Greasing Nordic Ware: The Best Method

Nordic Ware is a popular cookware and bakeware company that has been in business since 1946. Their products are known for their durability and non-stick surfaces. When it comes to greasing a Nordic Ware pan, the method you use depends on the type of pan and its intended use. For example, cast aluminium and aluminised steel bakeware should be washed with warm soapy water before first use and maintained with vegetable oil or butter. For stove-top cooking, a light coating of vegetable oil or butter is recommended, while for oven baking, a non-stick baking spray or a combination of fat and flour can be used. For intricate designs, a non-stick baking spray is ideal for ensuring all spaces are covered.

How to Grease a Nordic Ware Pan

The best fats to grease a Nordic Ware pan

To prepare your Nordic Ware pan, you should first wash it in warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Then, using a pastry brush, spread a little vegetable oil or butter on the base of the pan. You can also use a silicone brush for this step. If you are using butter, wait for the bubbles to subside before adding your cooking ingredients. If you are using oil, wait until the oil shimmers.

You can also use the "fat plus flour" method, which involves coating the pan with butter, shortening, or oil, and then dusting it with flour. This creates a non-stick layer between the pan and the batter, almost guaranteeing the cake's release. You can also use sugar instead of flour, which will create a crisp sugary crust on the finished cake. However, this method is best for cakes that will not be frosted or glazed.

Another option is to make a pan release paste by mixing equal parts shortening and flour and adding a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. This can be applied to the pan with a pastry brush and stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to a month.

How to grease intricate designs

Greasing a Nordic Ware pan with intricate designs can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can ensure your cake releases cleanly from the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grease intricate designs in a Nordic Ware pan:

Step 1: Choose the Right Grease

It is important to select a suitable grease or spray for your Nordic Ware pan. Nordic Ware recommends using a non-stick baking spray, specifically those with flour in them, such as "Baker's Joy" or "Pam for Baking". These sprays are designed to get into all the nooks and crannies of intricate designs. If you prefer not to use a spray, you can opt for a traditional fat like butter, vegetable shortening, or vegetable oil.

Step 2: Prepare Your Grease

If you choose to use butter or another solid fat, you will need to melt it before applying it to the pan. Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly before using a pastry brush to apply it to the pan. For vegetable oil, you can pour a small amount directly into the pan and use a pastry brush to coat the surface evenly.

Step 3: Apply the Grease

Hold the spray can about 8 to 10 inches away from the pan and spray thoroughly but not too heavily. Ensure you get into all the crevices and details of the intricate design. If using a brush and fat, brush the fat onto the pan, making sure to get into all the grooves and details. You can also use a paper towel or your fingertips, but a brush will give you more precise coverage.

Step 4: Use Flour or Cocoa Powder

After greasing the pan, dust the surface lightly with flour. For cakes with a darker exterior, such as chocolate cakes, dust the pan with cocoa powder instead. This step helps create a protective barrier that will ensure the cake releases from the pan easily.

Step 5: Tap Out Excess

Once you have greased and floured the pan, turn it over and gently tap it on a countertop to remove any excess flour or grease. This will help ensure a clean release and prevent any clumps from forming.

Step 6: Let the Batter Settle

After pouring the batter into the pan, let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking. This will allow the batter to settle into the intricate details of the pan, ensuring your cake has a beautiful, detailed design.

By following these steps, you can confidently bake cakes in your Nordic Ware pan with intricate designs, knowing that your cake will release cleanly and showcase the stunning pattern.

The importance of timing when greasing a pan

The timing of greasing a pan is crucial to the success of your bake. Greasing a pan too early can cause the oil to slide down the pan and pool at the bottom, which will affect the quality of your bake. It is best to grease your pan just before adding the batter.

When using a non-stick pan, it is especially important to time the greasing correctly. A non-stick pan that has been greased too early may cause the oil to slide down the pan, leaving a pool at the bottom. This can cause issues with your bake, as the oil is no longer providing a barrier between the pan and the batter.

If you are using a Bundt pan, it is important to note that the cake is baked upside down and will need to be inverted after cooling. This means that any toppings or fillings need to be placed in the pan first. The timing of adding these elements is crucial to the success of your bake, as it will affect the overall structure and design of your cake.

