An opening pan is a tool that cannot be missing in the kitchen, especially if you like to dabble in the preparation of cakes, cheesecakes, canapés and tarts. It is a cake mold equipped with a hinged release that allows you to easily unmold any type of cake. If you want to buy a flip-out pan, opt for a non-stick and light-colored one. When the dessert is ready, carefully remove it from the mold to delight both the palate and the sight of your guests.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Cake Pan
Step 1. Orient yourself on a light colored cake pan
Light gray and white are two ideal options. It is best to avoid buying a black or dark gray cake pan as darker shades absorb more heat and therefore your cakes may burn or overcook.
- If you have a dark colored cake pan and don't want to buy another one, remember to check the cake a couple of minutes before the time recommended by the recipe to prevent it from overcooking, blackening or burning.
- You can buy an opening cake pan at a kitchenware store, online, or in well-stocked supermarkets.
Step 2. Choose a non-stick model
Check the label to see if the pan's coating is non-stick or not. It is a fundamental detail to be able to unmold perfect cakes with ease. Most opening cake pans are made of a non-stick material.
Step 3. Choose a cake pan of the right size
Generally those that open are round in shape and have a diameter between 20 and 30 cm. Most recipes recommend using one with a diameter of about 23-25cm, but take into account your needs to make the best purchase for you.
You may find a pack of three different sized cake pans whose diameter is between 20 and 30 cm
Step 4. Examine the hinged release
Before buying the pan, try opening and closing it a couple of times to make sure that the mechanism works correctly and can be used easily.
When you close it you should hear the sound of the latch. Don't buy a cake pan that doesn't have this type of locking mechanism
Part 2 of 3: Using the Flip Pan
Step 1. Join the two parts of the pan
Place the ring with the zipper closure on the work surface. Check that the hook is open, then insert the base of the pan into the center of the ring. Snap the latch to lock the base in the center of the ring.
Lift the cake pan to make sure the two pieces don't separate. It would be very unfortunate if the base comes off while you are about to bake the cake
Step 2. Do a test to make sure the pan is not leaking
Fill it with water and hold it over the sink while checking that the liquid does not drain from the bottom.
- If a few drops of water come out, wrap the pan with two layers of aluminum foil. This way you won't risk the dough leaking into the oven.
- If there are no leaks, it means your pan is airtight. You can avoid wrapping it in aluminum foil.
Step 3. Line the bottom of the pan with baking paper
Draw a circle of the correct size on the paper and then cut it out with scissors. Using parchment paper is not mandatory, but it ensures that you will be able to detach the cake from the base of the pan very easily.
Step 4. Make a cheesecake, one cake or tart.
The opening pans are practical and functional especially for those desserts that do not allow you to turn them upside down to take them out of the mold. You can prepare the base of the tart in the pan and add the cream or jam without the need to turn it out of the mold. Follow the directions in the recipe to properly bake the dessert in the oven.
You can also use the opening pan to prepare savory delights, such as pizzas, quiches or stuffed focaccias
Part 3 of 3: Remove the cake from the pan
Step 1. Let the cake cool
At the end of cooking, take the pan out of the oven and place it on a rack to cool sweets. Wait at least 10-20 minutes before unmolding the cake to give it time to solidify. You will also have less difficulty handling the cake pan.
Step 2. Place the pan on a raised surface
The ideal is to use a cake stand, but for lack of anything else you can place it on a glass jar or on a metal can (for example that of canned beans).
Step 3. Open the cake pan
Hold it steady with one hand while slowly unlatching the latch with the other. At this point, gently spread the ring to detach it from the edges of the cake.
Step 4. Remove the ring from the top
After opening and spreading it, lift it up with both hands. You should be able to remove it from the base easily, without damaging the cake in any way.
If the cake is placed on a raised surface, you can also remove the ring by pulling it down. Place it on the work surface and then move the cake elsewhere
Step 5. Finished
Your dessert is ready to be served.
