Here's a baker's guide to tart pans and tins, covering everything from material and size to the different types of tins and how to use them:
Material: Tart pans and tins can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum and stainless steel are the most common materials used for tart pans and tins as they are durable, conduct heat well, and are easy to clean.
Size: Tart pans and tins come in a range of sizes, from mini to large. The size you choose will depend on the recipe you're making and the number of servings you want. It's important to note that different tart tins have different capacities, so always check the recipe to see how much filling it calls for.
Types of Tart Tins:
Round Tart Tins: Round tart tins are the most common type of tart tin and are available in a range of sizes. They are versatile and can be used to make both sweet and savory tarts. They are particularly well-suited for making fruit tarts, custard tarts, and quiches.
Rectangular Tart Tins: Rectangular tart tins have a straight-sided, rectangular shape. They are ideal for making tarts with straight edges, making them perfect for creating visually stunning tarts with a clean, modern look. Rectangular tart tins are perfect for savory tarts with fillings like vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Square Tart Tins: Square tart tins have a flat bottom and straight sides, similar to rectangular tart tins. They are ideal for making bite-sized tarts and are well-suited for sweet tarts with fillings like chocolate, custard, and fruit.
Mini Tart Tins: Mini tart tins are small, bite-sized tart tins that come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and rectangular. They are perfect for creating bite-sized tarts that are perfect for parties and gatherings. Mini tart tins are well-suited for sweet tarts with fillings like fruit, chocolate, and custard.
Tartlet Tins: Tartlet tins are smaller than mini tart tins and are perfect for making tiny tarts that can be served as individual portions. They come in a variety of shapes and are ideal for sweet tarts with fillings like lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or fruit.
Fluted Tart Tins with Holes: Fluted tart tins with holes have a unique shape that creates a decorative pattern on the tart's crust. The holes also help to prevent the crust from getting soggy by allowing air to circulate underneath. These tart tins are perfect for making sweet tarts with fruit fillings, as the holes allow the fruit to cook evenly.
Perforated Tart Tins: Perforated tart tins are similar to fluted tart tins with holes but have more holes. They are ideal for making savory tarts with vegetable fillings or quiches, as the perforations allow the filling to cook evenly and prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Using Tart Tins: When using tart tins, it's important to prepare them properly to prevent the tart from sticking. Here are some tips:
Grease the tart tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Dust the tin with flour or breadcrumbs to help the crust release from the tin.
Chill the tart tin in the refrigerator for a few minutes before filling and baking to help the crust keep its shape.
Always use a baking sheet under the tart tin to catch any spills or drips.
Learn now to make tartlets with our baking kits!