Emilie Meyer
Buttering a pan is a simple technique used by bakers to prevent batter from sticking to the sides and bottom of the pan. This technique, often paired with flouring, is commonly used for cakes to ensure they retain their shape and can be easily removed from the pan. There are several methods to butter a pan, including using a pastry brush, a paper towel, or your hands to apply softened or melted butter to the pan's surface. Additionally, parchment paper or wax paper can be used to line the pan before buttering, providing an extra layer of protection against sticking.
How to butter a pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why | To prevent cake batter from sticking to the pan |
| Tools | Pastry brush, paper towel, hands, plastic wrap, plastic bag |
| Butter temperature | Softened at room temperature or melted |
| Additional steps | Cut out parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan |
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What You'll Learn
Using your hands
Buttering a pan with your hands is a simple and effective method. Start by washing your hands and drying them thoroughly. Next, take a knob of butter and hold it in your dominant hand. Rub the butter all over the pan, ensuring you get into the corners and edges. You can use your fingers to butter the pan, or you can use the palm of your hand for a more even coating. The heat from your hands will help to melt the butter, making it easier to spread. Once the pan is evenly coated, use a paper towel to wipe away any excess butter.
However, it's important to be mindful of the temperature of the butter and the room. If your hands are too warm, the butter may melt too quickly, making it difficult to work with. In this case, you can try placing the butter in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up before continuing. Conversely, if the butter is too cold, it may be difficult to spread, so you can use the heat from your hands to gently warm it up.
Additionally, if you're concerned about mess or prefer to keep your hands clean, there are some alternative methods you can try. One option is to use a sandwich bag or plastic wrap. Place your hand inside the bag or wrap, then grab the butter and use your fingers to butter the pan. This way, your hands stay clean, and you still have the dexterity to reach into tight spaces.
Overall, buttering a pan with your hands is a straightforward and effective technique. It offers a level of precision that can be advantageous, especially for unique pan shapes and sizes. With a little practice, you can master this method and ensure your baked goods release easily from the pan every time.
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Using a pastry brush
Step 1: Choose the Right Brush
Select a brush with natural bristles, such as boar's bristle, for your pastry brush. These brushes are versatile and work perfectly for applying butter. If you choose a silicone brush, look for one with thin, round bristles for more precision and control. Consider the handle length, too; a long-handled brush is safer if you're working with hot products, while a short handle gives you better control for detailed work.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter
Melt your butter before using it. You can do this by placing it in the microwave or a small saucepan. Melting the butter will help minimize the risk of your baked goods sticking to the pan. If you're in a hurry, you can use softened butter at room temperature, but make sure it's soft enough to brush on easily.
Step 3: Brush the Pan
Dip your pastry brush into the melted butter and start painting it onto the pan. Brush the butter evenly and thoroughly across the surface, making sure to get into all the corners and edges. This will ensure that your baked goods don't stick and will give them an even colour.
Step 4: Clean the Brush
After using your pastry brush, be sure to clean it properly. Hand wash the brush with warm water and dish detergent immediately after use. Pay special attention to the base of the brush, ensuring no food or grease remains where the bristles meet the handle. Rinse and sanitise the brush, then leave it to air dry in a clean place.
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Using a paper towel
To start, take a paper towel and a pat of room-temperature butter, or vegetable shortening, and rub it all around the pan. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and coat the entire surface of the pan. If you are using butter, it can help to melt it for a few seconds in the microwave first, then tilt the pan so that the butter hits all the corners. You can also dip the paper towel in the butter and then rub it around the pan.
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Using a sandwich bag
First, get a sandwich bag and turn it inside out over your hand. This way, you can use your fingers to butter the pan effectively. It is a good idea to wash your hands before doing this. The natural heat from your hands will help melt the butter, making it easier to spread and allowing it to get into all the corners of the pan.
Next, grab some butter and dip your hand into it. You can also use shortening instead of butter. Make sure you have coated your hand and then use your fingers to rub the butter onto the pan. This method ensures that you can reach all the nooks and crannies of the pan, creating an even layer of butter.
If you have a ziplock sandwich bag, you can also try a slightly different approach. Place some butter or shortening inside the bag and then seal it. Dip your pan into the bag and coat it with the butter. This method might be more suitable for pans with deeper grooves or unusual shapes that are harder to butter using the first method.
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Using melted butter
Buttering a pan with melted butter can be done in several ways. One way is to melt the butter in a microwave and then tilt the pan so that the butter coats the surface. Alternatively, you can use a pastry brush, a piece of paper towel, or your fingers to apply the melted butter to the pan. If you are using your fingers, it is recommended to wear a sandwich or plastic bag over your hand to avoid a mess.
When melting butter, it is important to note that it is an emulsion of milk fat and water. As the butter heats up, the two components will begin to separate. You will notice white flecks floating on the surface of a yellowish liquid. These white flecks are the milk solids or fat component of the butter. If you continue to heat the butter, it will go through different stages, eventually turning a golden brown colour and developing a nutty and bold flavour. This is called "browned butter" and is a result of the milk solids browning. It is important not to burn the milk solids as this will affect the flavour of your dish.
To brown butter, cut the butter into small pieces and place them in a light-coloured pan over medium heat. Stir the butter continuously to prevent it from burning. After a few minutes, the butter will begin to foam and sizzle. Keep stirring, and in about 5 to 8 minutes, the butter will turn golden brown. At this point, remove the pan from the heat as the milk solids will continue to brown even after removing the pan from the heat.
Browning butter adds a nutty and rich caramel-like flavour to your dishes. It can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes, such as pasta sauces and cookies. If your recipe calls for melted butter, you can use browned butter without changing the proportions. Simply brown the required amount of butter and proceed with the rest of your recipe as usual.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to butter a pan. You can use your hands, a pastry brush, or a piece of paper towel to apply soft butter to the pan. Alternatively, melt the butter with a few seconds in the microwave, then tilt the pan so it hits all the corners.
Buttering a pan is a good way to prevent cakes from sticking to the pan. It is recommended to use butter and flour, or butter and parchment paper, to line the pan before pouring in the batter.
Besides butter, you can use vegetable shortening, oil, or a baking spray to grease a pan.
Pans used for cakes, loaf cakes, Babka, and sponge cakes should be buttered and lined with parchment paper. For bread, it is not necessary to butter the pan or line it with parchment paper.
