NewsRaise your hand if you’ve ever been the victim of a bundt cake. I’m sure I have. I can remember waiting by the oven as my cake rose in the intricately-designed pan that promised an elegant presentation. But when it came time to invert the pan, the cake fell out in clumps, delivering a crushing blow to my bundt cake dreams.
Even when properly greased, some cakes cling to the pan. To avoid bundt cake disaster, try these simple methods for releasing a stuck bundt from the pan in (mostly) one piece. Furthermore, learn how to repair a shattered bundt cake.
How to Prevent Cake From Sticking to a Bundt Pan
To save grief later, make sure you’ve adequately oiled your bundt pan before putting the batter in. Here’s how it’s done:
Start With the Right Pan
Most bundt pans nowadays are nonstick, and for good reason (like this classic Nordic Ware bundt pan). The nonstick coating makes it easier for the cake to glide out of the pan as evenly as possible.
Go for a pan that’s lighter in color to prevent over browning that can occur with darker pans. Even if the pan is nonstick, you should still oil it. But, the nonstick coating will provide an added layer of protection. If your bundt pan is older with considerable scratches, this can affect the nonstick capabilities, so consider upgrading to a new pan.
Grease the Pan
Grease the pan thoroughly with solid shortening using a pastry brush. Be careful to oil every square inch and crevice of the pan, since your cake will adhere to any un-greased areas. And whatever you do, don’t substitute butter for shortening. The milk solids in butter will actually act like glue, causing the batter to stick to the pan.
Flour the Pan
When you have buttered the pan, flour it. Sprinkle flour into the pan while holding it over the sink. Tilt in a circular motion, tapping the pan as you go until all the flour has been evenly distributed.
Tap out any excess by flipping the pan over. Be careful to go around the pan’s central tube as well. You may now add the batter to the pan!
Allow the Cake to Cool
Let the bundt cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes after you take it from the oven. Then place a wire cooling rack over the base of the cake and invert the pan to release.
Cake Not Coming Out? Try These Methods:
Congratulations if your cake slipped out easily after following these procedures! You may stop reading right now. Yet even when you do everything correctly (you rule follower), bundt cake may be obstinate. If your bundt cake is giving you a hard time (or if you’re simply nervous about your cake crumpling into a mountain of cake chunks) give these methods a try.
Try Steaming the Cake Out
Place a kitchen towel in your sink after removing your cake from the oven. Pour hot water over the towel gently until it is moist but not leaking. Wrap the cloth over the pan’s tops and set aside until the pan is cold enough to handle.
When you proceed to flip the cake, the steam will assist it release from the pan. A rubber spatula may also be used to gently loosen the cake from the sides. Avoid using a knife since it will rip the outside of the cake and harm the interior of your bundt cake pan.
Try Giving It a Bang
Another approach is to vent your displeasure on your bundt cake by smashing it. Place a dish cloth on the counter, flip the pan, and pound on the top and sides. This might assist to release the cake from the pan’s walls.
Try Waiting It Out
Last but not least, let gravity to do its job. Once you’ve inverted your cake, let it sit for 10 minutes, and check on it again. This allows the cake to cool, compress, and slip out of the pan.
How to Salvage Damaged Bundt Cake
If you’ve gone through all these steps, and you’re still left with a damaged bundt cake, don’t lose hope. A bundt cake that has adhered to the pan may still be turned into a delicious dessert.
If your cake has minimal damage Cover any imperfections with frosting or glaze. This solution will look as good as it tastes!
If you have crumbled bundt cake You may use the crushed bits to make trifle, another delightful dessert that’s ideal for feeding a crowd. Trifle often calls for cubed pound cake, so you’ve already completed the difficult part. Layer the cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream. When life hands you a shattered bundt cake, you create trifle, right?
