What is best to use on the bottom of cake pans? Parchment paper? A spray? If a spray is used do you flour, too? And do you only spray the bottom or the sides, as well?

I use parchment on the bottom only and spray for the sides.

I only use Cake Release by Wilton or Pan Grease (similar product) Never have problems with release. Works great on character pans with detail. Just requires a pastry brush to apply a thin layer. Never use parchment cause this work well!!

I always use parchment on the bottoms + grease & flour (or cocoa for choclate cakes) on the sides.

Note: SAVE YOUR PARCHMENT!!!! It hand-washes really well, and will last you 15-20 (or more) cakes if you take care of it!!

Spray the pan, parchment on the bottom only. I do use Cake Release for character pans, but I rarely do one.

I use Wilton's Bake Easy spray on sides & bottom & have never had a problem on any pan.
Out of curiosity, why would you spray the sides but use p.p. on the bottom?

Sounds like there are good results with Cake Release and with parchment. I've never used Cake Release so maybe I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

I spray and flour my pans.

I use crisco and flour.

I use wax paper for my bottom and sides, Cake Release for my character and 3D pans.

I love using parchment paper for the bottom and sides. I tried using wax paper for the last cake I baked and I really didn't like the way it turned out compared to the parchment paper. I've also tried the sprays and the grease and flour. But I have to say that I love using the parchment paper

Lazy_Susan

Definitely parchment paper on the bottom - it ensures a nice top for your cake - and I use the Baker's Joy (combination non-stick/flour spray) for the sides. So much easier than doing it by hand.

I use cake release.

Has anyone tried the cuttable, reuseable thin pan liners? I don't know the technical name for them nor do I know really what they are made of but DH got them for me when I asked for a silpat one time. I've used them for keeping cookies from sticking but never had the heart to cut one to fit my cake pans.

Where do youget Baker's Joy?

I use Pam and parchment. I spray, parchment, and spray again.

Bakers Joy is right by the Pam.

I use wilton cake release too. It works like a charm.

Plain old butter flavored grocery store chain branded cooking spray. It's made by the Pam people anyway. I don't flour my pans either. I refuse to use parchment for cakes, just personal preference. I do however use them for cookies, but I don't re-use them more than a few times. I'm still trying to figure out why people would try to wash it and use it 10 + times, but that's my problem, not theirs.