Greasing The Revel Bar Pan: To Grease Or Not?

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking to ensure your cakes, brownies, bars, and cookies don't stick to the pan. Revel bars are thick dessert bars made with two layers of oatmeal bars and a thick layer of fudge in between. To make revel bars, you need to grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. This step will ensure that the bars don't stick to the pan and can be easily removed after baking. There are several ways to grease a pan, including using butter or shortening, butter and flour, butter and sugar, cooking spray, or parchment paper. Greasing a pan correctly is crucial to ensure your baked goods come out perfectly every time.

Why you should grease a revel bar pan

Greasing a pan is an essential step in the baking process, and revel bars are no exception. Here are several reasons why you should grease a revel bar pan:

Prevent Sticking

Greasing a pan is crucial to prevent your baked goods from sticking to the surface. This step ensures that your revel bars can be easily removed from the pan after baking, resulting in a clean presentation and easier cleanup. A stuck-on dessert can be challenging to remove and may result in an uneven or messy final product.

Even Cooking

Applying a layer of grease to your pan helps distribute heat evenly during the baking process. This is essential for achieving a consistent texture and colour in your revel bars. Without proper greasing, your bars may cook unevenly, resulting in some areas being overdone while others are undercooked.

Easy Release

Greasing a pan facilitates the easy release of your revel bars once they have finished baking. This means you can remove them from the pan without them breaking or crumbling apart. A well-greased pan acts as a barrier between the batter and the pan, allowing for a smooth and effortless release.

Protection Against Burning

The grease acts as a protective layer between the batter and the pan, reducing the chances of your revel bars burning or sticking to the pan. This is especially important if you are using a darker-coloured pan, as they tend to absorb more heat and can cause the bottom of your bars to burn.

Enhanced Flavour

Greasing your revel bar pan can also enhance the flavour of your final product. Depending on the type of fat you use, such as butter or shortening, the grease can add a rich and savoury flavour to your bars. This is a great way to elevate the taste of your dessert and create a more indulgent experience.

Convenience

Greasing a pan is a simple step that can save you time and effort in the long run. By preventing sticking and making cleanup easier, you can focus more on enjoying your revel bars and less on the hassle of removing them from the pan. It is a convenient way to ensure your dessert comes out perfectly every time.

How to grease a revel bar pan

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking to ensure your cakes, brownies, bars, and cookies don't stick to the pan. Here is a guide on how to grease a revel bar pan:

Firstly, choose your grease. You can use butter, shortening, cooking spray, or even coconut oil or bacon fat. Butter will add a nice flavour and a golden-brown crust to your bake, but if you're concerned about sticking, opt for shortening or cooking spray as these are pure fat with no water.

Now, apply your chosen grease generously to the entire inside of your revel bar pan. Using your fingers is the best method as you can feel if you've missed any spots, ensuring an even coating with no chunks of fat.

If you're using butter or shortening, you can simply run it around the pan, bottom, and sides, using the stick. If you're using a tub of butter or shortening, wipe it all over the pan with a paper towel.

If you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can sprinkle flour across the pan's interior. Shake the pan to evenly distribute the flour, tilting it to coat the sides. Then, invert the pan and tap out any excess flour.

If you're making chocolate revel bars, you can substitute cocoa powder for the flour. This will not only add flavour but also prevent the unsightly white crust that can form when greasing with flour.

Finally, if you're using a flat pan, you can line it with parchment paper. Cut the parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan by placing the pan on top of the paper and tracing around it. Grease the sides of the pan, then insert the parchment paper. You can grease the parchment paper too, but it's not necessary.

And that's it! You're now ready to bake your revel bars without worrying about them sticking to the pan.

Best grease to use for a revel bar pan

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking as it ensures that your baked goods don't stick to the pan. There are several ways to grease a pan, and the best method for you will depend on the tools you have available and your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common methods:

Butter or Shortening with Flour

This traditional method involves using butter or shortening to grease the pan, followed by a light dusting of flour. To do this, simply run the butter or shortening around the bottom and sides of the pan. Then, add a tablespoon or two of flour to the pan and rotate and tap the pan until all greased surfaces are coated. This method is effective for layer cakes, as you can cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan before greasing and flouring.

