There’s nothing more exciting than baking something and having it turn out picture-perfect like the photos you see on Instagram. Clean, crisp edges, perfectly fluffy buttercream, ethereal swoops and swirls, and decorations that could only be classified as edible art. It’s incredibly satisfying when it all comes together, but can be oh so elusive for the average home baker. Sure, we’re not all food stylists, but that doesn’t mean we want our baked goods to look like we’re auditioning to be on an episode of Nailed It!
We get it, it’s all in the technique, but who made the technique so gosh darn difficult? Why do we need to worry about flour’s protein content and whether or not we’re using room temperature eggs? It’s almost like it’s a science or something! Spoiler: it actually is. Regardless, we’ll keep trying no matter how many hideous cakes we have to bake, because at the very least, they’ll be delicious—and at the most, they’ll look like pieces that should be on display in a museum.
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When it comes to something like cheesecake, for example, there are a few things that set elite cheesecakes apart from their more humble counterparts. Flavor and texture matter first and foremost, but appearance is just as important when you’re talking about something as unassuming as cheesecake. An even, leveled top without any cracks displays a deft understanding of technique and lets you know that the luscious creamy batter is the same consistency the whole way through.
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Sharp, distinct edges equate to visually appealing slices that look like they came from Cheesecake Factory or Junior’s instead of your home kitchen. It’s a whole thing, but you get the gist. Achieving Pinterest-worthy looks, though, isn’t always easy and sometimes requires some helpful equipment to make your expectations become a reality. Enter: Aldi’s Crofton Springform Small Baking Pan.
Crofton Springform Small Baking Pan, $3.99 at Aldi
This essential addition to your culinary arsenal will make perfect cheesecakes—and anything else, for that matter—a regular occurrence and not just a fleeting fantasy. Made of durable carbon steel, this baking must-have is oven safe up to 450°F and comes in gold, gray, and green colorways. The sturdy springform latch makes it easy to release once your baked goods are done, and all it takes is a simple hand wash to clean.
Why Springform Baking Pans Work
While springform pans can come in a variety of sizes, this smaller one from Aldi is perfect if you’re just baking for one. Best of all, you’ll only have to part with $3.99 to get it, and at that price, we’ll probably end up buying one in every color. But why does it matter to use a springform pan anyway? For starters, they’re great for more delicate bakes like cheesecake to help them hold their shape, and they’re incredibly versatile, whether you’re whipping up cinnamon rolls or ice cream cake.
Additionally, their removable sides that detach from the base make it easy to unmold your sweets without destroying their showstopping good looks, and you can often use them in a water bath, which further guarantees you get the breathtaking final appearance you’re after. How’s that for a boost of confidence? Maybe we can make a career in food styling after all. Of course, Nailed It! is still very much an option.
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