What is a springform pan? I am sure many of you have once come across an advertisement or a recipe that mentions “springform pan”. And then it pops up in your mind, what exactly is it?
Even when springform pans are familiar to you, do you know them well enough? Why don’t you just read this post and confirm everything you think you know about them? And for those who have no idea about this type of pan, this post is even more useful for you!
What Is A Springform Pan?
If you want to invest your money in some cooking utensils, chances are that you want to know whether they are worthy or not. A springform pan may not be an essential item, but does it deserve a slot in your kitchen? Keep reading to find out!
A Springform Pan Is A Pan With Removable Parts
A springform pan – also known as a cheesecake pan, is a baking vessel whose sides and bottom are removable. (1)
This tool does not differ much from a cake pan, but it is more like an advanced version of a cake pan. While normal cake pans are made into a consistent shape, springform pans are separated into smaller compositions.
Once these parts are assembled, they work exactly as a cake pan. The only difference appears when you want to take out the inside.
Components Of A Springform Pan
A springform pan normally consists of 2 main compositions: a base and a ring. It also has a small latch to hold both things together.
The Base
The base, also called the bottom of the springform pan, is a flat that you slip into the form when you begin to use a springform pan. You can also use it as a pie plate.
Some of you may get confused as you do not know which way to place the base, which leads to the base being upside down. Here is a small tip: you should place the base with the lip down.
The Ring
The high-sided band is an essential part of any springform pan. It is shaped into a ring and attached to an adjustable latch which secures the parts of a springform pan. Despite its tiny size, it plays the essential role of keeping the ring in place and holding the pan together.
When you unclip this latch, you will release the tension and make it possible to contract or expand the ring, thus assembling or disassembling the springform pan.
What Is Springform Pan Used For?
Springform pans are mainly designed to deal with the toughest cakes. With their unique feature, springform pans can help you safely take the cakes out without flipping the pan over and damaging your beautiful creations.
Sweet Treats
As another name for it is “cheesecake pan”, you have the right to expect the best cheesecakes coming out of it. Who would not want a creamy, smooth, and velvety cheesecake for a dessert?
Cheesecake is a dream for eaters but also a nightmare for makers. Mastering cheesecakes is tricky, especially for newbies. One of the most difficult things is to ensure the smoothness of the cheesecake surface. Fortunately, springform pans can guarantee that.
Other than cheesecakes, springform pans are also an ideal option for multiple layers recipes. Yet it is better for you to choose thick batter cakes such as tarts, mousses, tiramisu, and ice cream cakes.
Savory Dishes
Springform pans are not only for people with a sweet tooth. You can use this type of pan to prepare much more flavorful dishes, such as deep-dish pizzas, Italian brunch torte, or pasta.
Why A Springform Pan Is An Optimal Choice?
If you are an avid cook, you probably have at least one springform pan in your house. Springform pans allow you to remove the base easily so that you can take out soft cakes without breaking them apart or marring their texture.
This special design will help you avoid making a mess and destroying your delicate creations. But that isn’t the only feature that sets springform pans apart from usual bakeware.
Versatility
Versatility is probably the main reason why springform pans are made. They are detachable and easy to handle. Besides, a springform pan can be used for multiple purposes. You can bake all kinds of cakes, reheat your food, make quiches, and even cook pizzas.
Durability
Since materials used to make springform pans are very sturdy, such as steel, aluminum, and silicone, you may expect the same durability from their product. Springform pans also last long and require very little maintenance.
Convenience For Cleaning
Normal cake pans may have residues or stains left in the corner of the pan if you are not careful enough. But springform pans are different. They are detachable, so you will have no problem cleaning them thoroughly.
Most of the springform pans are coated with a nonstick layer. This helps to reduce stains clutched at the bottom and on the sides of springform pans.
How To Categorize Different Types Of Springform Pans?
You can classify springform pans according to colors, materials, sizes, or shapes. Each criterion means different traits and fits different purposes.
Colors
Light-colored springform pans are usually light gray or white, whereas dark ones have dark gray or black color.
If you are not familiar with baking, choose the light-colored springform pan. Dark springform pans tend to make your dessert browner and burn faster because they absorb more heat than light ones.
In case you still use them, consider shortening your baking time for a few minutes or reducing your oven to a lower temperature to prevent your cakes from getting overcooked.
Materials
A springform pan can be made from various types of material. Each material has a different life span and characteristics.
Metals
Metals such as steel or aluminum are usually used to make cookware as they are durable and excellent at retaining heat and distributing heat evenly. (2)
Yet their thickness may vary differently from one to another. Some springform pans are relatively thicker than others. So remember to do a thorough research before purchasing one, just to make sure you choose the right one.
Glass
Some springform pans are specially designed with a glass bottom. Tempered glass bases are scratch-resistant, so you can slice and serve your baked goods in the pan with few problems.
Not only does it come with a better appearance, but a glass-based springform pan can also allow you to see the bottom of your food. Therefore, you can prevent undercooked or overcooked patches.
