Norpro Nonstick Mini Cheesecake Pan with Handles, 12 count

I was searching for a "mini pan" that made smaller portions. A cupcake size was too large; the standard mini-pans were too small. I also preferred something that had a removeable bottom piece so that I could more easily remove mini-cheesecakes and/or "layered" type foods such as strawberry-pretzel treats. This pan works like a dream... and the portion size is just perfect! The only caveat is that when baking a "buttery" bottom layer crust, I would recommend placing something underneath the pan (another pan or layer of heavy duty tin foil) to contain any ingredients and keep them from leaking onto the oven floor. Other than possible "leakage" of ingredients, this pan bakes and performs well. Due to the excellent non-stick finish, my strawberry pretzel treats (3 layer dessert: crushed pretzels/sugar/butter, cream cheese/sugar/cool whip, jello/strawberries) were so easy to remove, pushing up and out WITHOUT even having to run a knife around the inside perimeter to loosen sides! Clean up of this pan was not an issue, again, due to the non-stick finish, however having to clean the little removeable "rounds" from the bottom of the pan WAS kind of tedious... but the trade off was NOT having to spend time cutting individual parchment paper liners and/or "coaxing" each individual dessert portion from a "regular" closed bottom mini pan. With this particular NORPRO pan, just MAKE SURE TO REMOVE EACH INDIVIDUAL BOTTOM DISC from your finished product before serving!! (As a precautionary measure, I double check each portion as well as performing "disc counts" during and after my baking project.) As far as durability of this product, it's just too soon to evaluate. OF NOTE: Each pan makes 12 portions, so I had to purchase two pans ($44 investment) in order to have enough cavities to accommodate a standard 24 count "single recipe". Also, while washing the pans prior to first use, I noticed two of the 24 round bottom pieces had a "spot" on them. It appears that perhaps the non-stick finish either bubbled up or somehow "missed" adhering to the surface during manufacturing. I will address this issue with the company directly in the near future. (I did notice that replacement "discs" are available for purchase.) PROS: * Excellent portion size * Excellent non-stick finish * Effortless removal of finished product from pan * Easy clean up (except for number of individual discs) * Replacement discs available for purchase CONS: * Leakage of contents (butter) from bottom of pan when baking "buttery" crust * Making sure all discs are removed from individual finished products * Tedious washing of individual bottom discs * Meticulous storage of individual bottom discs to avoid loss/misplacement Overall, I would recommend this pan.

I've bought this exact pan twice, years apart. The second I just received recently because we hosted a large party that required 24 cheesecakes. And I have to say, I've had zero issues with flaking of the removable bottoms that others reported and my cheesecakes always came out with ease. You just have to make sure to spray the pans really well with Pam before baking and do not put the pans in the dishwasher. TIPS: I have NOT used a water bath for any recipes and the tops only sunk a slight bit for me. But I did fill my pans with batter to the tops and after baking the 15 mins, I turned off the oven for 10 mins leaving the pans in, then cracked the oven for another 15-20 before removing the pans. I then put the mini cheesecake pans right into the fridge. They were cooked perfectly and cold in about 2 hours. The slight sinking in the middle of the cheesecakes is not a problem for me, because I always top the cheesecakes with a topping and/or whipped cream. No one even sees an issue... I also have made mini key lime pies in here and they came out great. Finally, it is worth it to invest in a "tamper" to help you tamp down your crusts. I got the Norpro "Tart Tamper" here on Amazon for less than $10. Well worth the extra investment, as these pans do not come with a tamper.

