A guide on how to use parchment paper for baking correctly

In this post, you will learn the difference between parchment paper, wax paper and butter paper. You will learn how to identify each paper correctly and I will guide you to use them correctly for your baking needs. Download my free guide on how to line different baking pans correctly for baking.

AUTHOR : KHUSHALI PATEL

*For the best results, read the entire post & follow the instructions.

Does your cake get horribly stuck to the pan even though you grease your pan well, with lots of butter and flour? Or you lined your cake pan with something that you thought was parchment paper? This can be an extremely stressful situation for you; it used to be the same for me as well.

However, there is a solution for this.

Learning how to identify and use each paper correctly will definitely solve this confusion for you.

But that is just a part of it.

In this post, I will not only guide you to identify and use parchment paper correctly but also teach you the differences between the various types of papers available in a bakery. This will not only help you make the best desserts possible but also make you an efficient and confident baker.

So, let’s get into it!

Majorly, there are two types of papers available in a bakery which are parchment paper and butter paper. Each are made differently with their own uses.
So, let’s talk about parchment paper first.

What is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper also known as baking paper or grease-proof paper, is a translucent paper that goes through a process where it’s coated with silicon, making it heat resistant (which can withstand heat up to 220°C). It is also non-stick, water-resistant and strong, which makes it an essential baking tool used in home bakeries as well as huge commercial bakeries. It can not only be used for baking but also for cooking.

Parchment paper comes in two varieties – bleached and unbleached. The bleached parchment paper is white while the unbleached is tan in colour. Although both are safe to use; people believe that the unbleached parchment paper contains fewer chemicals, but it’s not proven yet. For this reason, which you choose depends entirely on your choice as the baking results will be the same no matter what.

Although parchment paper can be used in place of butter paper, butter paper can never be used to substitute parchment paper.

Let me explain why.

What is Butter Paper?

Butter paper is also known as wax paper which is shiny and coated with wax. It is resistant to moisture which helps keep food fresh, but it is not heat resistant which means it can’t be used in ovens.

Why?

Because once the heat is applied to the paper the wax coating begins to melt and the food sticks to it after which it can’t be consumed. It can even ignite or cause a great deal of smoke. Butter paper is used to wrap or pack baked items to contain or leave out the moisture which keeps the food fresh for longer.

But there are a few uses for butter paper in baking as long as you keep it away from the oven, which are as follows:
1. You can wrap or pack baked dishes such as cookies with butter paper
2. Use it to line trays that will not be going into the oven

When can you use parchment paper?

The best part about parchment paper is that it can be used in baking as well as cooking in convection ovens, toaster ovens (also known as OTG) and microwave ovens. The only thing to pay attention to is the temperature of the oven. You can even use it as butter paper to pack or store your food.

However, remember that butter paper cannot be used like parchment paper.

Following are the ways you can use parchment paper while baking:

Sift your ingredients on the parchment paper

You can sift your dry ingredients onto the parchment paper so you won’t need to use or wash an extra bowl.

Weigh your ingredients on the parchment paper

You can weigh your ingredients on the parchment and easily transfer them into your batter or container.

Roll out dough between two sheets of parchment paper

Rolling out dough can be extremely messy sometimes as it can get stuck to the counter or rolling pin. You can avoid this by rolling the dough between two parchment paper sheets. You will not only use less flour which can make the dough dry but also its neater and easier to clean.

Use it to store baked products

Just like butter paper, you can use parchment paper to line air-tight boxes which will ensure that the food remains fresh for longer.

How can you differentiate between parchment and butter paper?

This might have happened to you many times especially when you store both the papers together. However, you can easily identify it.

Butter paper usually has a shinier appearance with a smooth finish while parchment paper is almost translucent and matte.

03 Tips for using parchment paper in baking

Greasing the pan

While using parchment paper to line my pans, I always grease the pan to hold the paper in place. Oil or the leftover butter on the wrapping paper is enough to grease the pan. Never grease the pan heavily as this can make the parchment too greasy. Avoid greasing the parchment paper or the tray while baking cookies as this can cause over-spreading.

Always have an over-hang

This tip is best for square or rectangular cake pans. Usually while baking in such pans, I always leave an overhang or extra parchment paper above the batter so I can easily lift it without having to overturn the baked item.

