There is something warm and magical about homemade cakes, wouldn’t you agree? Whether it is the soothing aroma that fills our home or the cake made with love, homemade cakes have a special place in our hearts. Everywhere around the world, cakes are used to celebrate major occasions from birthdays to anniversaries. From the classic vanilla cake to the delicious chocolate cake, there are plenty of recipes to bake at home. However, to ensure that your cake turns out flawless, you must focus not just on the recipe but also on the preparation. One of the most overlooked steps is to grease the cake pan well before pouring the batter into it. You might be surprised to know this but this step can actually make or break your cake (literally!). Why, you would ask?! Here’s why and how a well-greased cake pan can make a huge difference in your baking game.
Also read: 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cake: A Quick and Delicious Chocolate Cake Recipe for Special Occasions
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Why should cake pans be greased properly?
Greasing a cake pan is a crucial step in baking that you should never skip. When you grease the pan, you make its surface non-sticky which makes your cake release easily once it is baked. This prevents the cake from sticking to the sides, which can cause it to break or half of it to remain behind when you try to remove it. Now imagine you spend hours making the perfect cake batter and see that it breaks when you remove it.
But that’s not all! Removing the cake from the pan isn’t the only reason you should grease your pan properly. Greasing also ensures that the edges of your cake cook evenly, giving you the perfect golden-brown color. Most people skip this step and their cake turns out rough and dry on the edges. But greasing it correctly will give you a perfectly moist cake every time!
Photo Credit: iStock
What is the proper way to grease a cake pan?
Grease a cake pan may seem simple, but doing it right can make a huge difference in your cake. Here’s how you can grease a cake pan the right way:
1. Choose the right type of grease according to your recipe – be it butter, oil or cooking spray.
2. Use parchment paper or a clean oil brush to spread a small amount of butter or oil evenly over the bottom and sides of the pan.
3. Cover all areas, even the edges, which are often overlooked.
4. Once you have greased the pan, lightly dust it with flour, shaking off any excess, especially for cakes that have a high sugar content.
5. If you are making a chocolate cake, use cocoa powder instead of white flour to sprinkle the cake pan.
Also read: ever heard Cream Cake? You can make it on a pan in less than 15 minutes
Which is better for greasing a cake pan: butter or oil?
Both butter and oil have their own benefits when it comes to greasing a cake pan. Butter has a rich flavor. Plus, it can enhance the taste of the cake and also provide a thick layer of protection to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Oil, on the other hand, is more convenient as it coats the pan evenly and reduces the chances of leaving any spots. Also, unlike butter, it doesn’t add any extra flavor to the cake, making it perfect for bakery items that don’t require the flavor of butter.
