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Although all desserts are welcome at my table, there is no doubt that the cheesecake is a special one. Cheesecakes are usually made with springform pans, however, I’ve always wondered if it is possible to make them without using springform pans. This led me down a cheesecake-making adventure of a lifetime!
As a general rule, you can bake a cheesecake without a springform pan by using a regular baking pan, silicone pan, glass pan, disposable foil pan, or aluminum cake pan. A springform pan can help remove the cheesecake easier, however, it is not essential to use for baking cheesecake.
You can bake a cheesecake without a springform pan. In fact, you can bake a cheesecake with the tools you likely already have in your kitchen. I learned that it is important to know how to bake a cheesecake in other pans in order to be able to bake the perfect cheesecake every time!
Can I Make a Cheesecake Without a Springform Pan?
If you’re looking to bake different-sized cheesecakes, I found the perfect 3 piece set of Springform Pans that I recently got for myself! This 3-piece set comes with 4, 7, and 9-inch Nonstick Springform Pans, which you can check out on Amazon!
As a whole, you can bake a cheesecake without a springform pan. Use other alternative pans with specific instructions to bake a cheesecake. While a springform pan makes decorating and displaying a cheesecake much easier than using other pans, it is not an essential tool.
One of the ways that making cheesecake is different from other cakes is the traditional use of a springform pan.
Although most traditional cheesecake recipes call for the dish to be baked in a springform pan, you can make a cheesecake without one. When making cheesecake, you do not have to incorporate special baking equipment. Cheesecake can be made with many of the same kitchen cookware that you use every day.
When making cheesecakes, I have used springform pans, silicone cake pans, and disposable foil pans. Each of these methods has resulted in equally delicious desserts that my friends and family have loved.
What Are Springform Pans and What Are They Used For?
Springform pans are cake pans that come with a removable ring and a solid base. These types of pans are primarily used for baking cakes. Many cooks prefer to use springform pans because removing the ring makes cutting a cake easier than if you choose to use a solid cake pan.
With a springform pan, you do not have to completely remove the cheesecake from the pan in order to cut the dish. This is a major advantage for cheesecake bakers because it prevents breaks and creases in the cake’s form.
In addition to a cheesecake, you can use a springform pan for the following types of dishes:
- Frozen desserts
- Ice cream cakes
- Deep dish pizzas
- Pot pies
- Some types of casseroles
- Tarts
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Bake A Cake In A Water Bath. I recently wrote an article about The Do’s and Dont’s of Baking A Cake In A Water Bath. You can find this article here!
I typically use a springform pan for both cheesecakes and delicate dishes such as quiches. I cannot turn these dishes upside down in order to remove them from the pan, so a springform works best due to its removable ring.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Springform Pan for Cheesecake?
As a general rule, you can bake a cheesecake without a springform pan by using a regular baking pan, silicone pan, glass pan, disposable foil pan, or aluminum cake pan. With specific instructions, a cheesecake can be made using these pans instead of a springform pan.
Essentially, if you have another pan in your kitchen that you use for baking cakes, you can use it to bake a cheesecake.
- Use a Silicone Pan
- Use a Glass Pan
- Use a Disposable Foil Pan
- Use an Aluminum Cake Pan
- Use a Bundt Pan
Each of these pans has its own pros and cons. The pan that I use will depend upon the occasion and the other types of dishes I am making. Once you have made a cheesecake in a few of these dishes, you can decide which one you prefer.
*By the way, you also might be wondering Why Your Cheesecake Mixture Might Become Curdled. I recently wrote an article that explains exactly why your cheesecake mixture is curdled and what to do to fix it. You can check out this article here!
Baking a Cheesecake in a Silicone Pan
Baking a cheesecake in a silicone pan has the distinct advantage that it will allow you to sit the cake into a water bath without any water getting to the cheesecake.
Baking a cheesecake in a water bath allows the cheesecake’s texture to be smooth and the cooking to be even. Traditional springform pans must be wrapped around the base to ensure that no water gets into the cheesecake.
Once the cheesecake is done, you can simply place the silicone pan into the freezer. This will allow you to remove the finished cheesecake from the mold after it is frozen.
I especially like this method when I want a special design for my cheesecake. Silicone molds make it possible to have heart-shaped and flower-shaped cheesecakes that I love serving to my friends on a hot day.
*Side Note: If you are lacking baking equipment in your kitchen, I recommend for you to consider getting yourself some Silicone Molds. Silicone Bakeware has all types of molds including Silicone Cake Pan, Muffin Tins, Bundt pans, and so much more. I recently wrote an article explaining Tips For Using Silicone Molds which you can find here!
Baking a Cheesecake in a Glass Pan
FAQ: Can I make a cheesecake in a glass pan?
Glass pans can be used to bake a cheesecake as long as you reduce the temperature in your recipe by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Glass pans provide greater insulation of heat, so they can burn the cheesecake on the sides and bottom if you do not lower the heat.
I usually specifically look for Glass Baking Pans that are allowed to be used in the oven. I recently came across a Set of Glass Pie plates for Baking Pie on Amazon that works great for baking pies! You can check out this Glass Pie Pan Set here!
