Preparing the cake mold before use is one of the key steps to ensure successful baking. The following is a series of preparations that need to be done before using the cake mold:
Choose the right mold:
First, choose a suitable cake mold according to the type and size of the cake you want to bake. Different cakes may require molds of different shapes and sizes, such as round, square, heart-shaped, etc. At the same time, consider the material of the mold, such as metal, silicone or paper, each of which has its own unique baking effect.
Clean the mold:
Before use, make sure the mold is clean. Gently wash the mold with warm water and dishwashing liquid to remove any grease or residue. Then rinse it with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Preheat the oven:
While preparing the cake batter, preheat the oven to the desired baking temperature. Preheating the oven can ensure that the cake starts baking immediately when it is placed in, avoiding overbaking the bottom of the cake and undercooking the top.
Apply anti-stick material:
To prevent the cake from sticking to the mold during baking, you can apply a thin layer of butter or vegetable oil on the bottom and sides of the mold. Alternatively, sprinkle a thin layer of dry flour (if you have buttered it, flour will stick to it more easily) and gently shake the pan to distribute the flour evenly and shake off any excess.
Place baking paper or baking mat:
For some cakes, such as pound cake or sponge cake, you can place a piece of baking paper or baking mat at the bottom of the pan to make it easier to remove the cake from the pan. Cut the baking paper or baking mat into a shape that fits the bottom of the pan and place it in the pan.
Check the batter:
Before pouring the batter into the pan, make sure the texture and consistency of the batter are right. If the batter is too thin, you may need to add some flour; if it is too thick, you may need to add some liquid.
Pour the batter:
Pour the prepared batter into the pan, being careful not to overfill it so that it does not overflow during baking.
With these preparations, you can ensure that the cake will get the best results during baking.
