5 tips for making cannelés without a copper mold

If you are looking to enjoy authentic Bordeaux cannelés without investing in a copper cannelé mold, you are in the right place. Although copper cannelé molds are often praised as being the best for obtaining perfectly crispy cannelés on the outside and soft on the inside , it is perfectly possible to make these delights with other varieties of molds .

In this article, we will reveal 5 key tips for making successful cannelés even without a copper mold.

1. Select the correct mold substitute

Choosing the right alternative to a copper pan when making cannelés is essential to ensure optimal baking and texture. Here are some options to consider:

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds, such as the Silicon Flex silicone mold or the De Buyer Moul'flex mold , are very practical thanks to their non-stick character which simplifies unmolding. They are also easy to maintain, often dishwasher-safe. Although they do not perfectly reproduce the crispy texture characteristic of copper molds, they are perfect for obtaining soft cannelés.

Aluminum Molds

Aluminum molds offer an affordable alternative to traditional copper molds. They guarantee uniform cooking thanks to their good thermal properties. Despite a lower durability than copper molds, they surpass silicone molds in terms of performance.

2. Prepare alternative molds correctly

To ensure optimal cooking and easy unmolding of your cannelés, it is important to prepare your alternative mold carefully once you have selected it.

Silicone Molds

Silicone molds, including silicone cannelé molds, offer a non-stick surface that makes them easy to remove. However, to promote perfect caramelization , we recommend lightly brushing them with butter. Use melted butter or a spray of shortening, making sure to remove any excess to prevent an overly greasy result.

Aluminum Molds

Aluminum molds require careful greasing before each use. Opt for clarified melted butter or a spray of grease, taking care to spread the grease well and remove the excess by turning the molds. This precaution is vital to prevent the dough from sticking and to simplify unmolding.

Preheating the Molds

Preheating the molds is an essential step for even cooking. Regardless of the type of molds, silicone or aluminum, heat them for a few minutes in a preheated oven before filling them with batter. This tip contributes to a nice crispy crust and a soft interior.

Filling the Molds

Be sure to fill the molds only 3/4 full to allow the dough room to rise during cooking, which prevents overflow and ensures that the cannelés have an impeccable shape once cooked.

By following these preparation methods, you will ensure that your alternative molds are perfectly ready for the dough, and you will obtain delicious and crispy cannelés .

3. Adjust the recipe for non-copper molds

Using non-copper molds requires a few adjustments to ensure your cannelés turn out well. Here are some essential tips for adapting your recipe to these alternatives.

Cooking Temperature and Time

Silicone or aluminum molds do not conduct heat in the same way as copper ones. Therefore, it is often advisable to reduce the starting temperature and increase the cooking time. For example, start at 220°C for 15 minutes, then reduce to 150°C and continue cooking for 55 minutes, as some recipes suggest.

Filling the Molds

It is recommended to fill silicone or aluminum molds up to ¼ or ½ cm from the edge, depending on their size. This precaution allows the dough to rise well without overflowing. For silicone molds, in particular, avoid overfilling them to prevent any overflow.

Preheating and Cooking

Preheating your pans, even if they are not copper, is essential. Place your aluminum or silicone pans in the hot oven for a few minutes before pouring the batter into them. This promotes even cooking and a crispy exterior texture.

Use of Fat and Butter

For aluminum or silicone molds, using a spray of grease or clarified butter is essential to prevent sticking. Using beeswax is also an excellent option to facilitate unmolding and obtain a perfectly crispy crust.

By adjusting these elements, you will be able to successfully make your cannelés with non-copper molds, while preserving the quality and characteristic texture of these delicious cakes.

4. Control the cooking temperature and time

Mastering the temperature and cooking time is essential to making perfect cannelés, even with non-copper molds. Discover our tips for each type of mold:

Silicone Molds

Using silicone molds requires adjusting the temperature and cooking time . For 5.5 cm diameter molds, start cooking at 210°/220°C for 20 minutes , then reduce the temperature to 180°/185°C and continue cooking for 40 to 45 minutes .

This double cooking technique allows the crust to caramelize while retaining a soft center .

Aluminum Molds

Aluminum molds also benefit from two-phase cooking. Preheat your oven to 240°C in fan mode, then cook the cannelés for 15 minutes .

Then lower the temperature to 200°C and continue cooking for 30 to 35 minutes . This method ensures a crispy and well-caramelized crust, while preserving a soft interior .

Fan-assisted oven

Using a fan-assisted oven improves heat distribution and results. For silicone or aluminum molds, adjust temperatures and cooking times according to your oven. For example, baking cannelés for 8-10 minutes at 230°C , then reducing to 160°C for 40 minutes can provide optimal results.

Adaptation according to the Size of the Molds

The size of the pans impacts the cooking time. For smaller pans, reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes for every centimeter of difference from standard pans, thus ensuring even cooking without the risk of overcooking or undercooking.

By controlling these cooking parameters, you will obtain crispy and soft cannelés , even without a copper mold.

5. Uncompromising finishes and presentation

To conclude, it is entirely possible to make cannelés without a copper mold by following a few key tips. Here are the key points to remember:

Mold Selection: Opt for silicone, aluminum, or Exoglass molds as viable and practical alternatives.

Preparing the molds: Grease them carefully and preheat them before pouring the batter, to ensure optimal cooking.

Adjusting the recipe: Adjust the temperature and cooking time according to the type of mold chosen, and make sure the dough is at room temperature before starting.

Cooking mastery: Favor double cooking to obtain a perfectly crispy crust and a soft interior. Avoid opening the oven during cooking and let the cannelés cool before unmolding them.

By applying these tips, you will be able to create delicious cannelés bordelais , crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, even without using a copper mold. So, go ahead and experiment with these techniques to enjoy these delicacies in the comfort of your kitchen.

And by the way, do you write cannelés or canelés?

FAQ

How to keep cannelés crunchy?

To maintain the crispness of cannelés, it is essential to store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator, as humidity can affect their texture. If your cannelés lose their crispness, a quick trip to the oven at 220° for about three minutes can revive their caramelized crust .

Which molds for cannelés?

To make cannelés, the choice of mold is important:

• Tinned copper molds: A favorite among professionals for their excellent heat conduction, they guarantee a typical crispy texture, but are more expensive. Baillardan copper cannelé molds, for example, are a reference for purists.
• Silicone molds: More affordable and easy to maintain (dishwasher safe), they tend to produce slightly softer cannelés.
• Aluminum molds: Offering a good alternative with their non-stick coating, they are versatile and can be used for other recipes.

How to easily unmold cannelés?

For easy removal of cannelés, opt for copper or silicone molds that have been previously greased with melted butter or a release spray. Apply the chosen product before pouring the batter. The cannelés should be removed immediately after baking or after a short cooling time to make them easier to handle.

Gently tap the copper molds on your work surface and use a thin knife or spatula to release the cannelés without damaging them.

How to grease copper cannelé molds?

To grease copper cannelé molds, start by washing and drying them thoroughly. Using a 5 5 cm copper cannelé mold requires special care. Use a release spray or melted butter, making sure to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the molds. For first-time copper cannelé molds, the greasing process is even more important. Place them in the hot oven for a few minutes, then remove them and remove the excess grease with paper towels. If you have purchased a second-hand copper cannelé mold, be sure to clean it thoroughly before this first greasing step.