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    Home > Baking Information

    Published: May 16, 2022 · Modified: Apr 14, 2023 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Spooning the Crust

    Sealing the Crust to the side of the pan

    Spooning the crust is something we did at the bakery which saved many a product when we released it from the pan.  This tip will keep your end product looking pristine after releasing it.

    Pre-baked crusts can have a gap between the pan the and crust. When a topping is added it can often leak down into that gap making it difficult to release. The technique I came up with at the bakery solves the problem enabling it to be released cleanly and easily.

    Where does leaking happen

    Cheesecakes, lemon bars and other bar type cookies are good candidates for spooning the crust.  I mention it in my latest book, Craving Cookies.  It’s simple and effective.  Examples of  this technique on my blog can be found in Pecan Bars, Updated Lemon bars, Sour Cream Cheesecake and Apple Crisp Cheesecake.  

    how to bake better custard
    Baking gets better when you subscribe

    Baking gets better when you subscribe to receive this PDF on getting the most out of baking including information on equipment, ingredients and baking equipment.

    Spooning the Crust fixes that problem

    Immediately after the crust is baked or partially baked, use the back tip of a spoon to reattach the crust to the side of the pan by gently pushing the crust back to the edge of the pan. Simply place the tip of the spoon between the gap and the crust. Drag it straight down the edge of the pan with a bit of pressure and the crust will adhere.   This will prevent the liquid ingredients from seeping down the pulled away edges of the crust.

    Sealing the crust with a spoon

    Unbaked Crusts

    This technique can also be used to make sure a crust is tightly pressed against the side of the pan even if it isn't being baked such as a graham cracker crust.

    Spooning the Crust
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    1. Susan says

      February 11, 2023 at 8:34 am

      Fantastic idea! Thank you so much!

      Reply
    2. gayle r tucker says

      May 16, 2022 at 5:37 pm

      Great suggestion. I will use it time and again

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        May 16, 2022 at 10:28 pm

        Hi Gayle - such a little thing for a big improvement.

        Reply
    3. Nikki P says

      May 16, 2022 at 10:46 am

      I first tried this when making America's Test Kitchen Millionaire's Shortbread bars. And after that I have tried doing it with other bars. Have not tried it with Cheesecake but I will next time. Great article, I love your blog. Your suggestions are always spot on.

      Reply
      • Helen S Fletcher says

        May 16, 2022 at 4:25 pm

        Thanks Nikki. I appreciate that. There are so many little things we did at the bakery to make things easier, faster and better. I try to pass them along.

        Reply

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