Before we dive into the topic of “how” to use aluminium cake mould efficiently, one needs to know enough to invest ideally in a good quality aluminium cake pan available in the market that is crafted with an even sheet of metal to make sure that our cake is baked evenly and to perfect texture. This step ensures that the baking experience will be a pleasant one. SunBrand cake moulds available in Indian market are made up of aluminium due to its efficient and economical nature for the purpose of baking. While one of the top reasons for a cake fail is because of the wrong usage of baking pans, it is easy to rectify this situation with little knowledge about the cake moulds and pans used.
In this article we will look into some of the staples that need to be checked while using an aluminium cake mould for baking. Keeping in mind these basic stuff will definitely improve your whole experience of baking and will yield a better baked result. Some of the check points to keep in mind include:
- Size and shape of the baking pan
- Proper greasing of the pan’s interiors
- Preheating the oven
- Ensuring the right temperature
- Setting the timer right
- Proper handling and cleaning techniques
- Knowing the shelf life of the pan
SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE BAKING PAN:
While this is a point to be primarily considered during the purchasing of a cake mould, it has a lot of impact on the baked goods to be left out. To achieve a bake-win it is important to invest in a top quality aluminium moulds that has a sturdy even sheet of metal and also has some kind of non stick coating or anodized aluminium that makes it utterly food safe. None of us want a cake that overflowed the moulds or has an uneven rising due to too much height of the cake baking tin. Thus it is essential to get a cake pan of proper size and dimension.
The shape of the cake pan also matters because, while a circular pan ensures even heating on all sides and thus an evenly cooked result, a rectangular pan requires extra attention for the edges to come out crisp and sharp and with even cooking.
PROPER GREASING OF THE PAN’S INTERIORS:
This is a universal step of importance not just for aluminium cake mould but for any material of pan used for the purpose of baking. Like the saying that goes- “Grease generously to reap abundantly”, the necessity of this step cannot be over exaggerated. Neglecting this crucial process can spoil the whole cake too. Before pouring the cake dough into the pan it is mandatory that that the pan is generously lathered on all sides with either oil or butter. A butter paper can also be used as an alternative. This way the shape, crust and edge of the cake can be saved from getting stuck to the pan. It also makes sure that not even traces of aluminium get leached on to the baked goodies.
PRE HEATING THE OVEN:
Preheating is a process that is often overlooked by bakers, but such nuances are important to get that perfect texture of cake that every baker craves for. This step allows the temperature inside the oven to have reached our desired baking temperature making sure to bake the cake dough evenly right from the start. This step also makes sure that the dough rises and spreads out evenly, getting cooked thoroughly from the inside out without getting soggy in the centre. Next time you bake, make sure to preheat the oven to your desired temperature before placing your aluminium tray inside.
ENSURING THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE:
While getting the knack of setting the right temperature to bake goodies is not a cake walk, getting the temperature right is almost the last lunge to success. People often say that it takes a seasoned baker to know the right temperature, its mostly a myth what with internet guiding every step of our baking. Make sure to do a quick research on the right temperature to bake in an aluminium pan before indulging on your next baking spree.
SETTING THE TIMER RIGHT:
Half baked cakes and burnt, charred cakes are no exception in any baker’s history. Getting the right oven or OTG for baking in aluminium cake pans with standard timers and temperature settings is highly recommended. Many a times the only mistake amateur bakers make is setting the timer wrong. It is important to know the material of our cake pan and decide on the baking time prior to our baking process.
While aluminium cake pans are heat resistant, we don’t want it to overheat and get warped up with our cake. It is mandatory to ensure to never leave the oven’s side while baking for a long time.
PROPER HANDLING AND CLEANING TECHNIQUES:
While aluminium bake wares rank on top of the list of bake wares with almost no special maintenance required, it is important to follow some simple cleaning procedures to keep in mind.
- Make sure to never over scrub your aluminium bake wares as it might result in scrapping of the outermost coating of your bake ware.
- Soak the aluminium cake pan in warm water, wash it with soapy solution using hands and then rinse them thoroughly.
- It is important to air dry or cloth dry them before keeping them in storage.
KNOWING THE SHELF LIFE OF THE PAN:
While aluminium cake pan promises durability and a long life span in kitchen, it is essential to know when it needs to be thrown out or put on pedestal for reuse. Once we find cracks or bends on the pan it is better to avoid baking in them and use it only for storing food or for other purposes. Old aluminium pans must never be used for baking.
While aluminium cake mould and pans are ranked ideal for baking, it is important to keep these above points in mind while baking in them the next time. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable baking experience!