Bundt Pans: Everything Old Is New Again
If you thought there'd be nothing new to say about Bundt cake pans, you'd be wrong. Sure, Nordic Ware has been producing them since 1946, and their classic pan has looked more-or-less the same through the years. But, with Nordic Ware's recent makeover of their classic, bestselling pan, everything old is new again.
Considering myself somewhat of a Bundt afficionado, I was game to try the new pan, though, frankly, couldn't see how much could be improved upon the model I'd been using for years, which was nonstick, cooked evenly, and was easy to clean. As it turned out, I was completely wowed by the new pan!
The pan, part of Nordic Ware's Platinum Collection, now sports a shimmery inner nonstick coating, that by far, produces the most perfect-looking cake I have ever seen. After unmolding my cake, I actually gaped at its perfection, then summoned my husband to take a look--just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. The surface of the cake was so smooth and even, it was almost as if it had a mirror finish.
Inside and out, the pan's heavy cast-aluminum composition make for extremely consistent baking. I also appreciated the larger handles on this model, making it so easy to move from oven to counter, not to mention when turning out the still-hot cake.
The Platinum Collection also boasts an array of other shapes and sizes, including the interesting Kugelhopf shape that makes a very tall and elegant cake. I test drove this pan with Nordic Ware's Caramel Apple Spice cake mix, one of several other mixes now available from Nordic Ware, including Sticky Toffee Pudding, Tunnel of Fudge, and Zesty Lemon. The pan's nonstick coating impressed yet again, and the apple cake was a hit with friends and family. The package includes a recipe for a quick caramel sauce to pour over the cooled cake. I made the sauce, and it was a delicious accent, though the cake itself was moist enough that it didn't need any frosting at all. Another winner from Nordic Ware!
Cake prep shown here on the Tom Douglas by Pinzon Prep-and-Serve Board.
--KitchenMaus
Melissa Trainer on October 22, 2009 at 07:32 PM
KitchenMaus,
I love Bundt pans as well. I have a large collection that I've cobbled together over the years. I've purchased some new and others I've snagged at estate sales and thrift stores.
I believe Bundt pans are still made right here in the US and for that reason I try to use/purchase them often! I love them because the intricate patterns turn a basic batter into something special! Thanks for a fun post!
Melissa A. Trainer