


Without proper prep, parts of your cake can stick to the pan when you're turning it out and you'll lose some of the details. "Cocoa powder works well, too, if the cake is chocolate it helps avoid any visible flour residue on the baked cake," she says. Lastly, Stankiewicz recommends chilling the pan for about 15 minutes to reset the butter and keep it in place. Next, sprinkle some flour into the pan and roll it around to ensure even coverage throughout once each section is covered, turn the pan upside down over a trash can and tap it to remove any extra flour. Using a pastry brush, brush the butter all over the pan, making sure to get into all the little details and crevices. First, gently melt some butter in the microwave, keeping it at a temperature that's just barely warm and not too hot. "There are a couple of ways to do it, but the way I think is easiest is to use melted butter and flour," she says. To help ensure your Halloween cakes include all of the lovely details of the pans you use, Penny Stankiewicz, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, stresses the importance of prep. If you're looking to go the homemade route this year, there are a variety of cake pans and cookie cutters that make it easy to prepare Halloween-themed desserts.

The spooky season is nearly upon us, and even if you're not a fan of scary movies, indulging in sweet treats is one sure to be one of your favorite Halloween traditions.
