the oven travels through the pan properly.
The hole in the middle of the pan also prevents the cake from becoming dense and heavy when the batter is poured into the pan.
This is the main reason why cakes cooked in the Bundt pan are light, airy, and very fluffy.
Bundt cake pans can also be used creatively and are not just restricted to the use of cakes alone.
They can also be used to make puddings, savory meatloaf, or even fruit-based desserts and custards. The flexibility in usage makes this pan a must-have for anyone in the kitchen.
How to Use a Bundt Cake Pan
Now that you know more about the Bundt cake pan, you might be excited to use it.
However, it is not a simple cake pan to use and unless you take precautions, you could end up with a broken cake or two.
A major issue arises from the fact that the design of the Bundt cake pan makes it very difficult to line with parchment paper.
This is because of the intricate designs that are drawn on the mold.
If you place parchment paper on it, the cake will not have the distinctive design or the proper shape that Bundt cakes are known to have.
For this reason, you will have to use the following steps in order to use the Bundt cake pan without any worries:
Grease the Pan Generously
Make sure to grease the pan generously and use butter to do this. It is a good idea to opt for unsalted butter, as you will need to apply a large amount.
Make sure that there is enough butter to thoroughly coat the pan. There should not be a white residue but the butter should be noticeable enough.
If you are using a cooking spray instead of butter, make sure to also use a liberal amount. Do not skimp in this area.
Otherwise; you will be unable to get the cake out of the pan. Check first, to make sure that you have applied an even layer of grease, otherwise, that can also cause difficulties.
Remember to grease not only the sides of the pan but also the circular part on the inside of the pan. This creates a hole in the cake and the cake may also stick to it if it is not properly greased.
Once you have greased up the pan thoroughly, you can then set it aside or fill it with batter as needed.
Do Not Leave the Batter to Sit
Unlike other pans, you should not leave the batter to sit in a Bundt cake pan.
That is because the longer the batter sits in it; the more it will wear down the grease that you applied. With this protective layer gone, your cake may end up sticking in some places.
Instead, only add the batter when you are ready to pop the pan immediately into the oven.
Moreover, do not use a spatula or a spoon to scrape the pan because, again, you may end up removing the layer of grease you added.
Instead, pour the batter into the pan and then gently tap the pan to make sure that there are no air bubbles in the batter.
Once this is done, you can then pop the pan into the oven to bake.
Remember that given the unique design of the pan, it regulates heat well and your cake will cook faster so keep an eye on the cooking time indicated in the recipe.
Allow the Cake to Cool
Now that your cake is ready, it is time to let the cake cool.
You want to let the cake firm up a bit, as it cools because otherwise, the cake will be too soft. Bundt pancakes are known for being light, airy, and fluffy.
If you take them out immediately, they will break apart. Instead, allow the cake to cool for a bit on a wire before you start attempting to remove the cake.
During this time, you can easily prepare the other things that you need to get the cake out of the pan.
Don’t Wait for Too Long
While you are letting the cake cool, remember to not let it sit for more than 10 to 15 minutes. This is because as the temperature of the cake starts to cool, condensation may form.
This can get absorbed by the spongy cakes and they will crumble or break apart when you are removing them.
That is why you should keep an eye on the cake. Leaving it to cool for too long can become problematic and will also end making the cake denser when you are eating it.
It is a good idea to set a timer for the cake so that you do not become too engrossed in other activities and forget about the cake in the pan.
Tap the Cake Pan Lightly
When it is time to remove the cake from the Bundt pan, make sure to give it a good tap all around.
Tapping the cake helps to break the seal that the cake may have formed as it expanded and cooked. By giving it a good tap, you can then prevent anything from sticking and ensures that the cake slides out smoothly.
If tapping does not loosen the cake, take a silicone spatula, and gently scrape the sides of the cake to loosen it. Be very careful with this method as any mistakes here may ruin the cake.
Additionally, do not use a knife as the sharp edge may either ruin the cake or cause harm to the pan.
Flip it Upside Down
Once you have loosened it, you can then prepare to flip the cake pan upside down and get it out.
Bundt cakes are usually upside down, which is why this pan is a favorite for making desserts with layers.
While flipping the pan is easier for cakes, if you have made a dessert, you need to be gentler in this area.
All you have to do is take the cake plate and place it on top of the pan. Then, with one swift movement, you should flip the pan.
Make sure that the plate does not slip or move unnecessarily. Do this in a place where you have enough room to stand comfortably. Otherwise, you could end up knocking your elbow on something and drop the cake.
Make Use of the Push Mechanism
Once the cake is flipped upside down, you have to remove the pan.
This can be done with the help of the push mechanism that modern Bundt cake pans come with.
All you have to do then is push on the center of the pan and the cake will come loose easily.
After you have done this, grasp the sides of the pan and very gently remove the pan. You will have a perfectly formed Bundt cake ready, right in front of you!
Then, all you have to do is drizzle the cake with some syrup, add some light toppings and you can serve it as is.
As a general rule, Bundt cakes are never iced like regular cakes because they already come out looking beautiful or decorative.
However, if there’s a slight flaw, you can use some icing over it. Additionally, the entire process of removing the cake becomes much easier the more you cook with it so, good luck!
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