A Guide On How to Prepare a Cake Pan Properly

Here's a Step by Step guideline on preparing a pan for baking a cake. But always read the recipe instructions carefully for every recipe. This below is just a general guideline

1. Choose the Right Pan as per your Recipe

   The first step in preparing a cake pan is choosing the right size and type of pan for your recipe. Every recipe specifies the kind of pan and the size. Sometimes, it also specifies a substitute size and shape also.
   Cake pans come in various shapes and sizes, including round, square, rectangle, and more.
   
   The size of the pan you choose will depend on the recipe you are using and the amount of batter it requires.
   If you use a pan that is too small, the batter will overflow and make a mess in your oven, plus, there won't be any place for the cake to bake and rise.
   and
   if you use a pan that is too large, the cake will be thin and won’t cook evenly. To determine the right size of pan for your recipe, refer to the recipe's instructions or refer to a pan conversion chart.

2. Grease the Pan

   After choosing the right size and type of pan, the next step is to grease it. This is an important step to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and to ensure that it comes out clean from the pan.
   You can grease the pan using butter, margarine, or cooking/baking spray. Simply spread a thin layer on the bottom and sides of the pan using a pastry brush or paper towel. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan so that no areas are left ungreased.

3. Line the pan

   Another important step in preparing a cake pan is to line the cake pan, especially the bottom. This step avoids the cake sticking to the bottom of the pan.
   To line, the bottom of the pan, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and place it inside.
   Do not use wax paper or aluminum foil. The wax paper may burn, and aluminum foil alters the texture of the finished cake. So, I personally do not recommend using both of these. So stick to parchment paper

4. Dust The Pan With Flour

   After greasing and lining the pan, the next step is to flour it. This step will help the cake to release from the pan more easily and prevent it from sticking. Dust the bottom and sides of the pan with flour, making sure to tap out any excess. Sometimes this step is skipped. But I strongly recommend dusting the pan with flour. For Chocolate cake you will use cocoa powder.

5. Remove Excess Flour

   Tapping out excess flour is important. Doing this will avoid any large clumps of flour, to stick on to the cake batter. and will not blend well while baking

6. Use Bake even Strips optional one

   Using bake-even strips, helps the cake rise evenly. This step is also a part of preparing a pan. But mostly an optional one