Silicone
If metal springform pans are hard for you to handle, you might want to consider silicone springform pans.
Silicone is heat-proof and nonstick. This material will also ensure minimum chances of leaks. However, because of its flexibility, it may crack or tear if used with too much force.
In addition, you should avoid scouring pads or abrasives since they can damage your silicone pan. Of course, you must refrain from moving your cakes with metal utensils due to the same reason.
Nonstick Pans
Nonstick springform pans are made from nonstick carbon steel. This particular material fastens your cleaning process significantly and possesses superior heat conduction that helps bake your cakes evenly every time.
Nevertheless, these pans demand high maintenance and special care to protect the nonstick coatings.
Sizes
It is crucial to choose the size of springform pans as their sizes may affect the baking time or the cooking recipes you have chosen.
Springform pan sizes vary from 4 inches to 12 inches. However, most of them come in 9 inches and 10 inches.
A standard springform has a size of 9’’x9’’x3’’. Though they may differ in width and length, most of the springform pans have a height of 3 inches, which is taller than an average cake pan.
Shapes
Although springform pans are usually available in round shapes, there is nothing that can guarantee round is the only shape they have.
If you want your cake to have a unique shape other than the standard circular type, why don’t you take a look at the rectangular design? This particular shape will be a perfect tool for baking lasagna.
Other than that, you can also find some square-shaped springform pans and even heart-shaped pans to create lovely treats for your beloved.
How To Use And Take Care Of Your Springform Pan
Many people don’t know how easy it is to use, clean, or store a springform pan. Don’t be like them! Take a look at the instructions below to get a better idea.
Usage
You may think you know how to bake a cake with a springform pan without any need for further instructions, but I’m about to show you a different truth. Stick around to find out!
Step 1: Check The Springform Pan
Put the base on a flat surface, place the ring around it and lock the latch. Hold the pan up and flip it over to make sure it is steady.
Next, you should check for any leakage by pouring water inside and moving the pan around.
NOTE: You may want to put a sheet pan under your springform pan to prevent any leaks during baking.
Step 2: Grease The Pan
Grease your pan with butter or a nonstick vegetable spray. You can lay parchment paper on the bottom of the pan, but do not use waxed paper as it may ruin your food flavor.
Step 3: Bake The Cake
At this time, your springform pan is similar to a cake pan. Follow the recipe and cook your food as usual.
Step 4: Cool Down
Leave your food to cool down for a while. This step ensures the firmness of your food and helps you do the next step easier.
Step 5: Remove The Sides
Simply unclip the latch and release the tension. Next, use your hands to lift the ring out of the base. You should loosen the cake first by running a sharp knife around its edges.
Step 6: Serve
Now, your food is ready to serve! Keep your food in the base of the springform pan or gently slide it onto a different plate to enjoy.
Did you know how to use a springform pan properly? Let this guide tell you more!
Clean And Store
After baking, let your springform pan cool down. If you spot some stains that are hard to come off, let them soak overnight and clean them the next day.
When you wash them, detach your pan first and wash the sides and bottom separately, it is best to use warm and soapy water. For nonstick springform pans, simply use a soft, nonstick-safe sponge to wash and avoid scratching the pans.
Storing a springform pan is incredibly effortless. After washing, you should let it dry completely and then leave it somewhere dry and ventilated.
Does Springform Pan Leak?
Springform pans with removable components will sometimes have leaks. They may not be secured enough and are left with small gaps between the base and the ring.
There is no official way to stop a springform pan from leaking. Nevertheless, you can take advantage of these simple tricks and minimize leakages.
Wrap The Base With Aluminum Or Tin Foil
Even chefs use aluminum foil to secure springform pans. What you have to do is take a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the base tightly. Aluminum foil adds another layer to your springform pan and tightens the junction between the base and ring.
Learn how to use aluminum foil to prevent your springform pan from leaking here.
Line The Base With Parchment Paper
Lining your pan with parchment paper is another wise choice. Just like aluminum foil, it can tighten the base and the ring. Even better, it helps you take your cake off easier due to its nonstick nature. You can opt to line the base only or line the whole pan.
Add Another Pan Outside
There is nothing wrong with putting your pan in a larger one as long as the result turns out good. You can use a cake pan or deep-dish pizza pan with larger diameters to cover your springform pan.
Best Springform Pan Brands On The Market
Springform pans are widely used around the world. It is not hard to find some with outstanding quality. Here are some recommended brands for you to view.
Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware products are always on the top list of the most sought-after springform pans. Made of thick, sturdy carbon steel and coated with a nonstick layer, Nordic Ware springform pans can perform every great task you give them.
These designs are made to deal with the most delicate desserts, especially cheesecakes. However, this design requires hand-washing to preserve the nonstick coating outside.
