Sometimes when you’re in the mood for dessert, a classic pie simply is not enough. That’s when you need to go for a deep dish version, such as Look’s buttery deep dish pumpkin pie. To get that thick center, a regular pie pan just isn’t going to cut it, hence the need for a springform pan. For anyone unfamiliar, a springform pan is a circular pan with removable sides (which allows you to easily free up the pie or cake to cut and serve, without risk of messing up the look or shape of the dessert).
A springform pan allows for tons of extra room for filling. In fact, a deep dish pie recipe wouldn’t even work with a regular pie pan because you’ll have an excess of spiced apples, pumpkin puree, or whatever your filling of choice is. Most springform pans are at least 2 ½ inches deep (with many options significantly deeper), which far exceeds the typical 1-inch deep pie pan. If you’re skeptical about buying a springform pan just to make this one — albeit delicious — recipe, there’s no need to worry because there are actually tons of recipes that benefit from this type of pan.
What kinds of recipes can you make with a springform pan?
Of course, any deep dish pie requires a pan as deep as a springform pan (our recipe for a deep dish Dutch apple pie is another example of this). The type of pan also is effective when it comes to baking cheesecake, another deep dessert that is meant to be in perfect condition for presenting. It works for other desserts such as ice cream cakes, tortes, or trifles. Really, the fact that the sides are removable — making it effortless to serve whatever was baked in it — is an argument to use the springform pan more often than not.
Additionally, the springform pan doesn’t have to be delegated to just desserts. It can be used to make casseroles or lasagnas, both of which require multiple layers and, thus, could use a pan with plenty of room. So, next time you’re making potatoes au gratin or a classic lasagna, break out the springform pan to give it a try.
