Fluted Tube Pan 101: Things you should know when using a Fluted Tube Pan
by Mickaël Jouninet
Fluted Tube Pans are one of the most popular types of cake pans on the market. They are perfect for baking cakes that have a beautiful shape and design. However, one of the biggest complaints about these cake pans is that they can be difficult to use, and cakes often stick to the pan. So in this article, we are going to share a few tips on how to perfect and prevent the cake from sticking to the pan -- leaving you with a beautiful and delicious cake that everyone will enjoy!
Here are 6 things you should know when using a Fluted Tube Pan...
1. The Batter
First, let's start with the batter. It's pretty simple really.
Fluted Tube Pan is used as a mold for the cake so the batter needs to be a little thicker than what you would use for a regular cake. This pan requires less batter than a regular cake pan, usually, a standard 9-inch Fluted Tube Pan holds about 10 cups of batter, but you should always leave about 1/2″ to 1/4″ of space at the top to let the cake expand when it's in the oven.
It's always better to have too little batter than too much. If you pour in too much, the cake will overflow and it will be difficult to get the cake out of the pan.
2. Temperature
Done with the batter? What's next?
Preheat your oven according to the recipe you're using. Most Fluted Tube Pans require an oven temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Coat thoroughly and if needed, add flour
Next, make sure that you thoroughly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies so that the cake will not stick. Sometimes, another trick is to sift the flour before adding the batter. To do this, you need to work around the pan so that it has an even layer of fat in order to prevent sticking.
When you think you've finished coating the pan and perfected your batter, pour the batter into the pan and be careful not to overfill it. As we mentioned earlier, you should always leave about 1/2″ to 1/4″ of space on top in order to prevent it from overflowing and sticking to the sides of the pan.
3. Bake and Cooling Time
When it comes to baking the cake, make sure to bake the cake for the amount of time specified in your recipe. When it's done, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. After it's cooled, take a small offset spatula/knife or tap around the sides of the pan to loosen the edges of the cake, then if you see it's not sticking you can proceed to turn the cake out onto a plate.
4. How do I flip a Fluted Tube Pan?
Easy! Once the cake has slightly cooled, all you have to do is place a plate or serving dish on top of the pan and then quickly turn it over so that the cake falls out onto the plate. If the cake doesn't come out easily, tap the sides of the pan again and again until it loosens, and then try flipping it again.
5. What if it still sticks?
If you find that your cake is sticking to the pan after following all of these steps, make sure to check your oven temperature and bake time as they may need to be adjusted before you flip it over.
6. More Tips and Tricks from Bakers
Some baking experts find it easier to use granulated sugar instead of cake flour after coating the butter. This is because the sugar will caramelize and create a barrier between the cake and pan causing it to not stick.
Additionally, some suggest spraying the pan with Pam for Baking as its specifically made for baking with Fluted Tube Pans. If you're still having trouble, try using a non-stick Tube pan liner. These are great because they fit snugly in the pan and prevent sticking without the need for extra grease or flour. Simply place the liner in the pan before adding your batter and bake as usual. When the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a plate. The cake should easily come out of the liner and be ready to enjoy!
That being said, you shouldn't worry because, in our experience, we've never had an issue with using our Fluted Tube Pans, and each time we've used them the cake came out perfectly. We hope you found this blog helpful and that you'll be able to use a Fluted Tube Pan when you bake next time.
Just remember to be patient, take your time, and enjoy the process!