How to Bake Cakes in Cans- Aka Tin Can Cakes

Submitted by Realtor by day, Chef by night

"This is a great, easy way to bake small cakes for 2 people. They're a fun project for kids and adults alike. I have several "little" recipes for cakes and desserts for just 2 people and all of them can be baked in tin cans using this technique. Here are a few of them: recipe #369222, recipe #369220, and recipe #369159"

 

• Ready In: 2mins
• Ingredients: 2
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon flour

directions

1. You'll need 2 cans and a good can opener. I like to use the cans that are left from pie filling (21 oz). They are kinda wide and I find them easier to work with. They must be cleaned and free of dents (dents will stop the cake from popping out).
2. The important thing is to open the cans cleanly with no jagged edges which will tear the cakes when removing them and cut your hands.
3. The second important thing is to grease and flour the can very well and line the bottom with a little circle of greased parchment paper. You can use the standard butter or shortening and flour but I prefer to spray them with Baker's Joy. It's just so much simpler.
4. I make the recipes right in a 4 cup measuring cup and then simply pour/scrape the batter into the center of the cans. If you don't have one of those, drop the batter off of a serving spoon into the center of the can. Try to smooth the tops a little with a narrow rubber spatula. Tap the cans on the counter gently to remove air pockets. Bake according to your recipe.
5. Test for doneness using a long thin skewer.
6. After you bake the cake according to the recipe, let it cool on a rack for 10 minutes just like usual then run a thin knife around the edge of the cake and pop it out. Cool completely on the rack.
7. If the cake gets totally stuck, cut the bottom of the can off with your can opener and push the cake gently up out of the can (sort of like a push-up pop ice cream). Gently remove the can bottom from the cake with a thin knife.
8. Once the cake is cool, carefully slice it in half horizontally to make your 2 layers. Fill and frost according to your recipe.
9. Be very careful during this whole process not to cut yourself on the rims of the cans and supervise children when they're handling the cans.
10. Replace the cans after 2 or 3 uses or when you see any rusting or discoloration.

Reviews

[rodney h.]

I must point out the dangers of Bisphenol A, which is used in the US as a lining for cans and has been linked with birth defects in both sexes. Independent laboratory studies found this substance in over half the 97 different canned foods tested. The lab tested 30 different brands in total, 27 national and 3 store brands, and included 20 of the 40 canned products most consumed by women of child-bearing age, as well as infant formula. BPA was found in 57% of the products tested. Perhaps flower pot cakes instead?

 

[Ursula E.]

If BPA is concern then purchase cans without. Trader Joe's list the following in their website. BPA-FREE Packages: MOST Canned Fish, Chicken & Beef (EXCEPT: Sardines, Crabs, Cherrystone Clams & Oysters) MOST Canned Beans, Fruits & Vegetables (EXCEPT: Mandarins, Hatch Chilies, Artichokes & Olives) ALL Canned Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream ALL Pet Food SELECT Canned Soups & Stews: Organic Black Bean Soup, Organic Lentil Soup, Organic Split Pea Soup, and Organic Vegetarian Chili . I'm sure there are others.