Say Goodbye to Cakes That Stick – How to Grease a Pan Perfectly

source: Taste of Home
As someone who loves baking, there’s nothing more disappointing than spending time and effort on making the perfect cake, only for it to stick to the pan. It’s a real buzzkill, and it can spoil all the excitement and anticipation of enjoying a delicious homemade treat. But fear not, because I have discovered a no-fail way to grease a cake pan that ensures your cakes come out effortlessly every time. Thanks to Taste of Home for these tips, by the way!
First things first, you’re gonna need a cake pan, whether it’s round, square, or even a bundt pan. The method remains the same. Now, there are a few options when it comes to greasing your pan: butter, shortening, cooking spray, or a cooking spray with flour in it. Personally, I find that using cooking spray is not only good but also simpler.
Simply grease the pan and then flour it. The flour will stick to the grease, adding an extra layer of protection between the pan and the cake. However, this step can get a bit messy, so here’s a tip to prevent that. Instead of dumping flour into the pan and swirling it around, try using a sifter or a mesh sieve to evenly disperse the flour. When your pan is evenly coated, flip it over and lightly tap the bottom to remove any extra flour. This way, you’ll have a nicely floured pan without the mess.

To properly prepare your cake pan, you can take an extra step to ensure your cake doesn’t stick by using parchment paper. Simply cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your pan. Put a generous dollop of grease on one side of the paper and grip the opposite side. Smear the grease over every inch of the inside of the pan. This will create a non-stick surface that will make it easier for your cake to slide out once it’s baked.
If you do decide to use parchment paper, the only real challenge is cutting the paper to fit. It’s an important step because if the paper is too big or too small, it won’t do its job properly. So, take your time and cut a shape that fits the pan well. Once you have the parchment paper in place, don’t forget to grease and flour the lining too. This will ensure that your cake will slip out easily once it’s baked.
So, there you have it – the perfect way to grease a cake pan and say goodbye to cakes that stick. By using parchment paper and simply greasing and flouring the pan, these steps will guarantee that your cakes come out effortlessly every time. Now you can bake with confidence and enjoy the fruits of your labor without the fear of disappointment. So go ahead, get your apron on, and let’s bake a cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!