This pan is great. Amazon doesn't say this, but the cheesecakes this pan makes are about 1 inch around. Perfect individual sized desert. I made three batches of lemon cheesecake for Easter. I made them without crust, and they came out without a problem. I did use some cooking spray to lubricate the pan, although the non stick surface on this pan was probably enough, better be safe than sorry right? I'm not going to say how great the cheescake tasted because that's up to you what you put in it. I do want to add I made a ginger cheescake with a ginger vanilla cookie crust, the crust didn't burn and was fantastic. This pan doesn't leak out of the bottom either. Getting the cheescake out can be a little challenging if your in a rush or have bigger hands, but its worth the wait for a good cheescake. Just push the disc from the bottom and grab it from the top. I give this 5 stars and I'm looking forward to the future this pan and I have together. Will be buying another very soon. To add, I also made tiramisu, lemon custard pie, Apple pie, and I also took made a meatloaf 'batter' if you will and put it in here, it as fantastic, slight crunch on the outside, moist and cooked in the middle with a small amount of melted gouda cheese, this pan has so many possibilities, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. God bless!

Have used only once so far, but make sure I take each piece and dry thoroughly when washing them. Can see how the small rim inside could rust if one isn't diligent about cleaning and drying well before putting away. I agree with other reviewers, the company should have an option to purchase a package of 12 round removable bottoms in case one gets lost. Short sightedness on Norpro's part. They should be looking out for customers and covering that issue in my opinion. But making small bite size cheesecakes is fun and appreciated by guests at potlucks and buffet serving style events. I have had no problem with sticking when removing from the pan, but I cool my cheesecakes in the refrigerator after the baking process is complete, before trying to remove them from the pan. This gives them time to set up and firm up a little before moving them. I do this with all my cheesecakes, even the 8", 9" 10" and 12" cheesecakes.

This pan makes such cute little dessert bites! I've made cheesecakes and brownies, and both cooked quickly and evenly. The pan is heavy-duty and I love that it is dishwasher safe. I had some trouble unmolding the cheesecakes - I ran a knife around the edges and pushed up from the bottom, and I still had some bits stuck hard to the edge. I did use a non-stick spray prior. Part of it could have been from the coordination and balancing act required to lift out the cheesecake circle, as they were a little tall. I have not yet found a way to hold the pan and lift up that little circle straight up without it tilting a bit, so this may have caused some of the cheesecake to stick to the edge as it was raised unevenly. Overall, this pan makes 12 really cute desserts. I'm excited to try quiches as well. My only advise is to use non-stick spray and try your best to lift out the circles as evenly as you can.

I bought one of these and really should have bought two because its very simple to crank out these little cheesecakes in a variety of flavors and types. Cook time of about 20 minutes at 325 gets em done, 5 minutes to cool and then you can pop them out of the pan and top/chill them properly. very easy to clean and 100% non stick. you will want to get a little inventive with determining the best way to A) get your crust well packed in the small holes and B) how to remove the cheesecakes from the holes. for A) I found a container in my refrigerator that was about the same size, covered it in aluminum foil, sprayed it with some Pam to keep the crust from sticking to it and then mushed the crust in well enough to make it all even and well packed. for B) again I found a thin, long necked container (like a beer bottle or worchestshire bottle) with a flat top to lift the cheesecakes out with and onto a spatula. my method, and kinda crude but at least my crust is even and flat and my cakes dont get smushed or distorted in the removal. I used 24 oz of cream cheese and that made about 28 mini-cheesecakes so 2 pans would have been great. will definitely get a second one

I love these pans to make mini cheesecakes, tarts, and pies. They don’t stick and the pastries pop right out. They work well. Be careful to out a pan on the rack below to catch anything that may spill over- they tend to leak for some desserts. I ordered 4 of these so I could bake a lot at one time and let them chill before moving onto the next batch.

I give it 5 stars cause, it makes making those fancy looking deserts that you see in bakeries and magazines possible in your very own kitchen. The little cheesecakes came out perfect if I don't say so myself. Anyone who is a baking hobbyist or even professional can benefit from this -although, a professional would need more than one pan-. The only problem I had was when it arrived last week, 2 of the inserts were mysteriously missing. I was sent a replacement right away and this time everything is complete. I was truly amazed that I created something that looked and tasted like it came from a store! The recipe possibilities are endless. So far, I made banana cheesecakes with an oreo crust and they came out perfect. However, since it only has a dozen servings, I will definitely be purchasing a few more to make a nice big batch. Can't wait to try more recipes, sweet, savory, strawberry, raspberry, kiwi, etc., etc., etc.