'Springform' Pan?

A springform pan is a special sort of cake pan. A standard pan is made in one piece (or close to it), as you know. A springform pan is made in two pieces - made so that the side comes completely apart from the bottom, and yet the pan doesn't leak when it's used.

Don't feel dumb. I had to ask the same questions when I came across a springform recipe! I happened to find such a pan at one of the local thrift stores, and found it easy to use.

When you make other cakes you usually use a pan where you turn the cake upside down on a rack to cool or plate so you can decorate it.

When making a cheesecake you don't flip it out. You have to serve it face up. So when you use a springform pan the sides basically peel off and it leaves the cheese cake sitting on the bottom of the pan. You can easily slide it off onto the serving plate.

It also has a latch on the side that allows the form to open and release the cake. Cheesecakes are very fragile and would break if you tried to take them out of the pan - this allows the pan to unwrap from the cake, essentially.

Examples: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=289683

This is a springform. And yes, to make cheesecake, you'll want one. http://whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/SpringForm.htm

Google

http://www.amazon.com/Kaiser-Bakeware-LaForme-Rectangular...

You've gotten a lot of answers on what the pan is. I just wanted to add that it's best to invest in a quality pan and not buy the cheapest one you find. There is a big difference in quality and it will make a difference on how your cake turns out.

A 9 1/2" springform pan will be labeled 9" when you go shopping.

I has a removable bottom. So you an release the cheesecake without wrecking it. That particular size is more unusual, though. Most are 9 or 10 inches round.

It's a pan whereby you can remove the bottom.. Which if you'll notice when you've had cheesecake,the side are all cream? Well the springform pan will allow you to take a softer cake (such as a cheesecake) out of the pan without having to scrape the sides as you would in a regular cake..

look online like say YouTube or Martha Stewert and they will have videos as to how one pops the cake out... they are convenient pans and easy to use.. so don't worry..

good luck :)

You can get a good springform pan from Wilton's or any store that sells their products, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Carrot cheesecake sounds good...enjoy.

It is a pan with a bottom and a collar - that you release. Pampered Chef has an awesome springform pan - and yes, I sell Pampered Chef. contact me at ____@____.com

If you don't have one, you can cheat by lining a 9" or 10" pan with parchment paper (leave some excess over the top). After the cheesecake cools you can just lift it out of the pan. Good luck, sounds yummy.