Reducing the temperature can help reduce the possibility of this happening.
The major benefit of using a glass baking pan to cook your cheesecake is that you can serve the dish in the same container. Glass cookware often looks more elegant than other types of cookware, and the beauty of your dish will be on full display.
For my personal cheesecakes, I prefer to use glass cookware when I am making a cheesecake with a simple topping, such as fruit.
*By the way, if you’re wondering How To Properly Grease a Glass Pan Before Using It, I recently wrote an article that talks about The Best Way To Grease a Glass Baking Pan. You can check out this article here!
Baking a Cheesecake in Disposable Foil Pans
Disposable foil pans are a great substitute for springform pans because you can cut away the foil on the sides. To remove a cheesecake from a disposable foil pan, follow these steps:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the refrigerator
- Run a knife along the edges
- Carefully pull away the foil from the cheesecake
*By the way, one of the most important things to know after baking an amazing-looking cheesecake is How To Properly Cut it to Prevent it From Falling Apart. I wrote an article talking about The Right Way To Cut A Cheesecake, which you can find here!
I like to use disposable foil pans when I am taking a cake to a potluck or holiday gathering. This way I do not have to worry about bringing the dish home with me.
Another bonus of using disposable foil pans is the fact that foil pans are easy to clean
Baking a Cheesecake in Aluminum Cake Pans
Aluminum pans conduct heat perfectly in order to serve as a springform pan substitute. These types of pans are preferred by bakers when making many types of cakes, due to the way that heat is evenly distributed.
If you do not have a lot of baking tools, chances are good that you will have a traditional aluminum cake pan. Use this dish to cook your cheesecake in, and parchment paper can help you remove the cake from the pan once it has cooled.
I often prepare cheesecakes in an aluminum cake pan if I decide to make a quick cheesecake on a Sunday afternoon.
Baking a Cheesecake in a Bundt Pan
Although not as common, when I have nothing else to use, I looked into using a bundt pan for my cheesecakes.
A Bundt cake pan is traditionally used to make angel food cake but can be a great tool for making cheesecake. Typically, a 10-inch pan is the best size Bundt pan to use.
A Bundt pan can make a fun presentation tool for your cheesecake, but if you want to remove the cheesecake from the pan, make sure you use parchment paper.
Using Bundt pans is my choice when I want to have a fun drizzle topping. A caramel sauce down the side of a cheesecake prepared in a Bundt pan is hard to beat.
How to Remove Cheesecake From a Regular Pan?
The best way to remove cheesecake from a regular pan is to use parchment paper. Before you pour the batter into the baking pan, add parchment paper. Once the cheesecake has finished and cooled, remove the entire cheesecake by lifting the parchment paper up from the sides.
Although this method took me time to get used to, I soon realized it was one of my favorite ways to bake a cheesecake. I often prefer this method over a springform pan.
*By the way, if you are interested in knowing how to get Stuck Parchment Off of Your Cake and how to Prevent It, I recently wrote an article about Removing Stuck Parchment Paper, which you can find here!
What Type of Adjustments Do You Need When Baking a Cheesecake in a Regular Pan?
When baking a cheesecake in a regular pan, you need to adjust the cooking time and place less batter in the pan. A springform pan is typically much taller than a regular cake pan, so the average cheesecake recipe will not fit a regular cake pan.
The best solution for baking a cheesecake in regular pans is to split the recipe into two parts and bake two smaller cheesecakes
Since you are baking cheesecakes in dishes that are more shallow, you also want to reduce the cooking times.
Cheesecakes that are cooked in regular baking pans will likely be done sooner than if you had made them in a springform pan.
*Side Note: If you’re looking to learn How to Decorate Your Cheesecake With Fruits The Right Way, It’s not as easy as you think. There are many ways in which you can decorate your cheesecake and you want to do it right. I wrote about it recently in my article that you can find here!
FAQs:
Can I use a regular cake pan instead of springform?
As a general rule, you can use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan to bake a cheesecake. Since it’ll be harder to remove a cheesecake from a regular cake pan than a springform pan, make sure to place parchment paper in the regular pan before baking the cheesecake.
How do you make a cheesecake in a regular pan?
As a general rule, when baking a cheesecake in a regular cake pan, you can reduce the baking time of the cheesecake to prevent it from burning onto the side of the pan. Place less batter in the regular cake pan and split the recipe into two parts to bake two smaller cheesecakes.
Is a springform pan necessary for cheesecake?
As a general rule, a springform pan is not necessary to use for baking a cheesecake. In comparison to other pans, a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake after it is already done. Small adjustment to the baking time is necessary when using other types of baking pans.
To Summarize…
Cheesecake takes a little bit more effort than a traditional cake, and that effort can definitely be tasted in every single bite! Learning how to bake cheesecake in multiple pans has helped me expand on my baking knowledge!
Now I know that I will be able to bake a cheesecake in almost any circumstance. I hope these tips have helped you in your cheesecake baking journey!