Read the instructions given on the packaging

Before purchasing or using the parchment paper, always read the instructions given on the packaging as you wouldn’t want the paper to burn or smoke up your oven. If there aren’t any specific instructions given, then use it without worry.

How to cut parchment paper for any cake pan?

The best part about parchment paper is that it can be cut and used for several universal pans. I have come across many people who cut the parchment with a whole lot of the parchment paper getting wasted. To deal with this, I came up with methods which help in reducing that wastage and producing the perfect bake that can be demolded easily and have clean edges.

The following are the baking pans that can be lined with parchment paper:

Round Cake pans
Square Cake pans
Rectangular Cake Pans
Loaf cake pans
Tart pans
Muffin Liners
Piping cone to pipe icings
Baking Trays

It is also important to note that not all pans or moulds can be lined with parchment paper such as Bundt/tube pans, ramekins for soufflés, molten cakes or madeleines.

For these, it is important to grease the pan the traditional way. However, you do get ready-made silicon moulds for most of these bakery items (e.g., Madeleines). But for any other pan, you are good to go.

You can learn how to line each cake pan with my step-by-step guide on how to line your cake pans perfectly. Subscribe and download the guide down below

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Steps to reuse parchment paper

One of the benefits of using parchment paper while baking is that it can be reused a couple of times till you have to get rid of it. Follow these easy steps to reuse your parchment paper without affecting the baked items at all:

Use a dough scraper to get rid of any food stuck on the parchment paper.
Take a damp cloth and clean the grease from the parchment paper
Before using it again always switch the sides. For example, if you have put your baked goodies on one side, complete the first two steps given above and then flip it for the next batch. What happens is that when you flip it the previous side dries up due to the heat in the oven making it easy for reusing.

Note – avoid using parchment paper more than 3 times especially if it is too greasy or burnt.

Substitutes of parchment paper

Traditional Method

In the absence of parchment paper, you can grease the pan with butter and flour – just make sure there is an even layer of coating without access butter or flour. You can even grease the pan lightly with flavour-less oil without dusting flour – this is the method I prefer as the cake de-moulds easily. But this method is not applicable for cookies as the fat can interfere with the cookies and result in an over-spread or burnt cookie.

Silicon baking mat

This is a more expensive mat that you will usually find in advanced or professional baker’s kitchen. The best and most famous silicon baking mat is produced and sold by SILPAT which is completely worth the investment as it can last for years.

Baking Spray

This non-stick baking spray is just oil in a can. However, it does have other ingredients such as an emulsifier and anti-foaming agent that makes it as good as parchment paper. They come in different varieties – some made with canola or olive. A non-stick spray that has flour as one of its ingredients is the ideal substitute for parchment paper.

Silicon Moulds

These days silicon baking pans are also available. While using them you will not need to grease the pan which makes it easier to use. However, they are quite expensive making them perfect to use only in commercial kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you put the parchment paper in a really hot oven?

The parchment paper completely burns if the temperature increases above 220°C, so always pay attention to the temperature of the oven.

When should you demould the cake when you use parchment paper?

Always demould the cake after it completely cools with or without parchment paper as when it’s hot the baked goodie is fragile.

How should I demould the cake or brownie?

Remember to always overturn the cake on a plate after it’s cooled. However, for brownies it’s better to lift it off from the pan as the beautiful crinkle top will be ruined – just make sure to hold the bottom with your hand when you are placing it on a plate.

Can you use foil instead of parchment paper?

No! Aluminium is awful for the oven as it can result in sparks and eventually, your oven will spoil. However, you can use it when you are making candies – like fudge. While using, spread the batter or dough on the side that does not shine. Grease it lightly with oil or butter so it doesn’t stick to your candy.

Can you line your tart pan with parchment paper?

You can line the bottom of the tart pan (cut it as you would for a round cake pan) with parchment paper, but not the sides.

Should I grease my parchment paper before using it?

No. Parchment paper does not have to be greased at all before baking. However, you should grease the pan just a bit so that the parchment paper can stay in place.

Which side of the parchment paper goes up?

You can use both sides of parchment paper while baking which makes it easy to use avoiding confusion.

Can you reuse parchment paper?

Parchment paper can be easily reused about 3 times until it burns or becomes greasy. Read the steps to reuse parchment paper above.

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