Butter with Sugar

This method is similar to the previous one, but instead of using flour, you use sugar. This technique is suitable for quick breads like banana bread and will give the outside a nice crunch.

Non-stick Cooking Spray

A non-stick cooking spray is a quick and easy way to grease your revel bar pan. You can use a regular spray or opt for a baking spray, which contains flour and is ideal for bundt pans or other non-flat pans.

Foil or Parchment Paper

If you want to lift your revel bars out of the pan easily, you can line your pan with foil or parchment paper before greasing it. This method ensures clean cuts and minimal mess.

Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil, or Coconut Oil

You can also use vegetable oil, olive oil, or coconut oil to grease your revel bar pan. However, it is not recommended to use these oils in combination with flour.

In summary, the best grease to use for a revel bar pan depends on your personal preference and the tools you have available. Common options include butter or shortening with flour, butter with sugar, non-stick cooking spray, foil or parchment paper, and vegetable, olive, or coconut oil.

Substitutes for grease in a revel bar pan

Greasing a pan is essential when baking to prevent your goods from sticking to the pan. While there are many ways to grease a pan, you may be looking for a substitute for the typical vegetable oil, butter, or shortening. Here are some substitutes for greasing a revel bar pan:

Vegetable Oil, Shortening, and Flour

A mixture of 1 part vegetable oil, 1 part shortening, and 1 part flour can create a non-stick surface. This combination is ideal for cakes, as it provides a barrier that adheres to the sides of the pan.

Non-Stick Spray

Non-stick cooking sprays are a convenient alternative to greasing a pan. These sprays often contain vegetable oil and lecithin, creating a non-stick surface. Additionally, there are specific baking sprays that contain flour, providing an even more effective barrier.

Butter

Butter is a traditional and effective substitute for greasing a pan. The fatty cells in butter create a non-stick coat, preventing your baked goods from sticking. This method is commonly used for recipes that call for a pan to be buttered, such as marshmallows.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil can be used on its own as a substitute for greasing a pan. Simply pour some vegetable oil onto a paper towel and rub it along the sides and bottom of the pan to ensure an even coating. This method is suitable for brownies, bars, and cookies.

Bacon Fat

For those who enjoy the flavour of bacon, bacon fat can be used as a substitute for greasing a pan. While it may not be the most versatile option, it can add a unique savoury twist to your baked goods.

How to avoid a greasy revel bar pan

Greasing a pan is essential when baking to ensure your goods don't stick. However, there are ways to avoid a greasy revel bar pan. Firstly, it is important to note that revel bars are thick dessert bars with two layers of oatmeal bars and a thick layer of fudge in the middle. They are baked in a 9x13-inch pan, which can be lined with parchment paper. Lining the pan with parchment paper is an effective way to avoid greasing it. The paper creates a non-stick surface, allowing you to easily lift the revel bars out of the pan without any mess.

Another option is to use foil instead of parchment paper. This creates a similar non-stick surface and makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan. However, foil may not be as easily available in some regions as parchment paper.

If you don't have access to parchment paper or foil, you can try a cooking spray. These sprays are designed to create a non-stick surface on your pan. Look for a spray that contains flour, as this will further reduce the chances of sticking. Spray the entire inside of the pan, including the sides and bottom, and then simply bake your revel bars as usual.

Additionally, you can use a substitute for butter or shortening, such as coconut oil or bacon fat, which will provide a non-stick surface without the greasiness. Apply your chosen substitute generously to the entire inside of the pan, using your fingers to ensure an even coating.

Finally, if you want to avoid any grease at all, you can try using a silicone baking mat instead of greasing the pan. Silicone mats create a non-stick surface and are reusable, making them a convenient and environmentally friendly option.

Frequently asked questions