When I asked on Twitter what kitchen tools people needed help with, Hillary spoke up quickly and said her springform pan.
To be honest, I had to do some research for this post. I don't use my springform pan that often. This is the first time I've written a post for something that is often stuck in the back of my cupboard, but I have a feeling I'll be getting it out a little more often from now on.
10 Recipes to Make with a Springform Pan
- Cheesecake. I feel totally lame making this part of my list, but most kinds of cheesecake require a springform pan. Some of my favorites are orange chocolate cheesecake, candy cane cheesecake, and cherry cordial brownie cheesecake.
- Cheese pie. This is totally different from cheesecake. It's a savory dish that I saw for the first time on The Today Show nearly 10 years ago. If you've never had a Torta Rustica or a cheese pie, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It's amazing, heavy, and delicious.
- Ice cream cake. You can make your own ice cream cake just like the fancy stores do. Soften your ice cream slightly in the refrigerator, smooth it into the springform pan (covered with plastic wrap, just to be safe), and then freeze the pan. Repeat with the next layer and the next, until the cake pan is full. When the whole thing is frozen solid, remove the sides of the pan and serve.
- Flourless chocolate cake. I've only ever made this once, but the recipe called for it to cook in a springform pan. The resulting cake is almost like fudge, dense and sweet. It's amazing.
- Coffee cake. Any coffee cake recipe will bake nicely in the springform pan. Almost any cake or brownie recipe will (even angel food), too. Having the sides pop off easily means that you don't have to invert your cake as you would with a regular cake pan. The top will stay the top.
- Stuffed pizza. I think this is a fabulous idea, using the springform pan to make a deep dish pizza.
- Bread pudding. I found a recipe for pumpkin bread pudding on BettyCrocker.com that is made in a springform pan. It sounds so good that I might make it this very weekend. Forget the weekend. Maybe tomorrow.
- Fruit tart. Any recipe that uses a crumb crust that's pressed into the pan is perfect for a springform pan. The pan allows the crust to release easily from the sides for serving without mangled. One of my favorites is Banana Cream Supreme.
- 7 Layer Dip. Layer the following, trying to keep each layer smooth and even: 1 pound of ground beef, cooked with one diced onion and taco seasoning, refried beans, shredded cheese, tomatoes, black olives, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Crown of Jewels dessert. This is an old recipe that is really impressive. The day before you need it, prepare one small box each of orange, cherry, lime, and blackberry Jello with 1 cup of boiling water and ½ cup of cold water.
When ready to make the dessert, cut the prepared Jello into ½-inch cubes. Set aside a few of each color for a garnish. Stir 1 cup of boiling water and ¼ cup sugar into one small package of lemon Jello. Allow it to cool for 2-4 minutes, then stir in ½ cup of pineapple or orange juice. Refrigerate for ½ hour. Add 8 ounces of whipped topping and mix well. Very gently, stir in pre-made Jello cubes and pour into springform pan. Chill at least 4 hours or until set. Garnish with additional whipped topping and reserved Jello cubes.
When you're about to remove the sides of a springform pan, you should run a spatula or knife around the pan, between the food and pan edge. This will allow the pan to release more easily.
What do you use your springform pan for?
Have you seen the rest of the series?
- 10 Things to Make with a Bundt Pan
- 10 Things to Make with a Muffin Pan
- 10 Foods and 10 Crafts to Make with Cookie Cutters
- 10 Things to Make with a Scoop
- 10 Things to Make with a Mandoline
Marbel says
Great ideas! I rarely use my springform but I will have to pull it out after reading this!
Janna says
I had no idea I could use my pan for so many things! I just bought it for cheesecake.
I was at the gym walking and getting caught up on Parents magazine and saw YOU! So awesome! I grabbed the magazine and was celebrating for you. I probably looked a little weird but hey that's really cool:)
kelly says
Great ideas!!
ohamanda {impress your kids} says
I don't even think I knew what that thing was before I read this! Love it!
Tammy L says
I love my springform pans! We use them for cheesecakes (of course) as well as this yummy New Year's Apple Challah which is made in the traditional round pan shape for the Jewish new year in the fall. 🙂
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/new_years_apple_challah
It's soooo yummy... Joshua likes it with cream cheese frosting on top. 🙂
Anonymous says
I LOVE cream cheese frosting! That sounds absolutely fabulous, we'll have to try it. Thanks for leaving a suggestion!
Kate says
Love the seven-layer dip idea. My springform pan should not talk to me when I unearth it from the closet. I've never used it ONCE. Neglected pan.
Trina says
I think I've used mine twice in the 8 years I've owned mine! Thanks for the ideas!
Anonymous says
Mine leaks, too. I'm not sure what to do about it, aside from getting one that doesn't leak. 🙂 I put a pan underneath to catch the gunk that leaks out. Sorry I can't be more helpful!
Wendy Swerdlow Pederson says
Try flipping the bottom of the pan around the other way. That helped stop the leakage on my pans. I have good ones (Pampered Chef) and discount mega-retailer store brands, and that has helped the problem on both. Also, try making more of whatever your crust is and pressing it all the way up the sides but leaving it fairly thick all over, especially in the corners where the bottom meets the sides. This has helped a TON!
Heather says
Using this for an ice cream cake seems like sheer genius!
Roxanna Jolly says
My springform pans leak badly. Even with covering them in a layer of foil as recommended. Any tips for this common problem?
Adriel says
True: I was looking at my springform pan just a couple of days ago thinking I haven't used it in a long time. Wow! Could your post be more timely or what?! =) Great ideas! I'm visiting from Works for Me Wednesday and I'm a new follower. Happy Wednesday! =)
Susan says
I also use my springform pan to bake zucchini bread in. My recipes are more dessertlike than bread and also tend to stick when trying to remove from bread pans or bundt cake pans. Removable sides takes care of that problem and give a prettier presentation.
Tony U. says
I use mine for my bread dough, 2 lb loaf , great rise, nice round, does great!!!
jill Erickson says
I use a Springform pans for cream pies. Its so much easier for slicing n you can see the layers adding eye appeal!
Jeannine Ross says
I've seen people make lasagna and meatloaf in their pans. (Specifically, in their 6" or 7" pans inside their electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot)
Norma says
I love my springform pans! I just recently purchased a heart shaped one for a Valentine cheesecake.
Tara Ziegmont says
I've never seen a heart-shaped springform pan! Where did you find it?
Sandra Pilkinton says
I bought a 3 section springform pan and I don't know how to make a different flavored cheesecake in each section. I need recipes so that I can use the right amount of ingredients in each section. Can anyone help?
Tara Ziegmont says
I can't, but maybe another reader can help?
My best guess is to divide the recipe into thirds and use only 1/3 of each recipe.
Shirley says
What kind of jello did you use in the jewel jello? Because you added sugar to the lemon jello at the end?
Tara Ziegmont says
I just use plain old Jello from the grocery store. I buy whatever flavors I want to match the colors I need.