Additionally, the timing of removing your cake from the pan is critical. Allowing the cake to cool for too long can cause the sugars to set and harden, making it difficult to remove the cake from the pan. On the other hand, removing the cake from the pan too early can cause tearing or crumbling. It is important to follow the recommended cooling time of 7-10 minutes before attempting to remove the cake from the pan.

In summary, the timing of greasing a pan, adding toppings or fillings, and removing the cake from the pan are all crucial factors in achieving a successful bake. By following the recommended timings, you can ensure that your cake releases cleanly from the pan and maintains its desired structure and design.

The best tools for greasing a Nordic Ware pan

Greasing a Nordic Ware pan is essential to ensure that the cake doesn't stick to the pan and to create a nonstick layer between the pan and the batter. While Nordic Ware pans are known for their premium non-stick interior coating, the right tools and techniques are crucial to achieve the perfect cake release. Here are some of the best tools for greasing a Nordic Ware pan:

Pastry Brush

A pastry brush is a versatile tool that can be used to spread melted butter, vegetable oil, or a pan-release paste onto the pan. The bristles of the brush help deposit the grease into every nook and cranny of the pan, ensuring an even and thorough coating. This is especially important for intricate Bundt pan designs. When using a pastry brush, ensure that the grease is evenly distributed and that there are no clumps or excessive amounts.

Baking Spray

A baking spray, such as "Baker's Joy" or "Pam for Baking," is a convenient option that combines grease and flour in one product. These sprays are designed to be used on baking pans and can help you achieve a nonstick surface. Hold the spray can about 8 to 10 inches away from the pan and spray thoroughly but not too heavily. After spraying, use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating and to smooth out any lumps. Avoid using regular cooking spray, as it can leave a sticky residue on the pan and is not suitable for releasing sugars.

Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable shortening, such as "Crisco," can be applied with your fingertips or a paper towel, but a pastry brush is more effective for detailed pans. It creates a thin, protective layer on the pan, providing a nonstick surface for your cake. After applying the shortening, dust the pan lightly with flour or cocoa powder, depending on the colour of your cake batter. This combination of grease and flour helps create a barrier that almost guarantees the cake's release.

Nordic Ware Bundt Cleaning Tool

While not specifically for greasing, the Nordic Ware Bundt Cleaning Tool is a valuable addition to your arsenal. This 3-in-1 tool includes an angled brush, a flat scraper, and a pointed pick, making it perfect for intricate Nordic Ware pans. It can help you reach every corner and crevice, ensuring your pan is thoroughly greased and also makes cleaning much easier.

How to grease a pan without using aerosol spray

Greasing a pan is an important step in baking, as it ensures your baked goods don't stick to the pan. Here are some ways to grease a pan without using aerosol spray:

Butter or Shortening and Flour

This is a traditional method that has been used for generations. You can use either butter or shortening, whichever you have on hand. If using butter, simply run the stick of butter around the bottom and sides of the pan. If using shortening, or if your butter is in a tub, use a paper towel to wipe it all over the pan.

Next, add a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour to the pan. Rotate and tap the pan until the flour covers every greased surface. You can discard any excess flour. This method works well for cakes, and if you're making a layer cake, you can cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan for extra assurance that your cake will come out easily.

Cooking Oil

Commercial cooking sprays are often made with cooking oil, so it makes sense that you can use oil as a substitute. Use a basting brush to spread cooking oil on your pan. Vegetable oils like canola oil or avocado oil are good choices because they have neutral flavours and high smoke points.

You can also pour the oil directly onto the pan and spread it with your hands or a paper towel. If you're using olive oil, be aware that it will add a peppery, tangy, and slightly nutty taste to your food.

Lard or Bacon Fat

Lard is practically tasteless, so it's a good option for all types of baking. Bacon fat, on the other hand, is meaty and aromatic, so it will infuse its flavour into your baked goods. If you're looking to add a slightly meaty taste to your treats, bacon fat is a good option.

Parchment Paper

If you don't want to use any grease at all, you can simply use parchment paper. Parchment paper has a silicone non-stick coating and comes in convenient rolls that you can cut to the size you need. Your baked goods will slide off the parchment paper easily, and it also makes cleaning your pan a bit easier.

Frequently asked questions