Baking Spray Substitute- Pan Release
Do you need a baking spray or cooking spray substitute? You found it! No messy aerosol cans, using pantry basics to create a great nonstick surface.
For years I used the same baking spray it was a combination of oil and flour and all cakes released wonderfully from the pan. After 2020 I was not able to find it locally and the price online was more than triple. I recall seeing someone in a baking group I was in years ago saying they used a combination of shortening, oil, and flour.
But as long as I still had my spray I never needed it.
Until…
you know the day you set aside for baking and the can is empty!
Quick, think fast, and whip up a batch of the nonstick baking spread.
It worked like a charm!
I mixed it up with a whisk, then I strained it through a fine strainer to remove any small lumps.
This resulted in a silky smooth pan release spread that was easy to brush with a silicone brush.
I’m happy to share it with you in case you run out of baking spray. I use it for all sorts of things now.
Let’s get started:
Baking cakes, muffins, pancakes. It’s great when you need a nonstick spray but don’t want the mess of a spray, fear of running out of non-stick baking or cooking spray, and when you don’t want to prepare a pan and it to be too greasy.
Equal parts of vegetable shortening, neutral oil, and all-purpose flour. This combination will stay in the glass jar in the pantry for months. Keeping equal portions you can adjust this recipe to make more or less, depending on how much nonstick spread you need.
This baking spray substitute is great to have on hand or whip up at a moment’s notice.
Also, this is a great substitute for cooking spray for meals, air fryers, baking sheets, muffin pans, and bundt pans. It’s nice to see how well the pan is coated and not just “hope” the spray got into all the groves.
In fact this alternative to cooking spray is less messy as the oil does not get into the air like a spray does, just use a silicone brush and slather it on your cooking pan, skillet, griddle, or cooking sheet.
It’s thick and helps to prevent the oil from “pooling” on the edges and helps to keep the nonstick surface even.
You may never go back to a baking spray again when you see how great this works.
I have more tips and tricks for cooking and baking. And items to make when you run out.
Other fun how to’s
HOW-TO MAKE (always a fun post to look through) you’ll find … well lots of items from homemade syrup, to ketchup, lots of ways to cook eggs, sauces, brown sugar, buttermilk and so much more!
Storage:
Store in a glass jar, covered for 4 months on the self or 6 months in the fridge, if it smells go it is probably good, if the aroma seems off make a new bath.
Multiply or divide as needed for the amount you’ll use in that time frame.
Baking Spray Substitute- Pan Release
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup neutral oil Avocado or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk the shortening, oil, and flour until smooth.
- Press it through a fine strainer to remove any lumps so it's extra smooth.
- Place it in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
- Store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
I have used this for years cause I never was a big fan of the spray stuff.
First time I used it was in a Bundt pan and was so happy when the cake came out all in one piece instead of some sticking to the bottom of the pan; Magic, the No Stick Pan Release.
Another nice thing; you can make as much as you want providing you use equal amounts of all the ingredients. I store mine in the refrigerator and stir it up really well before each and every use.
No more buying that spray stuff which also means NO spray cans going to the land fill.
This would be great, but have you noticed Crisco is now made with soybean oil?
It doesn’t make good pie crust any more.
Love your recipes–keep up the good work!
Yes, I know they changed ingredients years ago. I sure wish things stayed the same, but sadly most things change over time. There are store brands and newer organic shortenings I’ve seen, maybe you’ll prefer one of those.
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What a great resource for homemade baking spray! This pan release solution is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to ensure nothing sticks. Thanks for sharing this helpful tip!
Hi Diane, could you use solid coconut oil?
I haven’t tried it, but make a tiny batch and give it a try… maybe bake a pancake on a sheet pan with it. I’ll have to give it a try soon. If you try it let me know if it worked well for you.