A springform mattress is basically an updated cake pan. The only difference is that it has removable bottoms and sides.
The sides are held together with an interlocking band. This can be opened and closed. So when you take your cake out of the oven, the pan can be removed completely.
This reduces the risks that are associated with traditional pans.
Springform pans can give you flawless baked goods. With it, the bottom, the sides, and the top of your baked item will be completely damage-free.
Using Springform Pans
These pans are designed specifically for intricate baked goods. Some of them include:
- Fruit tart
- Cheesecake
- Bread pudding
- Ice cream cake
- Savory baked goods (such as deep-dish pizza, lasagna, and chicken pot pie)
Make sure you choose recipes that can be used to make thick batters, though. Thin ones can leak out of the pan easily.
Choosing a Springform Pan
Consider the following tips when you are looking for a springform pan:
- Choose a springform pan that is gray or white. Pans that are darker in color can overcook your recipes. If you decide to go with a dark pan, reduce the baking time. This will prevent over-browning and burning.
- Make sure the pan has a non-stick finish. These do not stick to the batter, so you won’t ruin your baked goods. Most springforms have this, but just check to be safe.
- Choose a pan according to the size you need. These are available in several sizes, ranging from 8 to 12 inches. The good news is that most baked goods require 9-inch pans at most. Check your local stores or online for the size you need. Some sell these in sets of three.
- Check the spring locks before buying. Don’t be afraid of opening and closing them a few times to check. This will let you know how well made the springform is. A loose lock will ruin your baked food items. If it is too tight, you may have to eat straight from the pan! You should hear a sharp snap if the lock is in good condition.
How To Bake With A Springform Pan
Below are the things you need to follow to use and bake with a springform pan:
Assembly
Baking with a springform pan may seem tricky at first.
However, once you see the results, you won’t use other pans. The first thing you need to do is assemble the pan.
First, lock the bottom and the band together. Then, place the band with the (open) spring on the table. Then, pull the spring closed to lock both pieces.
Test For Leaks
Springform pans are notorious for leaking. Confirm yours does not by testing it. Fill it with water and see if it leaks.
If it does, wrap a layer of tin foil around it. This will prevent your cake batter from leaking out. If there are no leaks, you can use the pan without the foil.
Line The Pan
Cut some parchment paper according to the size of the bottom of the pan.
It should fit the round bottom. The lining will prevent your cake from sticking as you remove it from the pan.
Bake A Cheesecake
The best way to test a springform pan is by baking a cheesecake on it. Prepare the crust for the cake in the pan. Then, pour in the batter before popping it in the oven.
Bake the item as per the instructions in the recipe. You can also bake savory items, such as a quiche.
Removing Baked Goods From The Springform Pan
Allow your cheesecake to cool down when it is out of the oven. This should not take more than 10 to 15 minutes. The duration will also allow the cake to set nicely. Plus, you will be able to handle the pan easily as well.
Once the pan has cooled, place it on the table. Grip the round band with one hand. With the other, release the spring slowly.
The band should come right off from the bottom of the pan. Use both of your hands to life the band off the bottom.
It should come off easily, leaving your perfectly baked cake behind. You can either remove the band by lifting it up or down.
Also read: How to Remove Cheesecake from a Springform Pan?
Commonly Asked Questions About Springform Pans
Here are some of the commonly asked questions people have about Springform pans:
Will my springform pan leak?
Even if you get the best springform pan, chances are that it will leak. If you use a water bath for your cheesecake, some water may get in.
To prevent that, use the aforementioned foil trick. Just wrap the foil around the base of the pan before putting it in the oven.
Can I use a springform pan in place of a cake pan?
Yes, you can use a springform pan in place of a cake pan, but it will be tricky. The thin batter will leak out from the bottom as can a pie that has a runny filling.
Plus, these pans are deeper, which can over brown your baked goods.
Can I place the springform pan in the oven?
Yes, you can place a springform pan in the oven. In fact, you can also place it in the refrigerator and freezer.
It won’t get damaged.
How do I remove the bottom of the pan to put the cake on a plate?
Place the plate face down on top of the cake in the springform pan. Then, flip them upside down and set on the counter.
Lift the bottom of the pan off the cake gently. Place the plate face down on the bottom of the cake, grab both, and flip.
Lift the pan off the plate. The cake shouldn’t come with it.
How long will the cake mix take to cook in a springform pan?
A cake mix takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook at 350 degrees in the pan. Just monitor it closely. It can burn up quickly otherwise.
Stick a toothpick in the cake. If it comes out clean, the batter is cooked through. If it comes out sticky, pop the pan in the oven again.
What Can I Use Instead Of Parchment Paper?
You can use butter, oil, and flour if you don’t have parchment paper.
Just don’t be over-generous. Otherwise, the cake will be quite oily and inedible.
What To Use If You Don’t Have A Springform Pan
Below are some of the Springform pan substitutes you can use:
Use a Standard Cake Pan
You can use a standard cake pan in place of a springform pan. However, you will need to make some adjustments.
For example, springforms are quite tall. If you are using a regular pan, you will need to split the cake batter between two of them.
Or, you can just use a larger pan. Whatever you decide to do, you will have to adjust the baking time. This is not an exact science, though.
Watch your cake in the oven closely to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Pull it out of the oven as soon as it is cooked through.
You can also serve your cake straight from this pan. This is a good idea if you don’t want to remove the cake from the pan.
If you just want to dig in, cut slices straight from it. As long as it is delicious, no one will care about the presentation.
If you want to remove the cake, just line the pan with parchment paper beforehand. Just leave a good length of it out of the pan.
That way, you can lift the cake clear out. If you are using a square pan, line it with two layers of parchment paper. This will form a sling, which can lift the cake out cleanly.
Getting someone to help with this step will be a good idea.
Use a Silicone Pan
Better yet, use a silicone cake pan if you want to ensure your cake comes out undamaged. These are available in a range of sizes.
While silicone pans aren’t a good choice for cheesecakes, they can bake sturdy cakes well.
Just make sure to flour the batter well. This will help the cake slide out easily.
Use a Disposable Foil Pan
Besides this, you can also bake your cake in a disposable foil pan. These are ideal if you want to bring a cake to a potluck.
When the cake has cooled down, cut away the sides to reveal it. For a clean release, stick the cake in the refrigerator.
Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake before removing the sides. The scraps should not have cake on them.
This will work just like a springform pan. The only difference is that you won’t have to struggle with the disposable pan.
Plus, you can take your cake to an event without worrying about getting the pan back. Disposable pans are available in a range of sizes. Get them from your local dollar store.
However, if you can handle a springform pan, chances are nothing else satisfies you. Get the hang of using one using the aforementioned tips.
You will be baking pristine cakes and savories in no time. If you are really adventurous, try baking a deep-dish pizza in the pan. It can be quite challenging to make at first.
But if you can bake that, you can bake anything!
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