Im using the Wilton stand-up bear pan for this weekend's baby shower cake. Baked a cake in it yesterday and didn't turn out too great.....should have left it in about another 10 minutes. Oh well....whats one more cake mix??
My question is about the heating core. That thing's a PAIN! Had the worst time trying to grease the inside, then had a hard time getting it out of the cake (and getting the cake out of it!). I read in another thread about using flower nails instead of heating cores and wondered if something like that would be easier with this pan. Was considering a long roll of aluminum foil put down the center of the cake. Think that would work? Hoping it would help the cake bake more evenly, without leaving a giant hole in the center.
Thanks!
Marla
I made a frog cake in the stand-up bear pan and had a terrible time with the heating core. Re-did it several times. I also know that many people like me, no longer use the heating core at all. It works just fine without it. I don't know about using the flower nail. I never have in that pan. I use it in my other pans but not that one. Hope this helps. Good luck!
The nail is not big enough to work and the foil would not work because it does not get hot enough. You have to use the core.
Use PAM and the cake comes out like a charm. I made this cake so I know it will work for you. Just be sure to spray it really good.
Have fun.
You don't need to use the heating core. Bake it without it and the cake will be fine. My Wilton instructor told me this and I've never had a problem.
Good luck! 
No, but it probably wouldn't hurt to put just a tiny bit more batter to make up for the amount that fills the core. But I wouldn't put much more..you surely don't want it to overflow.
I have used the sitting bear pan many times. I use Crisco and a pastry brush to cover the pan and core, then put a couple tablesppons of flour in the pan, assemble it, shake the flour around inside the pan, then disassemble it. I almost always find that there are places I missed with the shortening - where the flour didn't stick. I apply more shortening to those spots, shake the flour around again, and when there are no more missed spots, finally add the cake batter.
I forgot to put the core in once, and it turned out ok, but it took longer to bake and the cake was a little heavy.
The first time I used the pan I had a mess, but since I have been very careful with the shortening and flour, I have had no problems.
I haven't done the bear pan, but I've done my lamb pan and never used any type of core, and it comes out fine. I don't think it even came with one!
I have never used the heating core either. I always fill to just below the legs. It will rise and fill the legs. I also put the pan on a cookie sheet in case it spells over. After it is done I will let it cool a few minutes and then remove the clips and take the front side off and let it cool like that for about 5 more minutes, then replace the front pan & turn him over and take the back off. I let it completely cool this way sometimes overnight. Then I make sure the bottom is flat and let him stand on the cardboard for a little bit before I start to decorate.
My mom & I have done this for over 20 years and it works great every time. Hope this helps.
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