since so many people mentioned that they use a flower nail in their pans instead of a heating core, I was wondering when they use it ( size of pan) and just how it is placed.

can you tell I'm a newbie?


mommachris

Welcome!! I use the flower nail in my 10in or larger pans and I'll use two in some cases-like 11x15. Just make sure you grease and flour it well.

Wilton recommends using a heating core in any pan 10" or larger. I just use a flower nail placed upside down in the pan with the flat part of the flower nail resting on the bottom of the pan in the center. I coat the nail with cake release and it is easily removed from the cake when cooled.

I use the nail in anything bigger than a 9X11. You can use one or two nails in an 11X15. If using one nail, place it in the centre of the pan, if using two nails, mentally divide the pan into thirds and place the nails at 1/3 and 2/3. Make sure you cover the nail well with shortening and then lightly flour. After the cake is baked and turned onto a cooling rack, the nail will lift out easily leaving just a small hole where the nail was. No one will notice this in their piece of cake.

I find the nail really helps with even baking and helps the cake to rise evenly.

okay, jotted that down for future use.
Thank you ladies for answering my questions so promptly.

so much to learn so little time to bake.

chris

Just wanted to add that I have tried this flower nail trick and it really does work, although I seriously doubted it before actually attempting it. It does not leave a hole in the cake, either, it's a great trick of the trade!

Since I learned the nail trick, I use them in every size pan now and love it.

For the 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12, I use 1 nail.

14, 16 round, 9x13 and 11x15 sheet, I use two nails and the 16 sq. 3 nails.