What Is a Spring Form Pan?

Use springform pans for certain types of desserts.

A springform pan is a unique type of two-piece pan designed for baking special desserts like cheescakes, tortes, flourless cakes and delicate desserts. It consists of a round bottom and a curved top portion that fits around the bottom like a collar and snaps together with a side latch. These pans are relatively inexpensive; you can purchase them in baking supply and gourmet shops, online, and often in the baking aisle of your local grocery.

How to Use

Springform pans work well for baking fancy cheesecakes.

Snap the ring into place around the pan bottom. If your torte or cheesecake recipe calls for a crumb crust, press the mixture into the pan. Pour filling over the crust, bake dessert, then cool. Unclasp the latch and pull the pan sides away, leaving your dessert sitting on the pan’s bottom. Ease the dessert onto a cake plate, slice and serve.

Pan Design

Construction of a springform pan simplifies removal of the baked dessert.

Some pans have a unique waffle pattern, or small dimples on the bottom surface, which gives them strength. This is ideal for baking heavier desserts or those with crumb crusts, like cheesecakes and tortes. A pan with a reversible bottom--one side smooth and the other dimpled, is a good choice. The bottom fits into a rim on the sides, which holds the pan and gives it stability. Smooth-bottomed pans are best for cakes, while dimpled ones works well with crumb crusts.

Types of Composition

Desserts baked in a springform pan can be easily sliced and served.

The traditional springform pan is made from steel and may have a tin coating that helps prevent rust. Aluminum pans are popular for restaurant use because they don’t need much care and are dishwasher safe. Both have a nonstick coating for easy removal of the dessert. The type and weight of the pan will affect the cooking time. Heavier metal pans require more baking time, while lightweight aluminum needs less. The baking pan has an effect upon the texture of the finished dessert.

Shapes of Pans

Springform pans are designed for baking elegant desserts.

Traditionally, springform pans are round. Kaiser, the world’s largest bakeware manufacturer, is credited with inventing the springform pan, dubbed the “intelligent round cake pan." The Noblesse line of Kaiser bakeware makes a double-layer, nonstick lined pan of heavy-gauge steel that is guaranteed leak-proof. Kaiser has a 9-inch-by-13-inch rectangular springform pan as well as 7-inch and 9-inch nonstick square shaped springform plans, and a nonstick springform loaf pan. Kaiser manufactures a set of three nesting springform pans of 8-, 9- and 10-inch tin-plated steel, perfect for tiered cheesecakes. The Wilton company has designed a heart-shaped springform pan.

Tips on Use

Dessert tortes and flourless chocolate cakes need a springform pan.

Most springform pans don’t leak but, if this happens, wrap aluminum foil around the outside of your pan before baking. If you will need your pan for additional baking, line the bottom with parchment paper first. When cooled, your dessert will slide easily onto a serving plate. It’s not a good idea to leave acidic foods, like a citrus or berry dessert, in an aluminum or tinned stainless steel pan for any length of time. An enamel or nonstick coating eliminates this concern. Dry stainless steel pans thoroughly to avoid rusting

References

• Questions & Answers: Definition of a Springform Pan
• Fantes Kitchen Ware Shop: Springform
• Home Furnish: Springform FAQ