Wilton
Wilton springform cake pans, especially the 9-inch ones, totally deserve to win your reliance. If fear of leaking hampers you from purchasing springform pans, this brand will dispel your doubts. Their products are perfect for cheesecakes, deep-dish pizzas, bread puddings, and more.
Fat Daddio’s
Springform pans from Fat Daddio’s have a unique leak-proof design. In addition, they come with a raised platform, which makes it easier for you to transfer your food onto a serving tray.
King Arthur Baking
King Arthur Baking creates the most outstanding bakeware. With their vibrant cherry red pans, these springform pans will light your kitchen up.
They are also nonstick and leak-proof, particularly perfect for cheesecakes, tarts, and quiches.
Ballarini
The best 2-in-1 springform pans are here! Ballarini springform pans include 2 changeable bases for multiple purposes. You can use a flat base for cheesecakes or tarts and the other for bundt cakes.
Though hand washing is advisable, a Ballarini pan is dishwasher safe. In addition, the coatings outside the pans are resistant to high temperatures.
Alternatives For Springform Pans
If springform pans are not in your kitchen right now, or you are afraid of the incompatible size between springform pans and your normal cake pans, just remember that you do not need a springform pan to make the best cakes.
Springform pans are helpful but not really a must-have cookware. Feel free to look over these alternatives:
Line Cake Pans With Foil Or Parchment Paper
Foil or parchment paper will create a slightly nonstick coat to your pan. Here is a tip! You should leave parts of foil or paper hanging out from the sides of the pan. That way, you can lift up the cake effortlessly after it is baked.
Use A Disposable Foil Pan
Aluminum foil pans are well known for their versatility and affordable prices. They also come in various shapes and sizes to match your recipes.
The first thing you need to do is grease your foil pan. Otherwise, the cake may stick to the pan and burn its bottom. Next, put your foil pan on a baking sheet to prevent distortion.
Serve The Cake In The Pan
It is not essential to serve your cake on another plate. If the only thing that matters to you is the beautiful flavor of your finish, then you do not have to remove the cake at all.
Use A Silicone Cake Pan
Silicone cake pans are a marvelous substitute for springform pans when it comes to firm and sturdy cakes with no toppings.
Yet, you may want to add a flour layer or spray the mold first. Then, just bake your cake like normal before flipping it over to remove it perfectly.
Tips For Springform Pan Owners
Next, there are some useful tips you may need in case you want to buy a springform pan in the near future.
Buying Criteria
The most important component of springform pans is their latches. If you choose the pans with loose latches in the first place, it will take you a relatively long amount of time to fix that.
So before you decide to buy them, make sure to check the clips carefully. Try attaching and detaching them a few times for better judgment. A good springform pan will make a snapping sound when it locks.
How To Remove Cakes Easily
Before removing your cakes, make sure to let them cool down completely. For cheesecakes, you should leave them chilled overnight. Then, you can take them out with ease.
A little practical tip for you when your cakes stick to a pan is to freeze the whole cake. After that, quickly dip the pan in hot water. To make things easier, use a knife or a scraper to cut around the edges.
In case you need better instructions on how to remove cakes easily, check out this video!
Dessert Recipes You Can Make With Springform Pans
You don’t know what to make for today’s dessert? Try out these simple and delicious sweet treats for you and your loved ones!
Cheesecakes
Although it is not compulsory for you to make cheesecakes with springform pans, they definitely ease your process. For the best quality cheesecakes, you will need a 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan. These are the best-size pans for homemade cheesecakes.
Check out this recipe for a thick, velvety, and incredibly creamy cheesecake.
Ice Cream Cake
With only a few main ingredients and their adaptability to various types of toppings, ice cream cakes are an irresistible choice, even for the pickiest person.
And the best thing is that you do not have to do much. Just let the freezer do the job, and you will have the ultimate dessert to enjoy.
Blackberry-Orange Cake
It is the combo you need right now! Who would think blackberries paired with oranges could be this good?
This cake will not take you long to prepare. On top of that, the soft and light texture, as well as the addition of the oranges and blackberries flavor, makes it perfect to go along with coffee or tea.
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
No one can resist a rich, sweet and multilayered cake with chocolate and chewy macaroons on top. This recipe will guarantee to satisfy your craving. Try it now!
FAQs
Still curious about springform pans and want to know more about them? Then why don’t you check out these most frequently asked questions below?
Next Time When You Shop, Do Not Forget To Add Springform Pans In Your Cart
If you think delicate cakes are only for special occasions, then purchasing a springform pan will make you rethink. With this cookware, stunning desserts are always within your reach.
So what do you think about treating your family to a creamy-crack-free cheesecake this weekend? Give it a try and share your experience with other readers and me in the comment section!
Last but not least, did you find everything you need in this post? Do your friends and family know about these things? If you find this post useful, don’t forget to share it with others!
References
- Springform Pan (2022) Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation.
- Watson, K. (2019) Can Cookware Be Toxic? What to Know and How to Choose Pots and Pans, Healthline. Healthline Media.
