How to Keep Cake From Sticking to Pan

Have you ever made a cake, only to realize that bits and pieces are stuck to the pan? Depending on the severity of the stick, this can lead to some serious cake problems – especially in the looks department. But with a few simple steps, you can keep the cake from sticking.

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I have been baking since the beginning of time. Well, not really, but it certainly feels that way. I have had my fair share of cake sticking, but not so much anymore, and that’s all thanks to the tips and tricks I learned to fend off cake stickiness.

If you want to find out how to make sure cake doesn’t stick to the pan, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re digging deep into the world of cakes and how you can avoid the dreaded stick. 

Who’s ready to bake perfect cakes with no sticking?

How to Prevent Cake From Sticking to Pan

Before we dive into the foolproof method, I wanted to share a few tips for keeping a cake from sticking to the pan. If you have read any of my other posts, you would hear me raving about using butter and flour, parchment paper/Silpat mats, or cooking spray to avoid stickiness.

These all work wonderfully on their own. But, even using one of those methods, your cake can still end up sticking. That is why, for the sake of this article, I’m focusing on a method that combines all three.

I mean, think about it. We always hear that the more, the merrier, go big or go home, and never settle for less. If you’re serious about stopping cake from sticking, then you may as well use all the anti-stick techniques at once.

1.  Grease the Pan

The first step is to grease the pan. You have options here. My personal favorite is butter. Butter adds a little touch of richness and flavor to the result with a bit of browning, which I love.

If you don’t want to add any flavor or browning to your cake, I recommend using vegetable shortening instead. Vegetable oil can work, too, but you shouldn’t use other oils as they can add an undesirable flavor to your cake.

You also have the option of using cooking spray. This is a staple in my kitchen, and I use it often – I’m sure you do, too. Don’t hesitate to bust out your preferred non-stick cooking spray for this step. Sprays are easy to use and won’t alter the flavor or appearance.

If you can, find a non-stick spray that is specifically designed for baking. These are made a bit differently from regular cooking sprays, which will render better results.

Whichever greasing agent you choose, make sure the entirety of the cake pan is lined. Don’t skip the sides and edges. 

2. Line the Pan with Parchment Paper/Silpat Mat

I know what you’re thinking – grease and line? Remember, we’re going for a foolproof method here. Do you really think that sticking can take place with lining and greasing? I think not!

That said, the next step is to line the pan. Don’t skip this step. Even if it does nothing more than make it easier for you to move your cake from the pan to a cooling area, use it when baking your cake.

Now, you have two options – parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Parchment paper is far more versatile and can accommodate any type of pan. All you have to do is measure it and cut it, and voila! You’re on your way to stick-free cakes.

However, I love that you can wash and reuse Silpat mats. Most people think that Silpat mats are only designed for cookie sheets. This isn’t the cake. There are different sizes of Silpat mats, like this round 8-inch Silpat mat perfect for baking cakes!

Either one will work just fine. When the liner is placed inside the pan, coat it with a little more grease. This will be essential for our final step.

3. Sprinkle Some Flour on Top

Do not forget the flour! It will play an important role in fending off unwanted cake sticking.

This part is simple. After greasing the parchment paper or Silpat mat, sprinkle some flour over the top. It should be visible, but it shouldn’t look like a snowstorm just went through your kitchen. 

Whether you dollop the right amount or too much, the final step is to flip the cake pan upside down and eliminate any excess. Basically, you only want to keep the flour that sticks to the greasing agent. So if you add a little too much flour, no need to panic!

FAQs

Are you still curious about learning how to keep the cake from sticking to the pan? Then you will want to check out these interesting questions below. By the end of this, you will be a non-stick cake-making master!

How do you make a cake not stick to the pan without parchment paper?

If you do not have any parchment paper on hand, that’s okay. While it will be a great addition you should make sure to have in the future, you can bake your cake without it. The best thing to do is grease your cake pan a bit heavier and make sure every inch is coated.

What is the best way to grease a cake pan?

I believe wholeheartedly that butter is the best option. It enhances the cake’s flavor profile and creates an eye-catching browning that is desirable.

How long should you leave the cake in the pan after baking?

A cake should cool down in a pan for about 20 minutes. The goal is to remove the cake while it’s warm but not cold. 

Final Thoughts

Baking a cake is fun, and it’s sure to be a tasty experience, but sticking can easily disrupt a perfect slice of cake. The best thing to do is to grease the pan, line it, grease the liner, and sprinkle some flour on top.

How do you keep your cake from sticking to the pan?

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.