How to Use a Springform Pan like Pro

Springform pans are an excellent solution made of two pieces interconnected by a spring lock. The best option is a light-colored model covered with a non-stick coat, which you can use for baking cheesecakes, tarts, cakes, and pies. Once you finish baking your cake, you can easily remove it from the pan without it sticking, and serve it right away.

You can use this stylish, easy-to-use, and easy-to-clean cookware for both baking and freezing the dough. With a little imagination, you can use it to prepare a variety of dishes, as well. So, let’s talk about the best tips to use a springform pan.

This article will cover

• What Is a Springform Pan?
• Springform Pan Sizes, Shapes, and Materials Available
• Types and Benefits of Springform Pans
• What to Bake with a Springform Pan?
• 5 Steps to Use a Springform Pan
• What to Check before Buying a Springform Pan
• Springform Pan Replacements

What Is a Springform Pan?

As I have already mentioned, a springform pan is two-piece baking cookware made of metal. It is a highly useful, versatile dish with a flat circular bottom and a collar (the outside rim).

A latch attached to the sides allows the opening and closing of the rim and holding the bottom to fit snugly. Once you finish baking, you can quickly open the collar and un-mold a cake without damaging it. That way, you will avoid common issues that follow removing cakes from other traditional skillets, including non-stick pan.

Since the springform pan is deeper than most other models available on the market, you can use it for various recipes. Also, the mechanism looks quite complicated at first glance, but you actually won’t have any problems using it after the first try.

This pan is excellent for preparing cheesecakes, which turn out flawlessly smooth when made in this type of cookware. However, you can use it for making ice cream cakes and crusted tarts without damaging their bottoms and sides.

Springform Pan Sizes, Shapes, and Materials Available

When you decide to purchase a new springform pan, the first things you should consider are its shape and size. Nowadays, you can mostly find rounds models, but there are also square ones if you prefer that shape.

In most cases, you can find this cookware in a range of 6 to 10 inches (15 – 25.5 cm) in diameter, but there are smaller and bigger options at your disposal, as well. The traditional sizes available are:

• 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter
• 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter
• 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter
• 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter
• 9 inches (23 cm) in diameter
• 10 inches (25.5 cm) in diameter
• 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter

Keep in mind that most recipes require 9 inch (23 cm) wide pan, but you should pick out the dimensions depending on your needs. The usual depth of this pan is 3 inches (7.6 cm), which is significantly deeper than most traditional cake pans, such as roasting pans and frying pans.

Types and Benefits of Springform Pans

Even though this type of pan is usually made of metal, there are also other options available. Some people prefer glass springform pans, but it seems that silicone models are highly popular these days.

Keep in mind that models made of glass only have a glass base while the sides are usually metal or silicone. In fact, you can hardly find this type of pan entirely made of silicone since the glass base is more convenient and makes it leak-proof. This type of cookware requires more time to bake, but it is scratch-resistant and more durable than skillets made of metal.

Metal pans absorb heat faster than other materials, which makes it highly desirable for this purpose. However, you can quickly scratch it while manipulating, plus it may leave a metallic taste in your cake.

Additionally, you can choose among different colors of this cookware. Be aware that darker shades will absorb heat better while lighter shades are superior in reflecting light. That basically means that you need less time to bake your cake in the darker pan, but you are more likely to burn it.

You can buy a springform pan as an individual dish or find a whole set for your kitchen if you make cakes very often.

What to Bake with a Springform Pan?

Most people use a springform pan to prepare dishes with crusts, higher sides, and thicker doughs. It includes favorite American meals, such as:

Cakes

• Cheesecake
• Ice cream cake
• Frozen mocha torte
• Tortes
• Flourless chocolate cake
• Fruit tarts

Salty dishes

• Meat pie
• Rigatoni pie
• Quiche
• Garlic cheese bread
• chicken pot pie
• Bread pudding
• Soda bread
• Casseroles
• Deep-dish pizza
• Jell-O

Keep in mind that you can’t use your springform pan when you need to turn it upside down to remove baked cake. The only thing you can achieve that way is to get a ruined dessert.

On the other hand, it is an ideal solution for delicate recipes when it is necessary to reduce dish movements to a minimum. Once you finish baking, it is enough to unlock the bands, remove sides, and place your cake on a serving plate. That way, you will significantly reduce the risk of cake damage.

This pan is an excellent choice if you prefer making thick sides on deep-dish pizza or need to remove a delicate Jell-O from a bottom untouched. Plus, soda bread will be perfectly round and more refined when prepared in such a dish.

Keep in mind that this cookware may not be the best choice for preparing thin batters, as they could leak through the pan edges. The advantage of this pan is that you can use it for baking a cake in the oven and keeping it in a freezer or refrigerator.

5 Steps to Use a Springform Pan

Fortunately, the springform pan is easy to use. The most important thing is to ensure that both the bottom and sides are assembled correctly. Otherwise, you will have a problem with leakage. After putting the base on a flat surface, place the side around and lock the latch.

1. Test the pan

Test if there is any leakage by filling the pan with water. The other option is to put your cookware in a large dish full of water. It is practical when you plan to prepare a cheesecake in a water bath. If there is no water leak, you can continue with the preparation.

2. Wrap the pan

However, you should wrap your cookware with two layers of aluminum foil if you notice some gaps along the edge. Once you secure the pan, place parchment paper on the bottom to make removing the finished cake from the pan effortless. Adhere it to the sides with cooking spray when needed.

Never use waxed paper to avoid melting wax since it can get into your cake and spoil its taste. You can also use foil, but it is hard to cover the pan sides. Plus, you can have an issue with pieces that may stick to the cake.

3. Grease the pan

If the recipe requires, you should grease the bottom and sides of your cookware. It may seem to you that this step is unnecessary if you have a non-stick springform pan.

Most manufacturers claim that your cake won’t stick on the surface of their product, but it is not always that way.

We have a complete guide to Grease a Pan if you are wanting something more specific.

4. Cool the pan

After adding all the ingredients, bake your sweet or salty treat in the oven.

Cool the cake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to let it set.

Plus, you will handle the pan more comfortably when it is not too hot.

The excellent solution is to raise cookware off the table and provide some airflow by placing it on a cake stand or mason jar with a lid.

5. Remove the cake from the pan

Then, if you have a non-stick pan, loosen the cake edges with a butter knife. Use a rubber spatula for other models. Never use sharp cutlery on the non-stick cookware to prevent chipping away the coating.

In the end, unhinge the spring lock and remove the pan sides. Take the cake off the base and carefully slide it on the plate

We have a complete guide to get the cake out of the pan if you are wanting something more specific.

What to Check Before Buying a Springform Pan

Almost every local baking supply store sells springform pans, but you can also find the right model online.

It is a better option to get a light-colored pan, usually white or light gray. It is advisable to avoid dark gray and black models since they absorb heat more, and you will probably overcook your cake.

If you prefer black cookware, always turn off the oven a few minutes before the recommended baking time. That way, you won’t face the burnt brown cake.

The model with a non-stick finish is an excellent choice that makes removing your cakes from the pan much more comfortable.

Always check if the spring lock works correctly before purchasing your new pan. It will be enough to open and close it a few times to hear a snapping sound and see whether everything is fine.

Springform Pan Replacements

For particular dishes, you can use other cookware when the springform pan is not available. When you plan to make a frozen dessert or other solid cakes, you can use a traditional pan lined with parchment paper.

Another option is to bake your dish in a disposable pan. After the cake is baked, cut the pan with a knife or scissors, and serve your cake. That’s it!