Disposable aluminum pans have been available for generations and are popular with home bakers.
While nothing beats a high-quality metal or ceramic cake pan, if you’re in a rush or are baking for a party, a disposable pan makes a lot of sense.
Can you bake cheesecake in an aluminum pan?
Absolutely, in fact, you can use disposable aluminum pans for any of your cake recipes.
Can Aluminum Bakeware Cause Illness?
Aluminum is a common metal found not only in the ground but in many of the things that we eat.
There’s aluminum (in trace quantities) found in some brands of flour.
It is found in tea leaves.
Aluminum can even be found in the water that we drink.
Aluminum is a nonessential metal, meaning that we don’t need it in our diets.
But that doesn’t mean that it’s inherently dangerous.
In small quantities, like those that we are exposed to through food, utensils, and cookware, it’s considered safe.
That’s because the body can process aluminum before it is absorbed.
It is excreted like many of the other nondietary products that we are exposed to in day-to-day life.
Does Aluminum Cause Alzheimer’s?
Some people believe that aluminum can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
While there has been a lot of research surrounding this, the data is inconclusive.
Some studies suggest a link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, yet other studies suggest there is no connection.
Like many areas of health and science, the data still doesn’t create any type of conclusion for us.
Although, we can at least assume through studies and personal experience that aluminum is mostly safe.
You could also take some confidence from the fact that aluminum foil is approved by the U.S. FDA for food packaging, which indicates that aluminum is safe when exposed to a range of foods.
The Benefits of Cooking in Aluminum Foil Pans
Baking in an aluminum foil pan is all about convenience.
You won’t have to wash the pan afterward.
You can simply serve, enjoy, and then dispose of the pan.
This is perfect if you’re going to a picnic, heading to a potluck dinner, or if you’re serving guests for a party and don’t have enough bakeware available.
There are some minor adjustments you’ll need to make when baking cheesecake or any other cake in an aluminum pan, which we’ll explain below.
Keeping the Bottom from Sticking
Aluminum pans can cause sticking and burning, although it’s less of a problem with cheesecake.
Your cheesecake base will be made from Graham Crackers or similar biscuit ingredients, so it’s less likely to burn than a traditional cake where the batter is poured right in.
Still, to reduce the risk, you can line the bottom of the aluminum pan with some baking paper.
Cut the paper to shape with kitchen scissors, and then assemble the crust of your cheesecake.
This If You Care Parchment Baking Paper is made from unbleached paper coated in silicon, so it’s free of the toxic materials used in standard baking paper.
Baking Cheesecake in Aluminum Pans
Baking a cheesecake in an aluminum pan is possible, but there are a few things to consider to ensure the best results:
- Pan Size and Type
Choose a sturdy aluminum pan that is the right size for your cheesecake recipe.
The pan should have high sides to accommodate the height of the cheesecake.
- Lining the Pan
Line the bottom of the aluminum pan with parchment paper.
This will help prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove.
- Greasing the Pan
Even if the pan is made of aluminum, it’s a good idea to grease it lightly to further prevent sticking.
- Baking Time and Temperature
Keep an eye on the baking time and temperature.
Cheesecakes are sensitive to temperature variations, so make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.
- Water Bath
Consider using a water bath during baking.
This involves placing the aluminum pan with the cheesecake into a larger pan filled with hot water.
The water bath helps regulate the temperature and reduces the risk of cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
- Cooling
Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Once it’s done baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly.
Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for some time before transferring it to the countertop.
- Removing the Cheesecake
When it’s time to remove the cheesecake from the pan, run a knife around the edges to loosen it.
If you lined the bottom with parchment paper, this should make it easier to lift the cheesecake out of the pan.
Remember that aluminum pans may conduct heat differently than other types of pans, so keep a close eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking.
Additionally, adjustments may be needed based on your specific recipe and the characteristics of the aluminum pan you’re using.
Choosing the Right Pan
For the best cheesecake, you’ll need an aluminum foil pan with a large, rounded bottom, although a rectangular pan could work in a pinch.
Avoid pans with bottoms that are significantly smaller than the top, because you’ll miss out on having all that fantastic base with every slice.
- These 6” Round Tin Foil Cake Pans are just an inch smaller on the bottom than the top, so they’re perfect for cheesecake and other cakes, pies, and quiches.
- If you want a rectangular option, consider these Aluminum Disposable Foil Pans. They’re ideal for cakes, grilled and roasted meat, pasta bakes, or anything else that you want to cook in a disposable pan.
Easy Baking with Disposable Aluminum Foil Pans
You can bake cheesecake in an aluminum pan.
Any cake recipe can be prepared with a disposable aluminum cake pan.
A lot of times it simply makes sense, so don’t be afraid to pull out a disposable pan next time you are inspired to bake something wonderful.
